MotorHome Tech Tips

RV Satellite Dome Maintenance

Maintenance and Preventative Maintenance on the Satellite Dome

The TracVision Lf/Sf Satellite system requires minimal preventative maintenance. The following tasks are sufficient to maintain peak performance:

Monthly: Wash the exterior of the satellite and baseplate assembly with fresh water, a mild detergent amy be added to remove grime. do not spray the dome directly with high-pressure water. Do not apply abrasive cleaners or volatile solvents such as acetone to the ABS radome.

Annually: Remove the radome. Visually inspect the elevation drive shaft to be certain that it moves easily and is clear of grit and debris. Clean and lubricate with silicone or white lithium grease as required.

Rain Repellent

Dew or rain can occasionally pool on top of the satellite dome, located on the roof of most coaches. While this moisture will usually be dispersed when the vehicle is in motion, it can disrupt the signal while the vehicle is at rest, This issue can be minimized with two approaches;

1. Using a hose, spray the dome with water to remove the dew from the dome surface.

2. Periodically apply liquid dish detergent to the dome surface. Wipe the full-strength detergent on the dome and allow it to dry. This treatment will provide a film that will help moisture bead up and roll off the dome. I was also told at the Service Center that this procedure could also be done with a product called RainX. This is a glass treatment that is a polymer coating that causes rain to "bead up" and roll off surfaces.

TracVision Upgrades:

KVH Satellite Switch: Allows the TracVision® to quickly and easily switch between Dish Network's 2 satellites. Required for L3 model. User installable.

KVH Satellite Switch

TracVision In-motion Upgrade: Upgrade your SA to an LM or your S3 to an L3. Same premium quality reception and variety of programming as TracVision LM and L3. Not affected by wind. Simple installation.

TracVision In-motion Upgrade

Caution: The maintenance recommendations on this page are meant as general guidelines only. Always consult with a professional RV mechanic, your owner's manual, and/or your authorized RV dealer BEFORE performing any maintenance procedures. See 'Legal Disclaimer' below.

Legal Disclaimer & Caution: Before using any advice, and/or performing any maintenance procedures recommended on this website you should consult with your RV dealer, and/or a professional Motorhome or RV mechanic. The recommendations and advice given on this website are intended as general guidelines ONLY, and may not pertain to your particular make and/or model of RV or Motorhome. Use these suggestions, repair tips, and/or maintenance advice AT YOUR OWN RISK. Under no circumstances will this website, or any of its officers or employees be liable for any consequential, incidental, special or exemplary damages even if appraised of the likelihood of such damages occurring. The owners of this website do not warrant the information against errors, omissions or deficiencies of any kind.

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