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Topic: How easy to replace radio aerial?

jsparkes201148

24/3/2014 at 1:05pm
Location: Stockton on Tees
Outfit: Lunar Clubman SB Kia Sorento

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The radio aerial on my Lunar Clubman not working, Caravan dealer will replace for £19.99 plus 45mins to an hour Labour.Can I do it myself? What would be the problems?Making sure it was sealed properly would be the main one I guess.

G7ACU

24/3/2014 at 7:02pm
Location: West Mids
Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0

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Is it the type that incorporates a telescopic section, similar to this ...

These are pretty straight forward to install, but most contain a built-in amplifier in the base. Because of this, in addition to the standard coax fitting that connects to the radio, there are generally an earth wire and a 12v feed that too. The latter would be connected to either a permanent 12v supply, or most cd-tuners provide a switched 12v output that's suitable.
Sealing isn't a problem. Make sure the bodywork is spotless before fitting and use some Sikaflex or mastic round the base of the fitting prior to install.

Of course, the final thing to consider (just to throw a spanner in the works), is how do you know the aerial has failed? Have you checked the radio by some means to ensure the tuner hasn't failed?

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Paul

Every day's a school day!

jsparkes201148

24/3/2014 at 7:42pm
Location: Stockton on Tees
Outfit: Lunar Clubman SB Kia Sorento

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Thanks Paul , that's really helpful. We have had poor radio reception, when the van went in for a service it was reported that the aerial needed replacing.

redheads

24/3/2014 at 8:04pm
Location: kent
Outfit: 2004 Abbey freestyle discovery 2 td5

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hello I have just replaced the aerial on our abbey freestyle the only thing that was a little bit Awkward was to feed the cable behind the ceiling panel and the outer panel the radio is on the opposite side to the aerial had to feed it the full width of the caravan I fixed the new cable to the old with pvc tape and carefully pulled it through sealed around the hole in side panel with pu sealant and mastic tape over the back of aerial base and screwed to the side wall I put some pu sealant on the screws before fixing.

G7ACU

24/3/2014 at 11:14pm
Location: West Mids
Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0

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Quote: Originally posted by jsparkes201148 on 24/3/2014
... We have had poor radio reception ... it was reported that the aerial needed replacing.

Quite possibly is the aerial then, I would suspect the pre-amp built-in to the base could have failed. I'd be keen though, to test the radio further if possible, or at least check the electrical connections (earth and 12v feed) to the aerial. Obviously I'm not aware of your DIY abilities, but you'll need to remove the radio to access and identify wiring to test/check.

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Paul

Every day's a school day!

TimP

16/5/2018 at 11:49pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

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Hello Paul just seen your aerial picture, can you please tell me can just the telescopic metal antenna just be changed looks like it’s on a swivel ball type that clicks in. Looking to buy a caravan disappointed to see the aerial has broken off at the bottom, all of the white plastic is still intact. Kind regards Tim

G7ACU

17/5/2018 at 8:07am
Location: West Mids
Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0

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Hi Tim.

The telescopic bit actually screws into place, into a hinged knuckle within the base of the aerial. It can be replaced but there's no way of knowing whether just the aerial rod has snapped or if the damage is further into the base.

In all honesty, for what it costs and the effort involved in removing and properly refitting, I'd replace the whole thing and be done with it.

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Paul

Every day's a school day!

nora

17/5/2018 at 2:05pm
Location: Whitchurch shrops
Outfit: Swift conqueror 480

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We have the same aerial on our 2 year old swift it has just snapped off . I have asked for it to be repaired along with the service . I hope they don’t charge me .

The 2 Tops

19/5/2018 at 11:01am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Swift Challenger Sport 524 VW Carave

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Quote: Originally posted by nora on 17/5/2018
We have the same aerial on our 2 year old swift it has just snapped off . I have asked for it to be repaired along with the service . I hope they don’t charge me .

SNAP! - no pun intended. The aerial on our 2012 Swift snapped off the first time I tried to extend it. Frankly though, I find the car-type radios in caravans a bit useless, and only use it to play CDs.
Depending on whether in the UK or in France, we have either a Freesat or a Freeview box, and get our radio programmes via that.

On thing about the radio in the Swift which makes me laugh, is that it comes with a remote control, but the radio is behind the door of a roof locker.
So, to use the remote control, you would have to go to the locker, open the door, use the remote, then close the door again (or crack your head on it).
Bertie.

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The 2 Tops

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