Ok OK Confession Time,

Gary '79 5C · October 31, 2009, 05:27:58 PM

I was setting up the TV digital converter for use and was waiting for the setup to timeout. Cleaning up other things within the interior, got the TV working and shut it down.

Started the bus and drove into the hanger, Yes you guessed it, sheared off the Wingard Batwing antenna. I always knew it would be like the two types of pilots who fly retractable gear, those who have landed gear up, and those who will....

I broke the base that swivels within the larger mounting base. I looked it up on the Wingard site and looks to be a relative inexpensive part. I hope I do not have to remove the base plate, but we will see.

Taking suggestions for an obnoxious, but effective reminder......

I am thinking of a large plastic spring clip either on the roof antenna, or on the chime toggle switch.

Gary

Ed Hackenbruch · October 31, 2009, 05:31:03 PM

Tag on the handle?

Gary '79 5C · October 31, 2009, 05:35:37 PM

Ed,

Are you asking if there is a tag on the handle? No, might have been there originally, but I am the second owner, and no tag.
I would a tendendance to ignore the tag. I know petty, but I am getting worse as I age.

I might go back to a mini check list magnet on the steering wheel. Bay doors secure, Unplugged, Antenna Dn, Door Locked

Thanks,

Gary

bobofthenorth · October 31, 2009, 05:37:45 PM

Something hanging from the steering wheel is likely the most effective and least obtrusive. Something hanging from the crank is a tad de-classe if you have champagne guests over. For family its probably OK too but I favour the steering wheel reminder.

buswarrior · October 31, 2009, 05:40:46 PM

A clip on the antennae winder that is transferred to the steering wheel when deployed.

Still depends on your self discipline/functioning gray matter to actually move it.

Stop parking indoors?

Stop watching TV?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Ed Hackenbruch · October 31, 2009, 05:44:24 PM

I was suggesting putting a tag on the handle. Only trouble with that is you have to see it before you leave.

Something on the steering wheel is probably more likely to be noticed.

jackhartjr · October 31, 2009, 05:51:29 PM

When I put a chock in front of my trailer tires I have a cardboard card that I hang from the visor so that I see it right in front of my face...mine says 'Get out and move the chock dummy!"
Yours could say, "Now Gary...remember what happended when you didn't retract the antenna!"

Jack

Gary '79 5C · October 31, 2009, 05:58:55 PM

Jack,
Maybe I could use the clip to attach the invoice for the replacement parts on the steering wheel or the chime toggle.....Just so I can savor the rememberance.
I am thinking I would move the clip, hence it would remind me when I start up..
Hey look on the bright side, the Mrs. was not with me...

Bob of the North,
No champagne crowd for me, they left with Nick & the new Prevost he ferried south..... I love the dryness of your humor, however...

Good Evening to all,

gyrocrasher · October 31, 2009, 06:26:57 PM

I always use a sock or glove on the gear shifter. Goes on before the ant. goes up.

Mitch

Len Silva · October 31, 2009, 06:27:21 PM

My Vogue MH has an alarm on the dash for antenna up. Depending on how much trouble it would be to run a couple of wires, it might work for you. A mercury switch from an old thermostat or magnetic alarm switch would work.

If I had it to do over again, I would alarm the shore power cable, the water line, sewer hose, antenna, cable connection, and anything else I could think of.

With some of the technology out there today, it might be easy to do with RF or digital transmitters instead of wiring.

gumpy · November 01, 2009, 03:46:55 AM

Quote from: Gary '79 5C on October 31, 2009, 05:58:55 PM
Jack,
Maybe I could use the clip to attach the invoice for the replacement parts on the steering wheel or the chime toggle.....Just so I can savor the rememberance.
I am thinking I would move the clip, hence it would remind me when I start up..
Hey look on the bright side, the Mrs. was not with me...

Photocopy your invoice, reducing it to credit card size. Laminate it with plastic, like a driver's license. Punch a hole and attach to a plastic spring clip from the hardware store. Attach to
the handle of the antenna. When you raise the antenna, move it to the visor or steering wheel.

Dreamscape · November 01, 2009, 04:18:29 AM

The only problem I see is with these great suggestions, is trying to remember to remember!

We don't have a visor, but I like the idea of a card sandwiched between two layers of plastic, above the driver, mounted to the underside of the header cabinet on a spring hinge. It would include a "Must Do List" before departing.

That's what I'm going to do if I can remember to do it!

Paul

TomC · November 01, 2009, 04:20:26 AM

Camping World makes a nice bright red sign with a spring clip that you can hang from where ever to remind you to put down the antenna before moving. I clip mine to the air horn pulls and works well every time. Good Luck, TomC

jjrbus · November 01, 2009, 04:25:47 AM

I can relate. The only thing I have not done YET is drive down the road with the awning extended!!!!

belfert · November 01, 2009, 05:06:47 AM

I work for 13 days a year at an RV parking lot at the exit. Most years I have to remind a number of RVers to lower antennas and fold in steps. A few times I've even had to let people know they left the door on their trailer open!