Starlink on the roof?

[smullinax]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I couldn't find a specific answer by searching....
Considering a Starlink purchase and looking at different mounting systems. Looking out my window the last couple of weeks I have seen various mounting systems; the small dishes mounted on poles clamped to ladders, on the ground using its supplied base, and on the roof of the RV.
The pole mount looks secure, the ground mount looks like asking for trouble, but not sure about the roof setup; are they just sitting there, or are they secured somehow? If they are just sitting there I would think any kind of wind would blow them over/off. Here in the Southwest we get some pretty strong gusts at times.
Anyone with experience?
Thanks in advance.

 

[alias100]

Like you, I don't trust just setting the mount on the roof so I bought a Pole Buddy for about $200.
https://flagpolebuddy.com/products/ols/products/starlink-kit-2nd-generation
It mounts to the ladder and you don't have to climb up to the roof carrying the antenna. We also carry the mount along with us so in case our trailer is beneath trees we can move the antenna to a better location.
I have not heard of anyone having their antenna stolen, but it has probably happened to someone. Using it with the Pole Buddy probably makes it less likely than using the mount on the ground, but if someone wants it they will get it so I am just hoping for the best.

 

[Steve & Katey]

We started out just ground mounting our dishy, and I do this still on occasion depending on where we are and for how long. I try to keep the dish out of the way of where someone may inadvertently drive over it and also try to keep the cable away from where it might get snagged by a mower.

There have been a few instances where I've set the dish with stand on the roof. When doing this I will use a weight bag of some kind (usually a handy Sewer Saddle Bag) to help hold it in place and keep it from toppling over. In the event of a storm I would take it down if I can.

My preferred mounting method is the Flag Pole Buddy. Easy to setup, gets it out of the way and helps with tree cover. We started with two poles and have recently added two more though I'm only using three at present. With our new Solitude the rear roof is higher than our Reflection and the third pole helps get the dish up past the roof line. The fourth pole will come in handy when we're in one of those really sloped sites I hope.

 

[smullinax]

Thanks!
Like you guys, I'm thinking the pole mount with the ground or roof mount as a backup makes the most sense.
Appreciate the opinions

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Picnic table works pretty good. Depends how permanent you are I guess.

 

[pappcam]

Flagpole Buddy works awesome. Gets it a few feet above the roof of the RV to help get above some trees if necessary.

 

[Ynot4me2]

Another user of the pole buddy and satisfied. We still on occasion have to use it on the ground due to tree cover. I've also seen people simply setting it on the roof, but I would be scared that the wind would tip it over and / or damage the roof.

 

[COGrandDes]

I have the flag pole buddy as well and love it. We have three poles for our Reflection to get above the roof and other obstacles.

 

[trailrydr]

We looked at the Flag Pole Buddy and decided on a more permenant mounting system EEZ RV Products. We dont mount or use a Starlink dish, but do use it for our directional Yagi mobile cell antennae mounted to a collapsible flag pole along with our US flag at times.

Did not like the plastic used on the Flag Pole Buddy, thought it could easily be compromised from wind or weather over time where the aluminum EEZ Product wouldnt. Now after 3yrs of use as a permenant mounting system shows no wear and continues to hold our flag pole during travel, camping and storage.

https://www.amazon.com/EEZ-RV-Produ...04010ad0&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[jjbbrewer]

I'm a fan of using the stock stand on the roof. I've been doing it that way for a little over a year in many boondocking locations and RV parks. I put some plastic furniture feet on the mount so it's easier on the Alpha TPO material and I use a length of heavy chain wrapped around the base to stablize it in the wind (which I've "tested" several times in southern Wyoming weather)

I've never seen the need for a pole buddy. It seemed like just one more contraption to deal with while setting up, leaving, or transporting. That and (as mentioned) I don't want to have to try to position my RV based on where the pole buddy is in addition to hookup locations, trees, slide clearance, level ground, etc. etc.

Plus, sorry, but I kind of think stuff bolted onto the side of the RV like that looks crappy. Just my opinion.

The antenna needs to be aimed more like a telescope than a TV antenna, so having it up high does nothing for RF reception.

 

[KamFlyer]

We tend to balance safety/security of the dish with the flexibility to move it as necessary. When on the roof, I just loosely tie it to one of the A/C units to prevent it from blowing off in the case of a very strong wind. Saying that, I haven't had it move yet despite some pretty strong gusts. Right now, for example, it is on the tonneau cover of the truck as the trailer is tucked back into some trees and no sky exposure.

 

[Cyclone Tom]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I couldn't find a specific answer by searching....
Considering a Starlink purchase and looking at different mounting systems. Looking out my window the last couple of weeks I have seen various mounting systems; the small dishes mounted on poles clamped to ladders, on the ground using its supplied base, and on the roof of the RV.
The pole mount looks secure, the ground mount looks like asking for trouble, but not sure about the roof setup; are they just sitting there, or are they secured somehow? If they are just sitting there I would think any kind of wind would blow them over/off. Here in the Southwest we get some pretty strong gusts at times.
Anyone with experience?
Thanks in advance.

I had a flag pole buddy before getting Starlink so I already had the brackets on my ladder. I ordered the pipe adapter from Etsy and the 3 piece pole kit from flag pole buddy. Way overpriced IMO but knowing it fit in the brackets I already had I pulled the trigger. I use two of them and have the bracket up on my ladder a ways. I’m 6’4” so the reach isn’t horrible on level ground. The third pipe is on board if I ever need it. I mounted my router in the basement below the bedroom of my 382WB. I ran the antenna cable along the floor joists and cut a small notch in the rear door metal flange that holds the rubber door gasket for the wire to extend outside. When I open and close the door it doesn’t bind or pinch the cord. The extra cord I bought a cord spool for and mounted it just inside the back door. Most of it never comes off - just enough for the Dishy to extend up with the two pipe sections. My setup now is easily under a couple minutes. Much easier than messing with the stand and climbing up on the roof.