Table of Contents


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Products Covered

  • 20" Carbon Fiberglass Antenna Mast
  • Mast Suction & Ladder Mount Kit


Summary

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview and use instructions for the 20' Carbon Fiberglass Antenna Mast and associated mounting hardware. 


Disclaimer


It is important when mounting any type of mast that you take special care to ensure proper installation and safe use. This includes not only properly prepping the installation but also ensuring that the mast is taken down during inclement weather and wind to prevent damage or injury to person or property. You must also consider lightning and possible damage to the mast, antenna and other personal property if left out during adverse weather conditions. Use at your own risk and always error on the side of caution.



Suction Mount Best Practices


The optional suction mounts include high-strength suction mounts rated for up to 300 pounds of force per bracket. The suction mounts must be mounted on a flat, clean surface clear of debris. The suction cups are considered a temporary installation option and should not be used for extended periods. We recommend you check the suction cups every 24 hours to ensure adhesion. This is especially important during the first 24 hours of use or when using a new mounting location that you may be unfamiliar with that may have surface imperfections. 


When installing on fiberglass gelcoat (common exterior on most RVs) the surface be prepped properly. Gelcoat, when exposed to sunlight and weather will develop microscopic cracks invisible to the eye that can compromise the seal of any suction mount. Before choosing a mounting location we recommend using a polishing compound and finish polish to ensure the surface is free of imperfections and has a mirror-like finish. For instructions on how to compound and polish your gel coat, contact the RV manufacturer. 


For fully painted RV's, a freshly polished surface is recommended to ensure any imperfections have been removed from the clearcoat for a proper seal. 


Many customers have had success mounting our mounts on exterior windows however we caution againsts this type of use as you may damage the windows in your RV. Many windows, especially frameless windows can separate from the inner page if the stresses of an antenna mast are applied to them. We recommend finding an alternate location if possible or consider the ladder mount option. 


Once your surface is prepped, wipe the suction cup down with a damp cloth of clean water to ensure any debris and dust is removed from the suction cup surface. Ensure the suction locking leavers are in the up position (perpendicular to the suction cup surface). Firmly press the suction cups onto the mounting surface and while maintaining pressure against the mounting surface, press down the suction locking levers completely so they are parallel to the mounting surface. Wait 5 minutes and test that the suction mount is secure and has not released before attempting to attach the antenna mast. 


Before each use check the bolts, nuts, and locking washers to ensure they are properly tight and free from defects before attaching the mast. 


Ladder Mount Best Practices

The antenna mast brackets used with the suction mounts can also be used with most RV ladders. Typical RV ladders are 1.25" in diameter and the clamps included with the kit with work. If your RV ladder is 1" in diameter spacers will be needed. We recommend 1.25"OD clear plastic tubing which can be purchased by the foot at Home Depot or your local hardware store. This tubing can be cut into small 2-inch strips and then a slit can be cut lengthwise on the tubing so that it can be wrapped around your ladder thickening the 1" ladder to 1.25". 


Before each use check the bolts, nuts, and locking washers to ensure they are properly tight and free from defects before attaching the mast. 

Antenna Mast

The fiberglass antenna mast is lightweight and strong and will provide years of trouble-free use when maintained properly. To extend the mast, open each fulcrum below the section you wish to extend. There are 3 fulcrum locks and 3 extendable sections. We recommend when partially extending the mast to extend the lower, larger sections first to provide the strongest antenna mast option. While the fulcrum is open, tighten the fulcrum locking screw to the point where you start to meet resistance and add a 1/2 turn. This will ensure that the fulcrum lock properly holds the mast section and that it cannot twist inside the mounting collar. If you cannot close the fulcrum latch then the screw is too tight, if the last closes too easily then the screw is too loose and must be tightened. 


We recommend that you lower the antenna during inclement weather to prevent damage to your antenna and surrounding property. If the mast is left out during rain the mast may collect water inside the tube. This will not damage the antenna but it must be removed before the mast is lowered or stowed for transport. To remove trapped water in the mast remove the lower cap installed on the bottom of the antenna mast. It will come loose by simply twisting it off. 



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