Winegard batwing antenna

[Motor31]

I noticed a while ago that the antenna was getting to be very hard to crank up or down. As time went on it got progressively harder and lubing it didn't help. Last week it failed to elevate more than a couple inches.

After looking at the installation and parts diagram I figured I needed a new crank mechanism on the roof and went to a well stocked RV dealer outside of Lafayette LA. to get it. While there, the parts clerk mentioned that the elevation module as shown on the diagram was really just the housing and the gear was available separately. I knew the gear was bad as I could see it was broken when I looked at it. I got the gear and went back to the trailer.

To repair it was very simple. You pull the pins holding the arms to the elevation mechanism and to the actual batwing at the other end. They are simple pins held by a spring horseshoe clip. Pull the arms from the housing. The bottom arm has the elevating gear inserted in it. The gear is held by the same pin that holds the arm to the housing. Pull the gear out of the arm and replace it. Then use a candle to lube the mechanism. The driving part of the assembly is a worm gear turned by the interior crank. Rub the candle over the teeth of the driven gear and worm gear. The wax will lube the gears and not attract dirt like liquid lubes or grease. Put the arms back in place and re pin them. As long as the worm gear is in good shape no other parts are needed.

That's all there was to it and you do not need to remove any wires or disturb any roof seals. The antenna now cranks up easier than ever and the repair cost me less than $10.00 and 10 minutes time. The only tools needed were a pair of needle nose pliers to pull the horse shoe clips.