Method 1 Advantages Disadvantages
Mobile Satellite TV systems
(click here to read our comparison and review article)

satellite TV for truck and RV

 
  • Virtually unlimited channel options
  • HD option is available (Dish Network only)
  • Can use it anywhere in the US or Canada as long as you have a view of the southern sky.
  • Can choose plan with the uncut movie channels (HBO, ShowTime, etc.)
  • Can subscribe to "packages" like the NFL, NHL, NBA, NasCar, MLB, etc.
  • Automatic (self-finding) and portable versions for trucks, tv, camping, or tailgaters and hunters
  • Can be used for "in motion TV" on some models

Starting at $399 

  • Have to subscribe to a satellite provider.  Dish Network, DirectTV, and Bell ExpressVu (Canada) all have associated monthly bill to get their programming.
  • Have to purchase a mobile dish (like the King Tailgater for trucks or Winegard X1 truck and G2 truck) and install it on the truck.
  • Can not always get the "local" network channels where you are. Satallite providers block the local networks once you are more than 100 miles from your billing zip code.  Must use an over-the-air antenna for those when they are available.
  • You need to have "line-of-sight" view of the southern sky.  So this means that no objects can be blocking it.
How to install satellite TV on a truck - OUR GUIDE AND TIPS PAGE  ---->  CLICK HERE
Method 2 Advantages Disadvantages
Free over the air digital
(Dieselboss OTA-1 and Winegard Rayzor shown below)
Over the air digital TV antenna to get free TV for trucks on the road
  • Programming is FREE (no subscriptions)Rayzor truck TV antenna for window
  • HD capable
  • Picks up all of the local networks broadcasting where you are.
  • Equipment (antenna) is much cheaper than a satellite system.
  • Coverage is nation-wide.  There are undoubtedly some remote areas where you would get "zero" channels, but not many.

$49.99 - $149.95 depending on version (view page)

  • Channels you see are limited to those that are broadcasting within 25 to 75 miles of where you are.
  • The signal is "directional" which means that you may have to rotate the antenna to get all of the available feeds around you.
  • You made need to raise the antenna up a few feet to get over other trucks or obstructions.
  • Not steady enough signal to use while in motion for very long.
  • Note:  the Rayzor and the OTA-1 antennas pick up very well and you don't necessarily have to raise them to get decent free TV programming.  However, every area of the country is different and rotating or raising may get a few more channels than not in a particular spot.
Method 3 Advantages Disadvantages
Streaming (internet)

(Examples of our favorites are Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu)
  • Much content is still free
  • Can be used anywhere that you have an internet connection
  • You can access shows on a phone, tablet, or PC without needing a television.
  • Much uncut movie content
  • "Watch instantly"
  • Very portable
  • Most phone providers offer a variety of pricing in their cell phone plans to fit the data requirements of the users.
  • Some "live programming" is now available
  • Have to own (or buy) a laptop computer, a compatible cell phone, or tablet device.
  • Have to have a reasonably fast internet connection
  • Video quality can be lower depending on what site you are watching from.
  • Monthly fees for data plans
  • Can use up your data plan limits quickly if you do not have a unlimited plan.
  • Some of the better content is subscription-based.
  • Quality and practicality is very dependent of current cell provider data signal bandwidth.  (i.e. 3G or 4G etc)
* We do not claim that this list is "all inclusive" and these are the only possible means of getting TV on the road - these are all of the ways that we could find and test.