What is this?

[DonnaH]

We just bought a 2014 Crossroads Z-1. It has an Insignia television which we never use as none of the campgrounds we go to have cable hook-ups.

We don’t know what the circle is for on the wall above the tv. It is also in the bedroom should we want to put a tv in there. On the plate it says Wingard.

Can anyone tell me what the bigger circle is for? Do we have to buy something special to put in that hole in order to watch tv with just our antenna?

[660catman]

Originally Posted by DonnaH

We just bought a 2014 Crossroads Z-1. It has an Insignia television which we never use as none of the campgrounds we go to have cable hook-ups.

We don’t know what the circle is for on the wall above the tv. It is also in the bedroom should we want to put a tv in there. On the plate it says Wingard.

Can anyone tell me what the bigger circle is for? Do we have to buy something special to put in that hole in order to watch tv with just our antenna?

That’s just a 12 volt plug for accessories that use that type.

[DonnaH]

Originally Posted by 660catman

That’s just a 12 volt plug for accessories that use that type.

Thank you 660catman!! I was looking but could not find anything on it. I guess we will just leave it as is lol

Is there anything that you know of that we can use to get tv at campgrounds where there is no cable hookups?

[660catman]

Originally Posted by DonnaH

Thank you 660catman!! I was looking but could not find anything on it. I guess we will just leave it as is lol

Is there anything that you know of that we can use to get tv at campgrounds where there is no cable hookups?

Only way would be running a channel scan on your TV. Make sure you turn your antennae on with the little button. A green light will light up on the plate. I can run a scan on mine at home and get 6 channels. Never tried it on the road. I can’t get a signal in most campgrounds we frequent near home here in Canada, even the ones I’ve already got on my TV.

[DonnaH]

Thanks again!! The first time out I did a channel scan (but didn’t have antenna up) and got nothing.

Think I will download some movies onto my memory stick to take with us this weekend as going to rain.


I appreciate all of your help!!

[jmnsn57]

First look to see if other campers have their antennas raised. Next raise and point yours in the same direction. Push small button on winegard plate so green light is on. Turn on TV and make sure input is set to antenna. Lastly scan for channels. I downloaded an app on my phone where I can enter location and find digital channels, direction and distance to help find a signal.

[Rrizz]

We have used the antenna before, with mediocre results.
Typically, we will have dvds along, or use the Firestick if we feel like watching the tube.

[DonnaH]

Thanks Rrizz!

Our other tv had built in DVD/CD player but this one doesn’t.


Based on the weather forecast that changed to rain today we may be taking a DVD player with us. The wifi is spotty at best so sometimes the fire stick works and other times it doesn’t.


Have some movies downloaded on the tablet.

[Rrizz]

When wifi is “spotty” I use my phones hotspot. (That is unless phone service is “spotty”.
Then we must resort to a deck of cards, or scrabble!!

[DonnaH]

Crib board, book, etc already in the trailer!! ��

[Lowrider]

We just replaced ours with a smart TV and we have amazon prime,Hulu,Netflix,HBO,Disney+ and Discovery + We just log in on their Wi Fi or use a hot spot on my phone

[jmnsn57]

My experience streaming from Campgrounds here in the northeast is that there is nowhere near enough bandwidth for the number of campers using their phones, computers, tvs, and other connected devices causing buffering interruptions. Many CG's are also using a login timeout to discourage streaming and state that in their rules. And unless you have an unlimited data plan and a very strong uninterrupted 4G signal, hotspots can be troublesome as well. Cards, puzzle books, a nice campfire, DVD's, books, meeting new camping neighbors, walks. There's lots to explore and do in a new place.

[660catman]

Originally Posted by jmnsn57

My experience streaming from Campgrounds here in the northeast is that there is nowhere near enough bandwidth for the number of campers using their phones, computers, tvs, and other connected devices causing buffering interruptions. Many CG's are also using a login timeout to discourage streaming and state that in their rules. And unless you have an unlimited data plan and a very strong uninterrupted 4G signal, hotspots can be troublesome as well. Cards, puzzle books, a nice campfire, DVD's, books, meeting new camping neighbors, walks. There's lots to explore and do in a new place.

Back in 2019 we were talking with the owner of a campground in Miles City Montana. He was saying wifi was one of the biggest expenses.

[Timberwolf76]

Originally Posted by jmnsn57

My experience streaming from Campgrounds here in the northeast is that there is nowhere near enough bandwidth for the number of campers using their phones, computers, tvs, and other connected devices causing buffering interruptions. Many CG's are also using a login timeout to discourage streaming and state that in their rules. And unless you have an unlimited data plan and a very strong uninterrupted 4G signal, hotspots can be troublesome as well. Cards, puzzle books, a nice campfire, DVD's, books, meeting new camping neighbors, walks. There's lots to explore and do in a new place.

Amen! Though I do like to catch the news once in awhile if I can.

[sllamp]

If you want to blow the big bucks to buy a satellite and receiver, DISH has a plan about $48 a month that you can start and stop. Example: If you don't camp all winter, you can make a call and they will "turn it off" until you tell them to start it up again. However, be aware that you have to place the satellite where there are no trees in the way. So, if you camp in a wooded area a lot, it's not worth it.

[Dallasrules]

If you have wifi, or good cell service, you can stream from your phone to the TV or get a firestick for about $20. You can also play a DVD through your stereo to your tv.