Installing and mounting tips for truck
Satellite TV system (King Vu Qube and Winegard brands)
This is another common question that we get. So we wrote this guide based on the hundreds of trucks over the years that we have set up for DirecTV and Dish Network using the Winegard or VuQube antenna systems. As with anything there are several methods to solve this, and each has advantages and disadvantages. We, at Dieselboss currently offer several possible solutions receive television on the road. Here are the most common ways we have done it. |
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Step One: What is the best placement so my TV doesn't get blocked by obstructions? | Examples: (click any picture to enlarge it) |
Truck mounted: (scroll further
down for portable and other methods) * Measure the height of the roof of your truck. Satellite TV is a "line-of-sight" system, so it needs a clear view of the southern sky to get on the signal. If your truck is already close to 13'6" in height, then you may not be able to leave much of your antenna higher than the roof to be able to get reception when your truck is pointing south without going over 13'6". In those cases, you have to park your truck so that it is not pointing south if possible. BUT, hopefully your truck is 13 feet or lower and then you will have room to leave 4 - 6 inches of the top of your antenna up higher than the roof. The further NORTH that you are in the U.S. the more this matters. ![]() Making sure the top of the antenna is as high as possible without going over 13'6" height. Winegard Durasat model shown in this photo. |
![]() Showing a truck that was already 13'4 inches tall. Could not place this one over the air spoiler (click here for the mount ordering page) ![]() Shown with at least 4 inches above the roof so that you can watch TV when pointed south. |
Step Two: How do I attach it to the truck? | Examples: (click any picture to enlarge it) |
Truck mounted: (scroll further
down for portable and other methods) * Use either a "bolt-on" or a "no-drill" bracket note: The manufacturer's bracket will be a bolt-on version only. Bolt-on methods require either (a) a "nutsert gun" that embeds the mount nuts for you to screw into from the outside back wall. OR a "compression nut kit" whereby you drill 4 holes in the back of the truck and insert the compression nuts into those holes. When you tighten the bolts to hold the bracket to the truck, the compression nuts spread apart inside. OR taking apart the inside of the sleeper wall and drill clear through from the back and using bolts with washers and regular nuts inside the sleeper. note: DieselBoss has bolt-on brackets for the following brands: VuQube and Winegard X1 Pathway truck and Winegard G2 truck domes. We also have compression nut kits with the matching bolts. When doing a bolt-on bracket, we use our nut-sert gun. However, we realize that drivers doing it themselves will not have this gun, so we made the compression nut kit |
![]() Bolt-on bracket using nuts embedded in the back wall. A no-drill bracket could not be used in this case because of the ribs in the wall. (click here for the mount ordering page) ![]() A "no-drill" DieselBoss sliding bracket with a Vu Qube shown. Also fits the Winegard X1 Pathway or G2 satellite domes. |
Specialty features and custom configurations | Examples: (click any picture to enlarge it) |
Truck mounted: (scroll further down for portable
and other methods) Special circumstances & custom modifications If you have questions about mounting to a truck, or putting satellite TV on a truck, we recommend you CALL US Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 6:00pm Pacific Time Zone and just ask. We are here to give you the best advice! Wiring notes: |
![]() Using a DieselBoss "air gap kit" to close the air gap. (Winegard X1 truck Pathway shown) (click here for the mount ordering page) ![]() Custom reinforcing plates to be able to bolt to a ribbed surface air gap cover. There is another plate on the inside for added strength. ![]() Shown using a custom "L-plate" from DieselBoss to close the air gap on some trucks. (call us for custom plates) |
Non-mounted (i.e. removable, portable methods) | Examples: (click any picture to enlarge it) |
Sometimes you simply cannot mount your dome or dish to
the truck. We have a variety of different ways to solve
this. * Load-lock mounts - use one of the slots in your load-lock rack for our exclusive dome and cube holder load lock mount. Allows for raising it high enough to get above your truck and other trucks to get signal. * Clamp-on mounts - use a round bar surface like a grab bar, mirror bracket, or our stick-on grabbers to be able to put your antenna out and then back inside while moving. * Window mounts - roll up the cube or dome in your driver or passenger side window and raise it high enough to get signal. |
![]() Load lock raising mount with the King Vu Qube Tailgater shown. (click here for the mount ordering page) ![]() Raising pole mounts |