Just bought 5th Wheel with Slimline installed...

[amgdgg]

We just bought a 5th wheel that has a Winegard Trav'ler DirecTV Slimline and receiver already installed. At home we have Dish Network and for the cost of these things we obviously do not want to switch to a Dish Network Trav'ler. My question is after searching the Winegard site, it looks as if we would have to purchase a plan for DirecTV that is a monthly charge. Since we will only be using the RV for short trips we don't want another monthly bill for TV. Doesn't DirecTV have a pay only what you use type service like Dish Network does?

[amgdgg]

Me again with another question...

Searching through the posts it looks as if this Slimline might be able to be converted over to Dish Network... is this possible and if so, how do we get that done? Also, I'm sure we would probably have to get a Dish Network receiver for the 5th wheel since the one in it is currently a DirecTV receiver... correct?

Thanks!

[Bill Adams]

Yes, you can change over the SK-3000 to an SK-1000. I saw the pricing on an earlier post but I think the hardware is around $400 and it takes some time to get the hardware changed over and the controller inside the Trav'ler reprogrammed. You should be able to do this yourself, but if you hire a professional you would be looking at a couple more hours (2-3) in labor charges.
My "personal" recommendation would be to find a good price on an SK-1000 and buy it. The 3005 and 1000 are direct replacements for each other. The mount is a 2 piece base and the swap can be made without opening the roof or breaking the caulk seal on the roof.
In my mind, you would take off the 3005 and install the 1000. Right away you have everything you need. Now, put the 3005 back on the brand new mounting ring in the box and you have a briefly used Trav'ler along with new control cable, new controller and power supply, coax cables, cover plate, screws, everything! Offer this up for sale and you should have a buyer quicker than the ink could dry.
For about the same money (maybe less since the 3005 costs more than a 1000) you have no hassle and a brand new unit.
Now, as to the receiver, you just take a receiver out of your house and use it in the RV. Take the DirecTV receiver out (you may be able to sell that as well) and put your Dish receiver in that same location and you are in business.

[amgdgg]

Thanks so much Bill!! Your advice is very much appreciated!

Alberta

[Bill Adams]

Glad to help is I can. I know you will enjoy the Trav'ler no matter how you go about the change-over.