We have just bought a Coachman Pastiche 4 berth tourer. We cannot afford a static and the annual site fees so we are having the tourer sited on a seasonal pitch near Aberystwyth (Devils Bridge). However, at the moment there isn't a hardstanding available so they are letting us leave it on a grass pitch until a hardstanding becomes available.
My question is: can you tell me what we need to be able to watch tv? Will a freeview tv work? Do I need an aerial, if so, what sort?
You can only get Freeview in Wales as we went totally digital some time ago. Therefore any good quality aerial should do, BUT it depends where you are in Devils Bridge as it is not a "good" reception area.
The site should be able to give you better info.
I'd echo LlaniDavis's comment above as the location not the best for terrestrial TV reception.
As suggested, check with the site as they might provide an aerial point on the EHU bollard, in which case you'll just need a cable to get feed into the van (plus the TV too of course).
There should be a TV aerial mounted on the caravan roof so you need to look for the the coaxial plug inside the caravan which I should imagine is above the work top between the two dining seats and front seats (opposite the doorway). Just plug your TV aerial coax lead in and tune in the freeview TV but depending on what year your Pastiche is will depend on what type of Status ariel is fitted. It could be a fixed omni-directional aerial (flying saucer shape) or the later shape which you will have to swivel inside the wardrobe or cupbard in the direction of the nearest TV signal mast. If you look at other caravans or local properties, it will give you a guide to see which way all the aerials are pointing.
The odds are often stacked against you when it comes to obtaining a good signal with terrestrial TV in a caravan.
Remote locations set amongst hills and trees, and varying frequencies throughout the country, often mean that a good log periodic aerial and substantial mast are required. Even then reception can prove difficult.
On that basis, if you can see the south-eastern sky, then satellite TV is often the way to go. A Sky dish, Freesat box and the requisite cables can be bought on flea bay for around £50. You will need something to mount the dish on, but with a seasonal site you may be able to drive a pole into the ground, rather than invest in a tripod.
Setting up the dish is much easier than many folk imagine, and once it's done, a good signal is guaranteed.
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Topic: TV in caravan
