Live in an RV CAN"T GET HOPPER

[bwexler]

Everyone tells me I can not get a Hopper in my RV.
I know I could set up a dish 1000 on a tripod, install a Node and a Hopper.
They tell me it will not work with my Dish 500 Plus.
What can be done to convince Dish to allow me to install a 2 Hopper system in my RV.

 

[navychop]

Several people have reported here that they have Hoppers in their RVs. Might be time for CSR roulette. But the sticking point is really the 2H/0J system you seem to be hankering after. For that, best to go to a local dealer, one that is not scared off by the letters "R" and "V."

 

[Aidan8et]

If I had to guess, because a 2 hopper system requires a dual node & 3 lines from the dish (hence why it won't work with a 500 style dish). Now if you only wanted 1 hopper you'd need a solo node & 2 lines from the dish. Theoretically that should work, at least physically, but the hopper is a HD system & you'd be missing a large portion of your HD channels.
Have you tried checking with a camper/RV supply store? As far as I know, most of them are considered independant retailers as far as Dish is concerned so they are able to complete some installs that most normal technicians can't.

Sent from my SCH-I800 using SatelliteGuys

 

[Brussam]

I am one with a Hopper in my RV.

To get a Hopper in an RV, you have to go through a local retailer. Not the best of things but that is how it is.

I am sure that will generate a lot of snarky comments from those who beat on Dish as a rule, but the point is, you can get a Hopper in your RV.

As for the Dish DishPro 500 dish. Get a Dish DishPro 1000.2. The setup is really no more difficult than a DDPro 500. Depending on your current tripod, you might need a stronger one. I recommend the TV4RV.com HD tripod. The HD tripod is strong enough for a DDPro 1000 and it has adjustable length legs which makes getting the mast vertical a lot easier on rough terrain.

 

[TechWriter]

To get a Hopper in an RV, you have to go through a local retailer.

Ditto. It was hard enough for me to convince a local dealer to do my Hopper RV install, but I'm still glad I went the local route instead of through Dish central.

Two Hoppers in a RV ??? I though a Hopper w/2 Joeys was pushing it! Go for it.

BTW, ditch the Dish Pro 500 & go 1000.2 or 1000.4.

 

[navychop]

Yep, the sticking point is "2" Hoppers, not "1."

And the problem with going to Camping World and similar, is they tend to push you to go with the system they are most familiar with, which tends to be DirecTV (because of historically better Wineguard built in dish support). You MUST be an educated consumer and insist upon what you want. And be sure you get it, and not something the installer "thought" would work. I'd go with a brave local installer. It just ain't that different from a home installation, even if he has to drill and add coax runs.

But for a self aiming system, you might be locked in to either EA or WA, not either with a change of LNB. But this can be done and $ure is convenient.

 

[Joe Satellite Fan]

I had dish installers put a hopper and Joey in my 5th wheel. They did it at the same time they put a hopper and 3 Joey system in my house. They were a little unsure and didn't want to go up on the roof, but with my help, they did.

You definitely want the 1000.2 (or 1000.4 if east coast). Winegard Travler is the best solution, but much pricier than the old tripod aim it yourself method.

 

[bwexler]

Thank you all for the encouragement.
My Dish 500 Pro is a Motosat automatic dish. I have not used the tripod in 9 years but I still carry it.
I did the RV install myself for my two 722k receivers and would like to do the 2H/0J install myself as well.
I have talked to many CSRs and supervisors and the RV CSRs. They all tell me there is no SKU set up to order a Hopper or a Node on an RV account, therefore "it can't be done". I always ask to talk to the person who can add the SKU. No joy.
For those of you who have RV hopper, what did you pay?

 

[Brussam]

Biggest change is where did you run the coax cables from the Motosat. The two cables from the dish have to go to the Solo. This could be done on the roof right next to the Motosat, and use the existing cables to run to the Hopper and Joey. I believe that is what Joe Satellite Fan did.

However, if you ever intend to use a ground tripod, the cabling gets a bit more challenging.

You call a local dealer to order the Hopper and you will get the same deal as you would have gotten from Dish direct. That is the only way you will get the Hopper, through a local dealer. This is a Dish policy, not the whim of CSRs. I don't like it but it is the policy.

There are so many variables to the pricing you get based upon the equipment you have, the packages you have, and the age of your contract for anyone to give a meaningful price paid for a Hopper.

As for communicating with Dish about RV related items. Do not waste your time with the first level CSRs. Immediately get transferred to the RV specialists.

 

[Joe Satellite Fan]

Brussam is right, I put the node right up by the dish on top of my 5er. I was lucky in that every location is available from the top, so hooking up was a breeze.

Another avenue to try to get help with this is Dish's RV Support Team: 888-854-9535 By using this number you bypass all the regular Dish CSRs. But I think the suggestions to go with a local dealer is a good idea.

Just wondering ... why do you want two Hoppers and not 1 Hopper and 1 Joey? Unless you think you're going to need to be recording more than 3 programs at the same time (you have to disable PT to do this), you have plenty of timers. And, if you're read through the forums, you know that getting 2 Hoppers and no Joey is a pretty "iffy" thing to do. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck with your endeavor.

 

[TechWriter]

You call a local dealer to order the Hopper and you will get the same deal as you would have gotten from Dish direct. That is the only way you will get the Hopper, through a local dealer. This is a Dish policy, not the whim of CSRs. I don't like it but it is the policy.

You can also purchase a Hopper, like I did, and find a dealer who will install it (difficult).

I don't suggest you buy your own as I did because you won't save any $$$ as I mistakenly thought.

However, if you must . . . DISH Network HOPPER Whole Home DVR System (ESHPR2000) from Solid Signal

 

[bwexler]

Two Hoppers would allow recording PT plus three more timers and still allow the wife to channel surf.
I have checked with at least six retailers. The majority said they would not want to be involved (only $15 upgrade fee) too much hassle. A couple were willing to sell me a leased Hopper for $450. I would like to get at least one of the Hoppers for free.

 

[sparc]

A couple were willing to sell me a leased Hopper for $450.

that's overpriced. only $329 here and you would own it: Dish Receiver | Dish Network Receivers | Dish Depot

 

[Joe Satellite Fan]

that's overpriced. only $329 here and you would own it: Dish Receiver | Dish Network Receivers | Dish Depot

Not to mention that buying a "leased" receiver ... ummm ... seems a bit shady to me.

 

[Brussam]

I had no problem in the Rio Grande Valley and I was the first Hopper install they did. Since I was the first install for them, the technician hot-staged the Hopper and Joeys at their facility.

Since I had the cabling all set up, the total install was less than 20 minutes.

If you are getting push back from the local installers I would call the Dish RV customer number mentioned before, and ask for help. Dish made the decision to have RVers go through local dealers, Dish needs top take part in coaxing those dealers that do no want to work with RVs or pull their franchise.

Where are you located bwexler?

I

 

[bwexler]

I am currently in SoCal north of LA. Will soon be in Las Vegas.
A couple days ago I spoke with retention department supervisor who claimed she would communicate with the IT department to attempt to work around my issues. She said she would get back to me in a few days, that would be Monday.

 

[mx023]

You definitely want the 1000.2 (or 1000.4 if east coast). Winegard Travler is the best solution, but much pricier than the old tripod aim it yourself method.

You got it hooked up with a winegard traveler? If you did that's awesome. winegard>node>hopper i'm assuming? was the setup just like on VIP equip? can you use all the tuners and watch two diff channels that come off different satellites?

 

[Brussam]

You got it hooked up with a winegard traveler? If you did that's awesome. winegard>node>hopper i'm assuming? was the setup just like on VIP equip? can you use all the tuners and watch two diff channels that come off different satellites?

Joe Satellite Fan and I both have Hoppers with Winegard Trav'lers.

I have mine setup to use the Trav'ler or a DPP 1000 ground tripod.

The Trav'ler is exactly like having a DPP 1000.2 dish. Since I have two Joeys, we can watch three different channels, each on a different satellite.