Because there are so many factors to think about, shopping for an RV TV might be overwhelming.
You must first decide on the kind of television technology you want, the TV voltage you require, and how it will integrate the best with your existing camping setup.
The good news is that you can find all the knowledge and advice you require in this guide.
We’ve included all the information you need to make an informed decision, so it’s important to read this post before making any purchases or decisions on placing TVs in your motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel camper, or campervan.
Does My RV Need TV?
That depends on your requirements and the intended use of the RV.
There’s a strong possibility you won’t need one if you’re only using it for weekend getaways or quick travels because you’ll probably be enjoying nature and getting away from the distractions of contemporary life.
However, if you’re going to be driving a long way or being in your RV for a long time, a television may keep you entertained and calm for hours, especially on rainy days!
Take our word for it: watching the latest Netflix box series on occasion is a bit of luxury if you live in an RV full-time.
At least one flat-screen TV is built into several of the more recent RV models. However, there’s a good possibility you’ll need one if you’re purchasing an older vehicle or turning a van into a camper.
RV television models
The two most common television designs for recreational vehicles are LCD and LED. Because they can be more power-hungry and have a tendency to generate warmer images, plasma TVs were once quite popular but have mostly fallen out of favor in recent years.
Plasma TVs are similar to DLP (Digital Light Processing) TVs, but DLP TVs have a different light source that produces greater contrast ratios and black levels.
Continue reading if you’re unclear of what kind of TV would suit your needs the best.
LED TVs
Today’s RVs frequently have a TV that is mounted on a swivel arm or built into the entertainment center. These are thin and tiny, yet still offer good picture quality, making it simple to arrange them between couches or beds.
You might choose an LCD TV if you want something better than the factory model but don’t want to install a new wall mount.
One of the most popular television technologies seen in RVs is this one. They are simple to set up and don’t require extra components like a broadcast antenna; all you need to do is plug them into a cable/satellite provider, a DVD, or an external media player.
You can choose one that is ideal for your needs because they are available in a variety of sizes.
LCD TVs
LED might be the better option if you want to replace your RV’s stock TV.
These televisions offer some advantages despite being generally more expensive than LCDs.
For instance, they are a better option if you are concerned about energy conservation while camping because they use less electricity and produce less heat than plasma or DLP TVs.
They can also be placed simply and without taking up much room on walls or even ceilings, which is perfect for small campervans or trailers.
Similar to LCD TVs, LED TVs frequently have built-in tuners so you can watch TV without any additional hardware.
The only way to get a broadcast antenna and receiver, which necessitates wiring cables through your RV, is if you want higher picture quality than an LCD or LED TV with a built-in tuner.
Plasma televisions
Let’s say you don’t care too much about space and energy efficiency (we have RV envy right now!). In that situation, plasma televisions are typically thought to have better image characteristics than their rivals.
They offer highly detailed views from all angles (unlike projection TVs), as well as creating genuine blacks and a variety of colors, making them excellent choices for movie enthusiasts who enjoy viewing movies in their RVs on the weekends.
Plasma TVs only have one drawback: they consume more electricity than LCD or LED models and can get a little warm. So this might not be the ideal choice if you’re searching for something with low energy requirements.
Televisions with projection
Instead of displaying an image on the television itself, projection televisions, as its name suggests, project an image onto a bigger screen.
Because they don’t take up any additional space, they are ideal for RVs and campers. All you need is an open wall inside or outside of your van, or a screen to project onto.
The screen and the projector itself are typically required for projection TVs, so keep that in mind. This implies that there might be additional setup requirements and that you’ll have to set up your own video player or streaming device.
RV TV Dimensions
There is a wide variety of sizes and resolutions that RV TVs can have, just like with typical home televisions.
Most RV TVs are either 19′′ or 27′′ in size. Most compact models, including the 14- to 17-inch monitors, typically include built-in media players.
When HD channels are available in your area, 29- to 40-inch televisions will frequently also have HD tuners so you may watch them and have more flexible connections to external media players.
Which TV Size Do You Need, then?
You should consider your space needs, the amount of space in your RV, and the viewing angle. Consider your planned use of media as well. For instance, picking a model with the proper built-in media player or a smart TV may make more sense if you have a sizable collection of DVDs.
If not, get a less expensive model with built-in streaming features instead to save some money.
How Do RV TVs Function?
TV antennas can pick up local TV channels because TV signals are broadcast over the airwaves.
However, occasionally there can be too many barriers standing between your RV and the broadcast signal, particularly if it’s far away or situated on top of a structure.
When you’re not boondocking or dry camping, it’s preferable to have a cable TV hookup point at the campground.
For a more dependable TV connection, you might want to think about getting a satellite TV package.
You can install a satellite TV dish or dome antenna in place of the built-in satellite receivers found in some RVs. This will probably include installing external mounts and running cables inside the RV, much as installing RV wifi antennas.
Will A Regular TV Work In My Camper?
RV TVs function similarly to ordinary TVs in that they receive the signal provided over the airwaves and project whatever is on it onto their screens, but there are a few things to look out for.
So, is it possible to use a standard TV in a camper? Yes, but it might not be as easy as simply plugging it in and turning it on. Make sure your TV is functioning properly by keeping the following in mind beforehand:
- Make sure your inverter is a pure sine wave model and the appropriate size if you plan to connect a 120 volt or 240 volt TV to your 12 volt electrical system. To make sure it’s the right size, check our inverter calculator and learn more about inverters here.
- Regardless of the TV you choose, be sure your TV mount can withstand the weight of the TV before installation.
- To connect your standard TV to the RV antenna, you might require an adaptor. You need an ATSC Tuner if your TV lacks a coaxial port.
RV TVs vs. Standard TVs
It could be worthwhile to think about purchasing a standard TV rather than an RV-specific model.
RV televisions deal with more environmental elements, which is the primary distinction. They are commonly mounted in moving vehicles where they are subjected to a variety of environmental factors that would typically not have a significant impact on regular TVs, such as varying temperatures, moisture levels (cold and condensation), vibrations, and other physical problems.
TV Voltage: 12 Volts or 120 Volts?
If you want to get a new RV TV, you might need to ask yourself this question.
A power inverter that transforms direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) is typically needed for 12 volt TVs. On the other hand, 120/240 volt TVs can be powered directly from the shore without any additional hardware.
Although using less energy is the main advantage of a 12 volt television, there are some drawbacks as well:
- Make cautious to check before you buy because not all models come in 12 volt versions;
- Kiss any possibility of a widescreen movie experience goodbye because screen sizes are frequently on the smaller side;
- When utilizing an AC inverter with a 120/240-volt TV, the picture may start cutting out or go completely black if your battery isn’t fully charged.
Although choosing a 120 volt (or 240 volt) television will use more energy, there are some advantages as well:
You won’t need to purchase any new RV equipment, and the picture will be sharper and crisper if you connect an HD box.
By thinking about the following factors in advance, you may determine which one suits you the best:
- How frequently or how long do you intend to use your RV?
- Where you intend to spend the majority of your time, do you anticipate frequently using a shore power hookup?
- Finally, what screen size do you desire?
After all of these inquiries have been addressed, choosing between a 12-volt and 120/240-volt TV should be simpler.
The Best RV TV Brands to Watch For
In the world of RVs, a few different TV brands are well-known. A few of the top ones are listed below:
- Because of their versatility and durability, Jensen is a popular option.
- The low cost and high quality of SuperSonic RV TVs contribute to their popularity.
- Being a well-known manufacturer of home televisions, VIZIO’s RV models are assured to be of the highest caliber.
How Much Accessory Do I Need For My RV TV?
Following on from the assumption that you already possess a working RV TV, the following are some of the most popular add-ons:
TV Mounts
There are specialized brackets and mounts made expressly for RV TVs that can be adjusted to accommodate any kind of display if you want to install your TV anywhere (often on the wall).
Remote Controls
These are crucial if you want to adjust the channel or volume without getting out of your seat, and they come in handy after a long day of driving.
DVD Players
Make sure they are compatible with one another before purchasing them together if you wish to have access to DVDs or Blu-rays for media playing.
Surge Protectors/Power Strips
Anyone who needs further defense against sudden power spikes that could harm their RV TV must have this. For the sole purpose of ensuring that you don’t overload your circuits, it might also be worthwhile to consider purchasing some GFCI safety power strips.
Conclusion
Your preference for features and the amount of spare room in your camper will largely determine the sort of television you buy.
There is no right or wrong decision here; some people choose plasma TVs because they consume less power, while others prefer LED TVs because of their brilliant visual quality. Just be sure to think about the media you want to watch on your RV TV before making a decision!
And that’s basically all there is to know about RV TVs. As you can see, there are a number factors to take into account before making your purchase, but perhaps this article has cleared up some of the confusion.
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