My camper has a 12 volt plug in receptacle right near where the TV mounts. I assume that it is there so that I can use a converter to run my TV when dry camping; however, I have read posts online saying that you can only run minimal power (88 volts) from these outlets and a TV is something like 130. Can a small power inverter--like a 200 watt inverter that is designed to plug into a cigarette lighter in your car--work to power my TV off this 12 volt receptacle?The 200 watt inverter should be enough for a 130 watt TV, but can the outlet provide the juice? I assume that it can or it wouldn't be there by the TV mount...right....????thanksmatt

The outlets in cars are generally limited to 10amps. Best to confirm the fuse size on the 12v line, assuming it has one. 130w would put you at, or slightly over 10 amps draw on the 12v outlet.

I am by no means an expert. But one thing I would do is look on the back of the TV and see how many watts it pulls. I went through this once when I was thinking of a coffee maker in the cab. Needed 1200 watts for coffee maker. I am sure you can do it, but you may need a big inverter. You might consider a 12V TV.

If you have a flat screen, the tv will pull under 88 watts (most are 25-50). Even for a 40". We had no problem running a 32" flat screen and a satellite receiver off of a tv jack with an inverter.However, if you have only 1 12V battery (typically group 24 with about 75AH), you won't be able to do it for long before draining the battery to below 50%.*** Sorry - edit to add - LED flatscreen. I forgot there are older CRT 'flatscreens.' CRTs suck a lot of power.

If there is a 12v receptacle, where the TV is supposed to mount, you're good to go! Manufacturers don't put in underpowered 12v. Now, I'd go with a LED LCD TV if I were you. Probably under 27" Look at Jensen RV 12v Televisions.Lance also has 12v run TV's and if you don't buy the TV, they're already pre-wired to have one.

How to Run TV from 12 Volt Receptacle in Trailer???

the_happiestcam
Explorer
Aug 22, 2014
They make 12 volt tv's.
FrankShore
Explorer
Aug 22, 2014
If there is a 12v receptacle, where the TV is supposed to mount, you're good to go! Manufacturers don't put in underpowered 12v. Now, I'd go with a LED LCD TV if I were you. Probably under 27" Look at Jensen RV 12v Televisions.

Lance also has 12v run TV's and if you don't buy the TV, they're already pre-wired to have one.
dahkota
Explorer
Aug 22, 2014
If you have a flat screen, the tv will pull under 88 watts (most are 25-50). Even for a 40". We had no problem running a 32" flat screen and a satellite receiver off of a tv jack with an inverter.

However, if you have only 1 12V battery (typically group 24 with about 75AH), you won't be able to do it for long before draining the battery to below 50%.

*** Sorry - edit to add - LED flatscreen. I forgot there are older CRT 'flatscreens.' CRTs suck a lot of power.
jimw606
Explorer
Aug 22, 2014
I am by no means an expert. But one thing I would do is look on the back of the TV and see how many watts it pulls.
I went through this once when I was thinking of a coffee maker in the cab.
Needed 1200 watts for coffee maker.
I am sure you can do it, but you may need a big inverter. You might consider a 12V TV.
RJCorazza
Explorer
Aug 22, 2014
The outlets in cars are generally limited to 10amps. Best to confirm the fuse size on the 12v line, assuming it has one.
130w would put you at, or slightly over 10 amps draw on the 12v outlet.

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How to Run TV from 12 Volt Receptacle in Trailer???

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