outside TV ideas?

[beeryboats]

We just bought our first 5th wheel and the one option I didn't get was an outside TV. It's a Keystone Avalanche 355RK with a huge front storage bay. Does anyone make a retractable TV mount for the storage bay? I really don't want to mount a pad on the outside of the trailer and hang the TV. I would rather just fold it in, close the door, and go inside.
Thanks

[Atom_Ant]

That works. I would probably have to bungee it to get it to stay in the stored position at the ceiling.

[Lantley]

Atom Ant wrote:


I did bump the TV once with a chair and scratched the edge, so I thought about making a cover for it.

I cover my TV with an old T shirt

[maxum1989]

Wow, all this fuss about a little tv outside?? Some of you would definitely want to stay away from anywhere I camp. We normally set up a full outside movie theater. Screen is 10' wide and we have seated up to 50 people for outside movies. All within the park rules. We've even had park rangers join us on some occasions. Everyone has their own version of camping.

[Aridon]

Reasons for a TV outside:

More people over than the rig will fit
Not make a mess in the rig
BBQ outside and watch TV
Sit outside and have something on
Music outside
Something to keep you occupied while watching the kids
Nice outside, watch the game
Tailgate
Etc

[Atom_Ant]

Ron,

I think everyone gets a little defensive about the TV when folks start questioning why they are necessary and start worrying about being disturbed in the adjacent campsite. As you can see from one of the responses, some folks get almost hostile. The same happens with discussions about decorative outside lights, flashing parking lights or scare lights, and the list goes on.

The purpose of RVs have not changed, they just get better. It used to be the Coleman pop up with the removable ice box and stove that mounted outside. Now it's outside kitchens, stereos, TVs, LED lighting on awnings, patio enclosures, and even full raised patios. RVs are very versatile and play many roles, not all of them snuggled into some out of the way National Park where the sound of a twig snapping wakes the neighbor.

Neighbors are neighbors, some are obnoxious whether its with a TV, a dog, an guitar, or even just the guy that warms up his diesel motorhome for 30 minutes at 5:00 AM. Others are courteous, even though they have all the equipment necessary to disturb others! It's all just part of the adventure.

[Steeljag]

More info on NASCAR....turn left....turn left.....turn left......and then turn left!

[lanerd]

northmeck0255 wrote:
You don't seem to know much about NASCAR. We're there for a week. There are Sprint Cup practices, qualifying and races as well as the same activities for the Truck Series, ARCA and sometimes they even have Legends races. There is something always worth watching while hanging out around the campfire drinking a brewski!

You're right Warren... I know absolutely nothing about Nascar; but I'm surprised that your first answer assumed that everyone else does. Please, no offense intended. Your second answer provided a very interesting reason and that's exactly the type of answer I was looking for. Thank you.

Ron

[Atom_Ant]

beeryboats wrote:
If I could change direction on my thread, those with TV's that fold out, how do you pack the front storage so the tv will still fold out?

It took a while to get it right, but all I have to take out the Weber grill and the TV flips down. If I want the chairs, they are behind the grill so I take them out next before I flip it down.

I did bump the TV once with a chair and scratched the edge, so I thought about making a cover for it.

[Lantley]

beeryboats wrote:
I think "why would I want to watch tv outside" is a good question. I started this post and love the responses. Except one. First, it's my RV and I think it's a neat option to have. I spend 40+ hours in an office smaller than a prison cell so I love to be outside even if it's just watching tv. And we often "camp" with a group so it would be nice to have if there was a certain game on.

If I could change direction on my thread, those with TV's that fold out, how do you pack the front storage so the tv will still fold out?

Simply put the TV needs to be toward the front of the storage area. You may need to move something before TV can swing out.

[sdetweil]

beeryboats wrote:
...

If I could change direction on my thread, those with TV's that fold out, how do you pack the front storage so the tv will still fold out?

If u use the Mor/Ryde bracket, it slides out a ways, before you swivel the tv.

One FW we saw had a small compartment in the storage area where the TV was stored on this sliding bracket. don't remember the brand/model

[Us_out_West]

We carry a 19" under the bed and set it up in the front storage for use.

All the connections are there including a mounting bracket but we choose not to leave it there when traveling.

Nice in the warmer weather where we are headed for in mid December....S. AZ and TX.

[beeryboats]

I think "why would I want to watch tv outside" is a good question. I started this post and love the responses. Except one. First, it's my RV and I think it's a neat option to have. I spend 40+ hours in an office smaller than a prison cell so I love to be outside even if it's just watching tv. And we often "camp" with a group so it would be nice to have if there was a certain game on.

If I could change direction on my thread, those with TV's that fold out, how do you pack the front storage so the tv will still fold out?

[northmeck0255]

You don't seem to know much about NASCAR. We're there for a week. There are Sprint Cup practices, qualifying and races as well as the same activities for the Truck Series, ARCA and sometimes they even have Legends races. There is something always worth watching while hanging out around the campfire drinking a brewski!

[Lantley]

lanerd wrote:
So, are you telling me you go to Talladega and watch the race on your TV rather than in the stands? And if yes, why watch it outside rather than inside? That doesn't compute and does not answer my question. Again, no disrespect, I'm just trying to understand the reasoning for watching tv outside.

Ron

Ron
I was an anti outside TV guy
I went a long time before I installed outside TV. I was inspired by a similar thread on the Open Range forum.
I had an extra TV and mount that I was not using so I figured why not? The TV was just sitting around collecting dust so I figured I might get a little use out of it.
Turns out the outside TV is a cool thing to have. When camping I spend most of my time outside. Being able to casually watch a game or keep track of the score is nice. If I truly want to watch TV I have a large HD TV inside the rig,however for casual watching the small outdoor TV works well.
My wife who is not as fond of the outdoors as I am, has gravitated outside as well if the weather is nice. She enjoys watching TV outside when the conditions are right.
Don't get me wrong watching TV outdoors is not the focus of our camping,however the TV has added another option to our camping experience.
Simply put, watching TV outside is a neat thing to do on occasion. I like the outdoor TV more than I ever thought I would.
I do keep the sound level down and I am aware of my fellow campers and try not to disturb them.
The outdoor TV has been a worthwhile mod for me.