Need to replace main TV in rv

[johnlmcl1949]

RV is 9 yrs old and going fast. It is big and bulky. I'll need to replace with something a lot thinner. I'm concerned that the newer tvs might not be robust enough to last the bouncing on the road. Any recommendations on make/model tvs to purchase? Thx

[MSHappyCampers]

This might give you some ideas. Good luck & God bless!

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26370780.cfm

[ClassAGeek]

cbr46 wrote:

I was really digging Ursula Andress until I realized she's 77 . . . .

Also makes me realize how old I am 😞

johnlmcl1949 wrote:
...I'm concerned that the newer tvs might not be robust enough to last the bouncing on the road. Any recommendations on make/model tvs to purchase? Thx

New LCD TV's can be very reliable. They are low power and have no moving parts. I have installed several in RV's. Here is one important tip: Look for brands that anchor the mounting bolts to an internal metal frame.

Some of the lower priced TV's I have tried (LG, Toshiba and Sony) have threaded metal inserts that are bonded to the plastic TV shell. This means the TV rattles and moves when driving. Not good.

To find the right type of frame mount: (in the store) go to the back of the TV and press hard on the 4 mounting screw sockets. If they are connected to a metal frame, there will be absolutely no movement. If connected to plastic, the sockets will move inward - sometimes very slightly.

I have started using mid-priced Samsung LED LCDs. They have metal frames and are very solid. Good picture too - as Ursula will confirm.

[cbr46]

ClassAGeek wrote:
my new 50" LED:

I was really digging Ursula Andress until I realized she's 77 . . . .

- c bob

[ClassAGeek]

Here is a discussion thread on how I replaced my original 23' CRT TV with a new 50" LED:

Yet Another TV Conversion



At the end of the same thread, I showed how I installed a 32" LCD in the rear of our coach using a set of flush mount euro hinges:

Hinge Mounted TV

[cbr46]

I have a 19" Anvil cradled between 2 metal brackets welded to the dash subframe on my 02 Fleetwood Terra. Nothing wider than 20" will fit without cutting brackets that support the dash. That rules out any modern tv.

I'm not fond of putting a tv overhead. It's a good spot but it would create a time sucking and brain twisting project I don't want right now. Besides, I wanna go large!

So I thought maybe I could slide a set between driver's (or passenger) chair and outside wall for travel then plop it up on the dash for viewing. LED tv's are fairly light (Samsung 32"-13.7lbs; 40"-26lbs; 46"-31 lbs) making them pretty easy to handle. Just need an apron so an open window during travel doesn't let it get rained on (details, details). An open cell foam base would let it travel without resting on the stand.

But where I plan on going they don't have many over the air tv signals . . . . and we shouldn't be cooped up inside watching tv anyway, so maybe not.

Just a thought.

Best,
- c bob

[wa8yxm]

When my Damon was new (8 years) I replaced the bedroom TV with a flat screen LCD TV/Monitor,,, It died last winter and I got a generic flat screen at Wally-World. The Samsung I had not only rides in the back where bounces are a bit.. amplified, but a couple times the dang screw came out of the mount and dumped it on the floor, I took it out and hauled it in a "Little green wagon" (Think red) to the family center in a couple of campgrounds to use as a computer monitor mroe than once, it got very rough treratment, A couple times the wagon flipped.

The new one gets better treatment (I check the screws more often now) but...

Well.. If your are driving so hard that you need to worry about the TV breaking due to physical shock.. It won't be the TV that brakes (And what does will be much more expensive).

[Dale_Traveling]

A LCD or LED TV is much more robust than a CRT with filaments, deflection coils, focus coils, modulator grids, three electron guns and such so don't worry about it. What to buy is up to you and the primary factor is what fit's the hole the old TV was in. I went with a Vizio because it was on sale and fit. With the 60+ lbs. weight difference the home made mounting brackets was a snap.

[Peralko]

We replaced our 19" tube TV with a 32" Phillips LCD. A fraction of the weight, much bigger and better picture, and an easy afternoon install with some preplanning.

[crasster]

Our TV broke and we threw it in the trash. We have not replaced it yet... It's actually been kind of nice.

[The_Dunks]

We replaced our head banger with Vizio as well.

[WoodGlue]

Jensen makes a "ruggedized" 12v TV that handles road vibration a little better than your average Vizio or what have you. The bonus also being that you don't have to be plugged in to shore power to watch TV.

WoodGlue

[johnlmcl1949]

great info...thx!

[khahuna]

Replaced our 19" Samsung with a 32" Visio 1080, LED. Driven 10K miles and so far no problem. I just replaced the 13" bedroom Samsung with a 22" Visio 1080, LED but haven't put any miles on the coach since installing. The LEDs are thin and light ... also excellent HD pictures. Got mine at Sam's Club.

[tropical_ron]

Agree that nothing special required, except look at led - much lighter. We upgraded to Vizio leds for front and bedroom last year. No problems and much better picture quality. Safe travels.