The Best TVs for RV Use (Review) in 2023 | Autance

The reason most people buy an RV is to get that home-away-from-home feeling wherever you are in the world. Why…

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The Best TVs for RV Use (Review) in 2023 | Autance © The Best TVs for RV Use (Review) in 2023 | Autance
Honorable Mention Supersonic LED Widescreen TV for RV Use Supersonic LED Widescreen TV for RV Use
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Premium Pick Free Signal TV for RV Camper Free Signal TV for RV Use
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Best Value Pyle Ultra HD TV for RV Use Pyle Ultra HD TV for RV Use
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The reason most people buy an RV is to get that home-away-from-home feeling wherever you are in the world. Why stay in uncomfortable hotel rooms when you can take the comforts from home with you? RVs are normally large enough to hold sofas, beds, showers, and more. What better way to relax during your vacation than to sit back, relax and catch your favorite shows on TV? There is no reason why you cannot install a modern flat screen TV in your RV, and if anything it will make it feel more cozy and add more bucks to its value.

Choosing a TV for your RV isn’t easy as there are hundreds to choose from. We have made the task easier by researching the most popular televisions and highlighting their best features. We have taken technical features, size and price into consideration as well as other highlights too.

Keep reading to discover our favorite TVs for RV use:

The Best TV for RV Use

This SuperSonic HDTV is perfect for your RV as it features sharp high-definition picture quality that boasts fantastic detail and contrast. The monitor features a wide spectrum of vibrant colors. Because of the relatively modest size (24-inch screen), this TV is ideal for RV use as it won’t take up too much space while also not shrinking away – it’s the perfect size. The TV contains HDMI, USB and AC/DC ports, so you can use it to watch Netflix, HBO, etc. on your Firestick or connected to your laptop. The PC Input allows you to also use the TV as a computer monitor, which adds multifunctionality to the space in your RV.

Key Features
  • 24” Screen
  • High Definition Picture
  • HDMI/USB Compatible
  • PC Input
Specification
  • Brand Supersonic
  • Model SC-2411
  • Weight 2.9 pounds
PROS

Lightweight

Highly Recommended

Multifunctional

CONS

Side Viewing Angles Not Good

This 19-inch TV makes a good choice for anyone looking for a camper TV as it’s a good size for small vehicles and has the ability to play DVDs. It’s perfect for families who want to catch up on TV or watch the latest movies. If you are looking for a multifunctional television for your RV, dorm room, or office then the Proscan model will not disappoint. Not only does this television provide excellent sound and color, but it also has a 16:09 widescreen format, so your movies and TV shows look fantastic. Other notable features include a built-in digital tuner and DVD player. If you want to use the TV as a computer monitor then this is possible too as the model has plenty of connections and ports. A remote control is also included.

Key Features
  • 19” Screen
  • High Quality Picture
  • DVD Player
  • Widescreen
Specification
  • Brand Proscan
  • Model PLEDV1945A-B
  • Weight 7.95 pounds
PROS

In-Built DVD Player

Good Quality Picture

HDMI Port

CONS

No Smart Functionality

We really like this Jensen HD Ready TV because it’s been specially built for boats, RVs, campers and yachts and it has been engineered for over-the-road use. In fact, this brand of TV has been tested and built exclusively for this purpose. This is a super modern RV TV and has a modern aesthetic that stands out from other styles on the market. It also has been specially designed with a robust industrial-grade metal cabinet that has been reinforced for vibration – this is the perfect TV for road use! The TV has also been fitted with USB and HDMI ports as well as several others that are super useful.

Key Features
  • 19” Screen
  • Specially Built For RVs And Campers
  • Slimline Design
  • Reinforced For Vibration
Specification
  • Brand Jensen
  • Model JTV19DC
  • Weight 8.6 pounds
PROS

Specially Designed For Road Use

HD Ready

Integrated Tuner

CONS

No DVD Player

Slightly larger than most other RV TVs on this list, this is the perfect television for those looking for the best RV TV for a larger RV. This television promises the richest most vibrant colors of 720P resolution and boasts wonderful tones and contrasts – perfect for watching high quality movies with the family. Use the HDMI port to experience high-definition video and crystal clear audio. Alternatively, you can use the built-in DVD player to watch your favorite rentals. The USB port can be used for many different features, including downloading images and listening to music stored on your media system. 

Key Features
  • 24” Screen
  • Built-In DVD Player
  • USB Port
  • HDMI Port
Specification
  • Brand Sceptre
  • Model E246BD-SMQK
  • Weight 6 pounds
PROS

Multifunctional

Large Screen

Energy Star

CONS

Brushed Metal Design Not To Everyone’s Taste

This 19” LCD display RV TV is perfect for those who are looking for a compact television for their motorhome. One of the best features of this TV is that it comes with an in-built DVD player so it will save you space inside your camper or RV as you will not need to buy an additional media player to watch your favorite movies. This television features a number of different ports and drives, allowing you to listen to music and look at photo files from a USB Stick or SD Card. There’s also an HDMI port so you can connect the TV to your media system and watch Netflix or similar. The TV is wall mountable, again saving space in your RV and giving you a better viewing experience. 

Key Features
  • 19” Screen
  • Built-In DVD Player
  • USB Port
  • HDMI Port
  • SD Card Port
Specification
  • Brand Naxa Electronics
  • Model NTD-1955
  • Weight 6.16 pounds
PROS

Watch DVDs

SD Port For Photo Viewing

Wall Mountable

CONS

Doesn’t work from side angles so well. 

If you’re looking for a slightly larger 12 volt TV for RV then this SuperSonic LED model might be a good choice. This brand has built-in noise reduction, and you can expect a noticeable improvement when it comes to the images as the noise interference on the screen is greatly reduced, creating crisp, clear images. This TV is multifunctional and can be used with a USB cable and SD card so you can view photos and listen to stored music through the television. There’s also a PC input which allows you to use your TV as a computer monitor – super handy when you don’t have much space to buy extra monitors, computers, etc.

Key Features
  • 24” Screen
  • Built-In DVD Player
  • USB Port
  • HDMI Port
  • SD Card Port
Specification
  • Brand Supersonic
  • Model SC-2412
  • Weight 9 pounds
PROS

Perfect For Small Spaces

Watch DVDs

Crisp & Clear Images

CONS

Mixed Reviews 

It’s always good to remember that the Jensen televisions have been specially designed for over-the-road applications, which means that they have been tested and engineered to be used in yachts, boats, RVs, trailers and campers. This AC-powered television is HD Ready so you can experience high-quality entertainment on the go. This RV TV is larger than most of the others on our list so would definitely suit a larger RV. You can expect high-quality imagery with this television as it boasts 16.7 million colors. Movies will look fantastic in your RV when watching on this big guy!

Key Features
  • 32” Screen
  • Dual Function Remote Included
  • Integrated HDTV Tuner
  • 16.7 Million Colors
Specification
  • Brand Jensen
  • Model JE3217
  • Weight 9.9 pounds
PROS

Large Screen

High Quality Picture

Ports For HDMI/SD Card 

CONS

Stand Not Included

Large Size Might Not Be Suitable For Small RVs

There are several features about this TV that make it really stand out. The sound quality is excellent as it features full-range stereo speakers and multiple viewing modes with an HDMI and RCA input so you can connect your media to customize your viewing. The television has an updated visual display with a full HD 1080p widescreen hi-res display that features a vast range of colors, which are said to create a more realistic picture. The TV will mount onto your RV wall easily as the base stand is fully removable, which will not only save space in your motorhome but create a better viewing experience too. You can also use the TV as a computer monitor as it’s PC and Mac compatible too. Another great feature is the built-in CD/DVD player, which means that you can use this to watch your DVD collection with the family or listen to your favorite tunes. 

Key Features
  • 15.6” Widescreen TV
  • Remote Control Included
  • Hi-Res Picture
  • Built-In CD/DVD Player
  • Full Range Stereo Speakers
Specification
  • Brand Pyle
  • Model PTVDLED16
  • Weight 5.91 pounds
PROS

High-Quality Picture

Multiple Viewing Options

Easy Mounting

CONS

Sound Quality Not The Best

This 32-inch television is ideal for campers and RVs as it’s a super lightweight, DC-powered, 12-volt model with 1366 x 768 resolution. This superb TV boasts advanced noise reduction and fantastic sound. This RV TV is also super easy to set up and can be used at home using the CHD 1260 power brick adapter. A stand is included with this TV, but it’s simple to mount onto the wall too so it’s suitable for all RV interiors. Free Signal TV Support is provided as well as a one-year full replacement warranty should you experience any issues. 

Key Features
  • 32” Lightweight TV
  • Advanced Noise Reduction
  • Free Signal Support Included
Specification
  • Brand Free Signal TV
  • Model CT-32T18
  • Weight 11.3 pounds
PROS

High-Quality Picture

Suitable For RV & Home

Warranty Included

CONS

DVD Player Not Included

Best TV for RV Use Buying Guide & FAQ

Below we have written a concise buying guide to buying the best TV for your RV and answered your most commonly asked questions. We will look at the benefits of owning an RV TV, compare regular TVs to specially designed RV TVs and give you advice on how you can install a flat screen TV into your RV.

Keep reading to discover more about RV TVs…

What to Consider When Buying a TV for Your RV

There are several things that you must consider before buying a TV for your RV, below we have highlighted the most important:

  • Size

One of the most important things to consider when buying a TV for your RV is the size of the screen. You will need to consider the size of your RV and where you plan to place the TV once it has been purchased. Do you plan to mount it onto the wall or use a TV stand? Take plenty of measurements to check that you have enough space and always think smaller than your home; this is a much smaller space remember, and you also don’t want to use up too much power. Most RV owners tend to opt for slimline LCD TVs which range from around 8”-19”.

  • Ports & functionality

Make sure that the RV TV that you buy has plenty of ports for multifunctional use. An HDMI port will enable you to plug in your other media and watch Netflix etc whereas an SD card port will allow you to view photos and other stored media on the TV. Some TVs will allow you to use it as a computer monitor which can save valuable space in your RV whilst others have an in-built CD/DVD player which again gives you multiple viewing options and can save you extra space.

  • Power

Most TVs that have been specially designed for RVs are 12V whereas others use standard AC/DC power. You must choose a TV which is fully compatible with the power source that you will be using. If your power is limited or you are using a generator then you might want to choose a battery operated television.

  • The right type of TV

Don’t ever be tempted to use a standard television in an RV. You may save a little money but RV TVs have been specially designed to withstand more movement and will therefore last a lot longer.

Benefits of TV for RV

Your RV can really become a home once you have a TV to keep your company. This might sound strange to some people but if you think about it, it makes sense to install a television into your RV. If you are travelling with children or a group of adults then the easiest way to entertain people on the move is to put a movie onto the TV. Even when stationary, it can be easy to feel bored or get ‘cabin fever’ when the weather outside is unfavorable. Having a television for those moments can feel like a lifesaver! Not only will you have entertainment at your fingertips but you will also create a more homely experience too. Some RV TVs allow you to use the screen as a computer monitor too which can save you lots of space and add multifunctionality to your space.

RV TV vs. Regular TV

We have mentioned a few times in this article that using a standard television in an RV is never a good idea! You might not see the problem with this at first but after using your TV for a few weeks you will likely encounter issues pretty quickly. Regular televisions are simply not built to withstand the bumps and vibrations that they will experience when been driven on the open road. Why should a normal TV need a shock absorber?! Not only this but regular TVs eat power. Seriously they munch it up and so using a 12 Volt TV (which uses less power than a standard TV) makes complete sense. These type of TVs actually wire straight into a 12V battery bypassing any need for an inverter and therefore saving energy.

An RV TV also contains a strengthened internal chasses which ensures that the television stays secure on the mount. This is particularly important if you are driving along bumpy roads. These machines are simply built to take more shocks and vibrations and have been thoroughly tested to withstand extreme temperatures too. Just think how humid the inside of an RV can get! Finally, most decent RV TVs will contain an anti-glare coating which creates a better viewing experience. RV windows can throw some serious light onto the TV screen so they really need this feature.

How to Install a Flat Screen TV in RV

It’s absolutely vital that you mount your RV TV onto the wall securely with the correct fixtures and fittings and normally this is a relatively simple process. If you have mounted a regular TV then you might be surprised to discover that the mounting process is a little different for the interior of an RV. An RV TV has different brackets and can be mounted in several different positions. Mounts are rarely included with the television so you will need to speak to a professional at your local hardware store and find out what the best mount is to suit the inside of an RV. You’ll need something strong and secure here – now is not the time to save dollars, as cheap is rarely best. Nailing, drilling or screwing things into your RV wall can be a disaster as you can easily hit electrical circuits beneath the surface and if you drill too hard then you might even create a hole in the wall that runs through to the other side! Make sure you purchase a specialized TV bracket which is suitable for RV interiors. This will then need to be screwed into the underside of your cabinetry or onto other wooden fixtures. A good place to mount your TV is often under the cabinets that run above the cockpit in a Class A or Class C motorhome. You may want to add reinforcement at this stage such as a piece of plywood as the movement from your RV coupled with the weight of the TV could eventually weaken the wall over time. Carriage bolts with washers and nuts are good to use to fasten the mount as they are strong and stable.

Best TV for RV Use FAQ:

Q: What is an RV TV?

An RV TV is a type of television that has been specifically designed for use in a recreational vehicle. They have been specially designed to withstand any regular movement from the RV such as bumps and vibrations from the road. Unlike regular TVs they can take shocks from bumps. An RV TV normally uses 12 volt power which is less than a normal TV – perfect for use with the power in an RV. The strengthened chassis creates a secure connection to the mount, which is also ideal for moving vehicles that need an extra secure mount to prevent it from falling off! RV TVs have been designed to handle the temperatures and conditions of an RV and won’t break when in contact with humidity. They often also contain an anti-glare coating so the picture won’t be affected by the glare from the windows.

Q: How to choose the right size and mounting options?

Choosing the right size RV TV is a matter of common sense really. There’s absolutely no point buying a gigantic flat screen TV if your motorhome is tiny! Measure the inside of your RV and take into consideration the distance between the mounting point and the viewing area. The average size is around 19” screen. As for mounting options, take a look at what you’re planning to mount the TV onto and ask at your local hardware store to suggest the most secure mounting bracket that will not damage your RV.

Q: How to get satellite TV for RV?

If your RV doesn’t already contain a satellite dish then you may want to add one as it will act as a booster for your RV TV. You can mount the satellite onto your RV or you can actually buy portable satellite dishes which you can place outside the vehicle when you’re stationary and parked up. You will need a subscription for most satellite services but there are a few on the market that offer a month-by-month contract. Dish Network offers such service, making it ideal for occasional camping trips.

Our Top Pick

Our favorite satellite from the list was the SuperSonic SC-2411 LED Widescreen HDTV 24” as we felt that it was perfect for RV use. The picture quality is said to be very high quality but is best watched face-on as the picture quality does diminish a little when viewed from the side. The screen is 24” which is a decent size for an RV and the TV features a wide range of ports including HDMI, USB and AC/DC which means that you can easily use it with other media to watch Netflix, view photos or listen to stored music. You can also connect it to your computer and use the screen as a monitor which adds a nice element of multifunctionality to the television.

Source:

  1. RV TV: 7 Things You Need To Know – RV Share
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