There’s great fun going on a cross-country road trip in an RV, thinking of all the turns and adventures that the road may bring. However, when in the middle of a long journey, there will come a time that you may get bored and want to watch a movie, or you want to get updated on what’s happening in the world on a TV.
While having a TV in your RV will be highly convenient and enjoyable, you can’t just get the TV from your couch and plug it into your RV’s power supply. They consume too much power. They’re also not designed to handle the bumps and shocks of the road.
If you want a TV in your RV, you need caravan TVs, which are a type of TV designed to make it suitable for the road while also providing good quality and a bunch of additional features, such as big screens reaching up to 32 inches.
If it’s your first time considering a TV for your RV, this article will help you by giving you all you need to know and all the things you have to consider.
Read also: 5 Accessories for Your First Glamping Holiday
What is a 12V TV?
A 12V TV is a type of television designed for usage on the road, wired straight into a battery. It can run on both AC and DC power, so you won’t have to use a power inverter, resulting in less power usage since you can avoid the power loss associated with power inverters.
Furthermore, the road may be fun, but it can also be harsh, especially on your TV. It’s one of the main reasons you can’t just bring your home TV in your RV, as they are designed to stay still on your table and not for the road’s rough terrain and the extreme weather you may encounter in different places.
As a TV specifically designed for travel, 12V caravan TVs are solid and sturdy appliances that can withstand strong vibrations and extreme temperatures. They’re also safer in the event of an accident, as it’s designed to stay firmly mounted even during impact.
However, make sure that you get a good 12V TV, as cheaper models often use substandard designs and materials to prioritize more affordable prices over product quality and durability.
If you’re looking to get a caravan TV, you need to know the different factors you need to consider.
Factors to consider when buying caravan TVs
1. Size
You can find caravan TVs in many different sizes. If you’re alone during your trips, at least a 22-inch TV should be good enough for you. However, if you travel with many people or live in your RV, it’s worth investing in a larger TV of around 40 inches.
Furthermore, when choosing a size for your TV, plan where you want to mount it, so it won’t interfere with everything else and provide you with the best viewing experience.
2. Portability
While you need to mount it in place, which means it won’t move around much, you still need to get a portable TV so that it won’t look out of place and so it’s easy to move the TV when you have to.
You also have to choose a TV with fewer cables, as too many cables can interfere in an already small space inside your caravan. It’s inconvenient, plus it also looks disorganized and dirty when there are too many wires lying around.
3. The experience
Even if they’re not like home TVs, you can still get an excellent viewing experience on a 12V TV. With full HD resolution, LED screens, and big panels available in caravan TVs, you can feel right at home when watching TV in your RV.
While there’s much to be improved in the sound quality of caravan TVs, there are models out there with excellent built-in speakers. Before buying, make sure to try out the sound in a similarly-sized space, if possible. If you can’t find one with a good sound system, you may also consider plugging it in or connecting it to your favorite speaker or Bluetooth audio device.
4. Surge protection
The power supply in caravans can be both limited and unpredictable. These are things the electronics in your TV won’t like. It will ruin the experience with flickering screens. It can also damage your TV.
To avoid flickering screens and a damaged TV in your caravan, get a surge protector for your TV or get caravan TVs with built-in surge protection, so it won’t suffer when the voltage supply spikes or drops suddenly.
5. Online or offline
When choosing a caravan TV, you also need to consider how you want to use it.
You may be better off with an offline setup if you’re often off the grid. It means you’ll need a 12V TV with a built-in tuner. It may also be worth the money to get one with an integrated DVD player. There are also TVs that you can use to mirror content from your other devices.
If you want to go online, you’ll need a smart TV with a WiFi adapter. You’ll also need a WiFi connection. If you plan to go to campsites with WiFI, this will be your best choice. If you’re going this way, make sure you have a stable connection and enough bandwidth.
On a final note…
Being on the road doesn’t mean you’ll have to stare at the road throughout your journey. There are many affordable, high-quality caravan TVs out there for you. You just have to pick the TV that fits your needs.
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Author's Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the company in question before planning your trip.
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