TVs for RVs, does it matter

[SubDoc]

I am looking at upgrading my TV and surround sound both of which suck. And, they always have. I see that those TVs sold by RV supply folks are weather and vibration tested and are 12v powered. Does any of this really matter? Has anyone changed out there standard issue TV for new one?

[bikendan]

Just buy any tv you want. RV specific tvs are marketing ploys.
Other than the 12v feature, there's no difference.
My Jensen RV tv was 110v AC and a basic 720dp tv.
Replaced it with a bigger Vizio smart tv.

[kenandterry]

What size TV are you talking about.

Only some of the smaller TVs (under 19”) (Jensen brand?) May be 12 volt if that matters.

Other than that......ANY TV brand and sound bar will work. Shop around.

[SubDoc]

I currently have a Jensen 32" model. I cannot expand the sound on this one.
Looking at doing maybe a 34" and get the sound bar, but was concerned about the weather and vibration issues with a non-"tested" TV. Thank you,

[Flybob]

Be sure to view the actual picture on the tv you choose at the viewing angle you will be viewing it in the RV. Many of the inexpensive tvs cut costs by using low cost displays with very narrow viewing angles. Unless yu plan to do a lot of boondocking ( on 12V only) you don't really need a 12V tv.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Flybob

Be sure to view the actual picture on the tv you choose at the viewing angle you will be viewing it in the RV. Many of the inexpensive tvs cut costs by using low cost displays with very narrow viewing angles. Unless yu plan to do a lot of boondocking ( on 12V only) you don't really need a 12V tv.

We dry camp a lot and use an inverter to power the 120v AC Vizio tv.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by SubDoc

I am looking at upgrading my TV and surround sound both of which suck. And, they always have. I see that those TVs sold by RV supply folks are weather and vibration tested and are 12v powered. Does any of this really matter? Has anyone changed out there standard issue TV for new one?

Nope. Get any tv you want.

[TeachTexas]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Just buy any tv you want. RV specific tvs are marketing ploys.
Other than the 12v feature, there's no difference.

X2

[emm-dee]

You didn’t say what year/model you have. Most of the newer ones have the separate Jensen DVD/FM/BT etc unit which is connected directly to the forward TV. If you have that setup check to make sure the HDMI cable is connected to the HDMI port labeled ARC. That way, the audio output of the TV is sent to the Jensen. Selecting HDMI as a source on the Jensen will disable the TV sound and put it on your overhead speakers.

The sound via that system is what I consider marginally acceptable. You could change the overhead speakers but you’ll need to spend a couple hundred bucks. I added a 200 watt Bazooka subwoofer under the couch. Very pleased with the sound from the TV now.

[pdqparalegal1]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Just buy any tv you want. RV specific tvs are marketing ploys.
Other than the 12v feature, there's no difference.
My Jensen RV tv was 110v AC and a basic 720dp tv.
Replaced it with a bigger Vizio smart tv.

X2. Buy the size and brand you want. All will work on an RV.

[SubDoc]

Thank you

[madatme]

Originally Posted by SubDoc

I am looking at upgrading my TV and surround sound both of which suck. And, they always have. I see that those TVs sold by RV supply folks are weather and vibration tested and are 12v powered. Does any of this really matter? Has anyone changed out there standard issue TV for new one?

I bought a 43inch roku , weighs 16 lbs. it has all that channel stuff with wifi and cable hook up, if the campground supplies that it works good if the wifi is strong enough, when traveling unhook and store on the bed under covers, as for surround sound is a TT and not a theater

[rp53]

we have a samsung TV and a bose soundbar works great, you don't want to get to loud as we all know TT walls are pretty thin and it's not nice to disturb your camping neighbour

[Thurman]

I'd like to offer this piece of advise: IF your TV is mounted within a box like area such as an entertainment center choose a TV that has the speakers mounted in the front. My original TV was a piece of crap so I ran out and bought a nice 32" Visio to replace it. My TV is mounted within a box like area and the sound is now in the back, not easy to hear. I went to find another TV with the speakers in the front and that was hard to find. I had no idea that so many TV's have speakers mounted in the back. I also added an affordable sound bar, $30 at Wally World, and it made a world of difference with the TV with speakers on the front.

[Rollingdunder1]

As others have said, just about any TV will work. We recently replaced the Jensen with a new smart tv. One thing we have found is that the smart tv does require a strong, clean signal. If we are using the antenna, it will not process weaker signals. Our second tv; an older Jensen will accept some of the weaker signals.

[JohnD10]

Originally Posted by Rollingdunder1

As others have said, just about any TV will work. We recently replaced the Jensen with a new smart tv. One thing we have found is that the smart tv does require a strong, clean signal. If we are using the antenna, it will not process weaker signals. Our second tv; an older Jensen will accept some of the weaker signals.

Ironically, we have two identical 32" Smart TV's hooked up to the same antenna (not in the RV) and they each pick up a couple channels the other doesn't.

[Mountainmanbob]

just in case of dry camping -- we buy 12 volt.
MB

[JohnD10]

Originally Posted by Mountainmanbob

just in case of dry camping -- we buy 12 volt.
MB

You can buy these newfound gadgets called power inverters...

They'll run anything 110v!

A lot of RV's already have them built-in.

[D W]

Originally Posted by SubDoc

I currently have a Jensen 32" model. I cannot expand the sound on this one.
Looking at doing maybe a 34" and get the sound bar, but was concerned about the weather and vibration issues with a non-"tested" TV. Thank you,

I wouldn't get wrapped around the axle on the term "non-tested". Most T.V.s come from China or Korea where they are loaded on trucks and trucked to the port. Then they are loaded on container ships and hauled across the Pacific to the US port of entry. Then trucked to a warehouse, and ultimately trucked to you local store. Today, T.V.s are a lot different than they were 20+ years ago. My 32" Vizio Smart T.V. weighs only 11 lbs. Remember what an old 32" CRT T.V. weighed? My Vizio has endured 3 years of camping, and rough roads, and it still works.

The weather hasn't effected it, either. I leave in the TT all winter long. Of course I know better than to take it out in the rain.

[arter368rlbhk]

Actually rv tvs do generally have thicker cases, most flip down rv mounts actually recommend rv tv bc of this fact. So there are actually differences and not just a marketing ploy. With that said, I got to Walmart and buy the cheapest TVs I can find lol