2 quick questions- TV and cooking inside

greti · 03-20-2011, 07:41 AM

I have two questions that I hope you all can give me some insight on, since I am new to owning a TT (upgraded from a pop up.)

1) I am buying my own TV (small 19inch) because I thought the TV option from Forest River was way too expensive..is there anything specific I need to be on the lookout for- meaning, are there certain things in a TV that don't or do work in a TT versus home use?

2) how many people cook inside a TT? Are there specific things you won't cook inside, does the smell of cooking linger inside the trailer and get into your bedding/cushions, etc?

Thanks for the information!

Offagain · 03-20-2011, 07:53 AM

Make sure your TV is digital ready and that it has a good viewing angle. Depending on where you will be viewing it from, you may not be able to see it if it can not be viewed well from the side.

We cook everything for the most part except for bacon inside. Usually when we are done we will light a candle while we are cleaning up and getting ready to head out. We blow it out before we leave and have not had any problems with odors lingering. With that being said we do try to cook more outside than inside.

MtnGuy · 03-20-2011, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greti

2) how many people cook inside a TT? Are there specific things you won't cook inside, does the smell of cooking linger inside the trailer and get into your bedding/cushions, etc?

The smells do linger, but not near enough in my opinion.

Offagain · 03-20-2011, 08:00 AM

I also forgot to mention that we only stay where there is electric. If you plan on boondocking(no hook ups of any kind) and just run off the camper battery, then you need to know that a regular TV will not work. For that you will need a TV that is 9 volts. Those can be purchased at Camping World, but at a premium in comparison to an ordinary TV purchased for run o the mill home use.

Hope that helps.

MtnGuy · 03-20-2011, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Offagain

If you plan on boondocking(no hook ups of any kind) and just run off the camper battery, then you need to know that a regular TV will not work. For that you will need a TV that is 9 volts. Those can be purchased at Camping World, but at a premium in comparison to an ordinary TV purchased for run o the mill home use.

I think that should read 12 volts.

You can find 12 volt TVs on the net that will work. We bought a 15.3 inch TV with built-in DVD player from Road Truckers for $250....more expensive than a comparable 120 volt, be we dry camp much of the time.

rockwood06 · 03-20-2011, 08:07 AM

The only cooking we do inside is in the microweave, all other cooking is on the firering or on an electric grill.

rockwood06 · 03-20-2011, 08:12 AM

As far as the TV my camper did not come with one so i added my own 32", a little mod had to be done.

Offagain · 03-20-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnguy

I think that should read 12 volts.

You can find 12 volt TVs on the net that will work. We bought a 15.3 inch TV with built-in DVD player from Road Truckers for $250....more expensive than a comparable 120 volt, be we dry camp much of the time.

Sorry, 12 volts it is. Thanks mtnguy.

kenandterry · 03-20-2011, 10:42 AM

I was beginning to think they don't make 9V televisions versus 12V...........but then with all the other cut backs we have to endure these days with the economic downturn, maybe 12V had become 9V.

**bikendan** · 03-20-2011, 12:48 PM

we mainly cook inside when it's just the two of us. the DW does most of the cooking and she prefers having everything she needs at her fingertips. so she cooks inside.
we've never had lingering odors but we have the hood fan and the fantastic fan going when cooking odorous stuff.

if you camp with electric hookups, any digital tv is fine. if you dry camp, then you have two options, 12v tv or an inverter to run a regular tv.

lilspiritus · 03-20-2011, 01:10 PM

3rd option... a generator! We used a generator so I could watch tv while the guys went hunting! Everything worked!

MtnGuy · 03-20-2011, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilspiritus

3rd option... a generator! We used a generator so I could watch tv while the guys went hunting! Everything worked!

And what do you do during generator quiet times that are imposed at National and State Parks ??

ken0042 · 03-20-2011, 01:16 PM

The other option for a TV that works off 12 volts is to buy a smaller TV. I noticed Best Buy in the US has one or two "portable" TVs- they work off 12 volt power as well. They are smaller; 7-10 inches. However for me that is almost a benefit. It's not big enough that I'll end up inside just watching TV.

**bikendan** · 03-20-2011, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilspiritus

3rd option... a generator! We used a generator so I could watch tv while the guys went hunting! Everything worked!

that works for boondocking or hunting camps, but not for campgrounds.

two to three hours of constant generator usage is considered good campground manners. any additional time is very inconsiderate.

**Terier** · 03-20-2011, 01:26 PM

I brought a 22" TV from Costco and it works great. It is wall mounted with a swing out arm that locks in place during travel. (Available at Camping World) I hook up a portable DVD player for movies. I already had the DVD player which I used when I was tent camping.

I do cook inside and so far no problem. The scent of the food does not last long but I do open a window or two and try to avoid cooking on high. For those items with a very strong smell I would consider cooking outside.

As for bacon I didn't have any problem with the smell lasting long.
*Open window
*Cooking on lower temp
*Use a lid
*Avoid burners closest to wall if possible
*Discard grease promplty

MtnGuy · 03-20-2011, 04:22 PM

A 110 volt TV will work off battery power with a properly sized inverter, but by the time you buy a quality inverter, you could probably pay for the extra money involved in buying a 12 volt TV.

greti · 03-20-2011, 06:31 PM

Thanks to all for the information..sounds like a regular flat panel TV will do just fine and that I don't need to worry too much about cooking inside..I will be curious to see how the oven works, since I've never had an oven before when camping.

**Herk7769** · 03-20-2011, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnguy

And what do you do during generator quiet times that are imposed at National and State Parks ??

If you find yourself in this situation (I do all the time) you should look at a good 1500 watt inverter. It will provide a dedicated circuit 120 AC off the batteries to run the TV and DVD or Satellite Receiver.

Offagain · 03-28-2011, 08:40 AM

Oven works great! We bring frozen pizzas for snacking at night. A lot of times my wife will cook what we will be having a day before we leave. When dinner rolls around we just heat it up in the oven, electric griddle, electric skillet or microwave. Sometimes a combination of them. We got a little tired of the hot dog, burger option.

campnqueen · 03-28-2011, 09:06 AM

We did the same thing... purchased an "Insigna" 19" flat screen TV...had our FR dealer install on the swing same thingy when we picked up our camper. So far so good (knock wood) No problems as of yet. Stays in place when we travel... picks up all kinds of stations on just the antenna...and works VERY well on cable hook up too.

As far as cooking... we opted for the gas oven..and so glad we did! We cook inside LOTS!! (outside too)....think the only thing I don't cook inside is fish, but I don;t cook fish inside at home anyway.

Instead of Fabreeze I use "Simple Solution"
Simple Solution® — We Make Pet Care Easier™
We do have dogs... but even if you don't it works great! A little more expensive but soooooo worth it!

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