Replace CRT TV's With Flat Screens

[Dolphinglenn]

I want to replace the old 19" CRT televisions in my 2000 Dolphin 5373 with flat screen units. I also want to replace the B&W rear rear view monitor and camera with color units. Any suggestions? How to's?

[MandG-Fun]

This may not come out as being helpful but I'll give it my best. There are lots of posts about swapping out the old TV's for new ones. You will probably be best served to do some searches and see some of the conversions that others have done to see how you can apply their ideas to your coach and your fabrication abilities. It is safe to say there are no drop in conversions, each one is a custom job. You should also inspect the areas in your coach carefully to see what you are dealing with once you remove the old TV's. This will help you to begin formulating your plan for the modifications required.

I hope that helps to give you a little to start with. I don't have any comments regarding the back up camera conversion. I didn't feel that having my white toad in color provided any benefit over black and white.

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by MandG-Fun

This may not come out as being helpful but I'll give it my best. There are lots of posts about swapping out the old TV's for new ones. You will probably be best served to do some searches and see some of the conversions that others have done to see how you can apply their ideas to your coach and your fabrication abilities. It is safe to say there are no drop in conversions, each one is a custom job. You should also inspect the areas in your coach carefully to see what you are dealing with once you remove the old TV's. This will help you to begin formulating your plan for the modifications required.

I hope that helps to give you a little to start with. I don't have any comments regarding the back up camera conversion. I didn't feel that having my white toad in color provided any benefit over black and white.

Good advice. There are a plethora of threads on this subject and all will give you the inspiration needed but the execution needs to be custom.
Personally, I tried the DIY route but a Carpenter I am not. I threw in the towel (and a few bucks) and turned the coach over to a shop that did a really nice job and made everything look like it belonged.

My attempt was far from it to say the least.

X2 on the camera. I could not justify the cost. Spent all my dough on the TV's.

Good luck.

[dennis45]

This is how our Reno turned out.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/awes...rv-138956.html

[MandG-Fun]

Originally Posted by dennis45

This is how our Reno turned out.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/awes...rv-138956.html

Sorry for the diversion from your question Dolphinglenn, just wanted to comment on Dennis's upgrades. Beautiful job by your shop and lots of wonderful storage reclaimed.

I am a hobby woodworker so I tackled the job myself. Here is a recent post with my conversion. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f105/arti...ml#post1958560

[kennersonf]

Don't know how your TV is mounted, but here's a link to what I did.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f105/lcd-...-x-117797.html

[Bfmorgan]

I was going to do my own, until I discovered my RV dealer would do it for under $200 not including the TV. It took 90 minutes for the dealer to do the job and it looks like it was done at the factory.

[Steve N Sal]

Removed both of ours and have too say that was the biggest job. Have someone help you when it's time to take them out. Plenty heavy. I just had and oak door made with hinges attached to cover the openings of where the TV's were. Mounted a flat mount bracket on the new bed from door and mounted the TV. The space behind now is just more storage room. The same basically for the front as well only we decided to not mount the TV back in that location. The TV now sits on a stand on the passenger side wall. It seems to make it much easier for viewing. When we travel we just move that TV to a storage spot next to the couch on the floor. Good luck with your project.

[Xjaywalker]

I just finished mine not too long ago. The front was a little more tricky then the rear, only because I had to fabricate some pieces to close the gaps the 32 inch LED TV did not cover. The rear was easier and was able to fit a 24 inch LED TV into a wooden frame and hinge it at the top for easy access to more storage in the bedroom.

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by MandG-Fun

Sorry for the diversion from your question Dolphinglenn, just wanted to comment on Dennis's upgrades. Beautiful job by your shop and lots of wonderful storage reclaimed.

I am a hobby woodworker so I tackled the job myself. Here is a recent post with my conversion. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f105/arti...ml#post1958560

Nice job. You obviously have the right skills for wood.

I can rebuild engines but woodworking is not my thing.

[soneil422]

Good prices on what appears to be nice back-up camera systems. I have not purchased one, but hope soon. A friend of mine bought one, loved it!

Backup Camera System | Vehicle Safety Products | RearViewSafety.com

[Dolphinglenn]

Nice job. Thanks for the pics and the encouragement.

[Karlos]

I recently replaced my front TV in the dash overhead with a 22' Vizio LCD from Costco for under $200.

After removing the CRT and cleaning up the wiring, I cut a piece of 1/2 plywood to the size a cabinet door would have been. It is also the exact width of the Vizio. After sanding the plywood, I painted it with a couple layers of gloss black paint to match the TV. I drilled holes in the plywood to match the TV mounting holes and screwed it to the plywood door from the back. I added two shelf brackets to the bottom to really lock the TV down...probably not necessary, but I'm kinda A/R about those things.

I purchased hinges from my local hardware store that matched the original National hinges, then drove out the hinge pins with a hammer and punch. I replaced the hinge pins with quick release latch pins so I could move the TV to another location when I wanted to. (If this moving the TV isn't important to you, use the hinges as purchased.)

All in all, a great upgrade, under $200 cost and probably 4-6 hours of my time.

Good luck on your project.
Karl

[Theberrys]

Here is how I did my 1999 Tradewinds. I did both the front and bedroom TV's

https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=ae67f...2766057%211746







Dick