Hurricane Front TV

MyLife · 09-20-2009, 08:12 AM

Has anyone remove the front TV to install a flat-screen digital TV? If so let me know what and how you did it. Thank you

kjk · 12-09-2009, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyLife

Has anyone remove the front TV to install a flat-screen digital TV? If so let me know what and how you did it. Thank you

I recieved my 2008 Hurricane 30Q with a defective TV and rather than have the dealer remove and replace the TV, I opted to remove it myself.

Removal is fairly easy if a little time consuming. Key to the process is the fact that the TV is actually hoisted into place by a winch concealed above the right upper cabinet which is operated with a ratchet.

I suppose I should have documented the process, but basically I removed everything I could remove - front wood bezel, bottom trim etc. I removed the retaining cable that wraps around the front of the tv and lowered it with the winch.

I found a 26" Toshiba TV with a 3/8 inch lip all around the front and cut down the original front wood trim to fit the new tv. I made a mount from 3/4 plywood which bolts to the back of the TV. I used the winch mechanism to support the TV while I attached the mount to the original internal structure which housed the old TV using turnbuckles. I tightened the turnbuckles to bring the back of the new TV's bezel into close contact with the original wood front trim. I used some rubber weatherstripping between the 2 surfaces to get a tight fit without damaging either surface.

Some people have used standard mounts from the local Best Buy or wherever, but I think my solution is less prone to vibration problems.

MyLife · 12-09-2009, 08:05 PM

Hello kjk, do you have a photo so we can see the outcome?

Bob King · 12-09-2009, 09:37 PM

Hi kjk:
Quick question on removing the TV. I have a 2005 32R but assume the procedure is about the same. The bottom is covered with a fabric covered plate. Are the fabric covered covers over the (I'm guessing) screws just pressed in place? I'm afraid to pry to hard on them without knowing what kind of trouble I can get into.
Thanks for any help and or pictures (we need pictures).
Bob

kjk · 12-11-2009, 10:27 PM

I just knew I should have taken pictures. It's -30 degrees C in the Motorhome garage, but I will take a photo of the finished product tomorrow and if I can figure out how to post it I wll do so.

The fabric or leather covered domes are just trim buttons over the screws holding the trim panels in place. Remove all the trim and things will be clearer. Remember that the weight of the tv will be taken by the winch once the other fasteners are
removed and you can just crank it down.

I toyed with the idea of putting the TV on a hinged door to allow use of the space formerly taken by the TV but I gave up on the idea. When you finally see all the engineering that went into the mount for these heavy TVs you will be amazed at the extent of the structure back there.

Bob King · 12-11-2009, 10:56 PM

Thanks for the info kjk:

Now another question. I found the end of the ratchet but wonder if there is a way to control the "up" and "down" operation or is it just friction that controls it? If the rain stops soon I will get out and look closer at things.

kjk · 12-12-2009, 06:19 PM

Here are some pictures. The first shows the finished installation. The second and third show the bottom and back panels which are removed to gain access to the interior. The buttons are just snaps which pop off (don't lose them) to reveal a mating fitting with a screw through it. Remove the screws and you are away.

It's not the most comfortable of working positions considering I am not as limber as I once was.

If you do this, run cables from the inputs/outputs of your TV into the AV cabinet as part of the process - you will curse if you have to do it later.

Good Luck,

Ken

george henry · 01-19-2010, 11:28 PM

KJK, sorry but the pic's did not come tru. Please try again got a freind that just bought a used Hurricane and need to see how it is done.

gunkel · 01-20-2010, 08:11 AM

Here are a few pictures of the front 32" Visio LCD install. I cut a 2x27x3/4 piece of plywood for a bottom spacer, painted it black, and screwed it to the bottom cabinet (raised the tv up 3/4"). I then cut two 45" pieces of 1/4" flat stock, bent at 4" and 17 1/2" on either side of center, drilled holes for the tv and for the side mounts. Used 5/16" bolts on the side and 8mm bolts for the tv. I also lined the opening with open cell weather stripping to prevent any vibrations. Works like a charm!!

burgiebill · 01-29-2010, 10:53 AM

Any know of a hurricane thread. I thought I saw one but can't seem to find it. bill

Noelj · 01-29-2010, 02:14 PM

Hurricanes are under Thor Owners with FourWinds forum. We don't rate a subforum yet. You can find lots of TV replacement (including mine) there.

kjk · 02-05-2010, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob King

Thanks for the info kjk:

Now another question. I found the end of the ratchet but wonder if there is a way to control the "up" and "down" operation or is it just friction that controls it? If the rain stops soon I will get out and look closer at things.

Just friction and gravity