Community Forums

britcardoc · 03-18-2019, 11:18 AM

I need a 12v TV, want a smart tv, prefer Fire TV. 24-32 inch. All TV's now work on some lower DC voltage between 12 and 48 volts DC supplied by a 120v AC "wall wart".

Need to find out which brand runs on 12v. Cigarette adapter not an issue. Wire and plugs ar cheap and easy to make up.

Thanks, Dan

Waiter21 · 03-18-2019, 11:21 AM

I visit my local Walmart and look at the TVs and see if its powered by a wall wart. If it is a 12 volt wall wart, we're good..

I'll be replacing the 20 inch TV in our bedroom this spring. Same basic parameters as you described. and powered by 12 volts.

MSHappyCampers · 03-18-2019, 11:22 AM

Hi Dan! I don't know anything about 12VDC TV's, but just wondered why you would want one?

Limegreencj5 · 03-18-2019, 02:07 PM

Just purchased 2 Supersonic 12 volt tv's with built in DVD player. Installed them in my girls bunk beds. Great picture and sound. Available on Amazon Prime. They have all sizes, and with Firestick you don't have to be locked into a smart TV.

rjreiffer · 03-18-2019, 04:57 PM

You might want to look at an inverter to run any smart tv that way you are not limited to a 12v system. Inverters in that power range are very inexpensive. What size TV are you looking for?

Ray,IN · 03-18-2019, 06:25 PM

The data plate on the back usually lists operating voltage and input voltage. The majority of TV's actually operate on 12VDC, with input of 120VAC.

sgpd1sam · 03-19-2019, 07:46 AM

I second the inverter. Cheaper than a new TV.

John Hilley · 03-19-2019, 08:57 AM

I also would go with a small inverter. The 12 volts can swing from 11.5 to 15+ DCV depending on mode of converter or alternator charging battery. TV might not be designed for that range. The inverter will supply a steady 120 VAC.

RI Expat · 03-19-2019, 12:05 PM

I understand the desire to not use an inverter and power the TV directly from 12 volt. Ends up drawing less for when no shore power is available. I second the comment to look at both Walmart and Best Buy for TVs that have wall warts. I did that with my last coach and ended up with a 32 inch with built in DVD. I saved that and it is now the one in my bedroom. I can fall asleep with the TV timer on and, unlike an inverter, will quit drawing big power in the middle of the night.

John Hilley · 03-19-2019, 12:31 PM

150 watt inverters are inexpensive, $10 to $30. This one has good reviews and also has two USB ports that a Firestick could be plugged into

Suaoki 150 watt Inverter

Brecklundin · 03-19-2019, 02:04 PM

I've opted for inverters over 12v TVs. You want to check how much current the inverter draws in use and when idle but connected.

I learned there is a lot to know on inverters. Some draw almost nothing at rest but lower end units and draw quite a bit more than i would have thought.

I did decide for smaller inverters i use for the two TVs i wanted fanless models. I only need to power the Firesticks (or DVD) plus TV. Watch the Firesticks though, they actually draw lot of power.

I'm still using the modified sine wave 750w model i bought a while back. i have to watch battery charge or it can really draw down the batteries. I'm hunting a couple good pure sine wave devices in the 300w range with high efficiency and pretty much zero draw at rest.