Ceiling Mounted TV?

[steelheadbluesman]

My Sony CRT TV is located in the center of an overhead cabinet above the dashboard/windshield. It gives a good picture, one I can live with, but it's very heavy and uses a lot of space. I'm thinking of mounting an LED TV hinged to the ceiling, so it rides in a "locked-up" position, parallel to the ceiling, then drops down to a vertical position in front of the cabinet above the windshield for viewing. (I hope I'm saying this in an understandable way.... ) It seems to me that this opens up my old TV space above the dash for light storage, and also "parks" my TV for travel. Although, coax cables and power cord exposure might be a problem. And, I would have to attach some hardware to the TV body, and also to the ceiling, don't know if that's a good idea. Also, can LED TVs ride in a flat (horizontal) position, or could damage occur? OR, on a different tack, I could mount it on some kind of swing-arm in a vertical mount in front of the old TV cabinet space. Or something else? I'm just thinking that I would like to open up the space currently used by this overweight CRT, to store movies or other lightweight stuff. I know from reading threads here that many of you are experts at this stuff, and your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

[JohnRR]

I'd be more inclined to say some type of swing door left or right preferably towards the passengers side versus the idea of being folded up towards the ceiling. It seems to make the finished job more professional looking in terms of no cable etc being seen and possibly safer than being hooked to a ceiling that was not designed for the purpose.

[Izzyblueye]

STEELHEADBLUESMAN: Your idea sounds workable to me. Winnebago puts a pretty secure plywood ceiling in their coaches, so a TV should not be a problem. I hope you will come back on and tell us how it all worked out for you. Seems to me the wires coming into the tv could be bundled and hidden in the old CRT cavity while in transit.

[ZephyrKnight]

Maybe the people at Marathon Coach (or any other "custom" RV builder) can help since most of what they do, to those amazing coaches, is just what you're looking for. Chances are, that they not only have done it a thousand times, but they probably can tell you what parts (hinges/etc) you can use to get the best results. Just a thought since I have actually seen this (on TV) in one of their coaches. Does anyone else remember the program i'm talking about...where the couple was looking for that, "WOW Factor"???...and they got it!!!

[Gary - K7GLD]

I'm looking to do the same thing eventually - but to the underside of that row of cabinets above driver and co-pilot - using a large thin screen PC monitor and remote TV converter to feed it.

It too would be arranged to flip down for viewing, and all cables would feed directly above into the above cabinet space where the converter and other radio/stereo equipment would then be stored.

In our older '88 Winnie Super Chief, that setup won't intrude into the driver/passenger area while traveling - and it would also provide for the screen to swivel for best viewing angle...

[RickO]

I would also vote to design it with either a swing away door or articulating arm to allow access to storage behind the TV. I like the look of the swing down TVs in the Marathons but I just envision a lot of opportunity for the end product not looking as good as one which is mounted for swinging out rather than down.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Rick

[FLYTYER]

Flat screen TV's (LCD, LED, and plasma) are not designed to be in a horizontal position...think about why they are shipped and handled in a vertical box. The larger the screen the more flexing of the screen components while in a horizontal position during transit in a RV or motor home.

I would not risk it

[steelheadbluesman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLYTYER Flat screen TV's (LCD, LED, and plasma) are not designed to be in a horizontal position...think about why they are shipped and handled in a vertical box. The larger the screen the more flexing of the screen components while in a horizontal position during transit in a RV or motor home. I would not risk it

I wonder if they are shipped vertically to avoid the weight of stacking? Don't know. Flexing could be a problem, but what about the Marathon application? I think your point is worthy of serious investigation. Anyone know where Marathon's application might be found or seen? Thanks to all for the input, very helpful.

[John Hilley]

About three years ago, there was a company selling a ceiling mount TV mount for motorhomes. I actually had a track so it could be moved fore and aft for best viewing position and travel position. It mounted through the roof with large metal pads on the roof to spread the weight and waterproofing. I was a very nice setup. The company was from Texas.

[FLYTYER]

I would suggest checking the TV specifications or even contacting the USA customer service of the TV being considered.

A few years ago when I switched TV's, I wanted to go horizontal for storage and transit of a 32 inch Sharp HDTV. The Sharp specifications stated vertical only. I called their customer service who emphasized it was important to avoid the horizontal position in a motorhome.

Today's TV's might be more tolerant, but I would check to be sure.

[Midniteoyl]

What your looking for is one of these (sized for smaller tv's, but you get the idea):

Amazon.com: VideoSecu Under Cabinet Mount Flip for LCD monitor Black TV LCD-CM 1MS: Electronics

Amazon.com: LCD mount Bracket Flip Down Ceiling or Under-Cabinet DLP HDTV Monitor 10-20" Tilt: Electronics

Short Throw Flat Panel Ceiling Mount / Cabinet Mount for 19" Monitors Ergo In Demand

Or, for real money, automation and 'flash': LCD Plasma TV Motorized Lift Mount, The FLP-210 lift can accommodate most all LCD and Plasma TVs in the 32" to 42" range.


And no, it shouldnt hurt the LCD to travel horizontal...

[FLYTYER]

I believe the point is being missed here...

There are many great mounting configurations to store a HDTV LCD or whatever screen it is, but these are for "in-home" applications, NOT motorhome or RV situations which are subject to vibration, bouncing, etc.. and in some cases severe cold temperatures.

The exercise of verification will provide the information needed to make a proper decision.

[Midniteoyl]

A simple strap to secure the LCD in the up position could be added...

[Gary - K7GLD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midniteoyl A simple strap to secure the LCD in the up position could be added...

YUP - no need to make a relatively simple project unnecessarily complex...