TV power while driving

[rogell2424]

We have a class b+ with an entertainment center above and behind the driver's position. The TV is 120v which doesn't work without shore power or generator. Can i use a 12v extension cord plugged into the 12v receptacle on the dash and an inverter to plug the TV and a playstation 3 into so my kids can play while I drive? There are seat belts on the sofa where they will be seated. Will the alternator handle this load for several hours at a time?

[Tallyrver]

A plug in inverter is good for small stuff, computer etc . I have one that used to power a led tv that had a cable to connect directly to the battery in my car. I tried the lighter plug, but it gets too hot.
mine was like this one ,

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-VEC049DCB-Inverter/dp/B0027ISB1I/ref=pd_sbs_ol_6

[BFlinn181]

A 750 watt inverter is probably more than you need. Check the wattage of the TV and game console and buy one just larger than the combined draw. I used a 350w inverter for a 9 inch tube TV/VCR and game console years ago. Today's TVs are probably more efficient than my old set up.

[Tallyrver]

Yes a little overkill, that was one I had during my hurricane days in the Keys. Worked good for a 32 inch tv and lights.

Wayne

[wa8yxm]

The short answer is NO, it is against the law.

The longer answer is NO, the dash 12 volt outlet likely does not have the "Oomph" (Amprage capacity) to power a full size television.

The final answer is: You could put in an inverter, A good size one, this could not only run the TV (Though there may be an ignition lockout on the tv) but your microwave as well for a quick heat of a snack.

If you do decide to go the inverter/extension cord route. Make sure your Inverter is at least twice as big as an LCD tv power plate says it needs, 5x for CRT types. and hook the inverter direct to the batteries, (Via a proper fuse) not plug into the dash.

[SSteve]

Unless one of the kids is driving while playing the Playstation, or you're driving and playing the Playstation, I wouldn't worry too much about any legalities.

I'm guessing your TV is a LCD type, so I, again, wouldn't worry about 5x capacity. That's usually only needed to start AC motors and I'm betting there isn't one in your TV. The motor in your Playstation doesn't count.

Count up the total WATTS you'll be using between the TV and the Playstation, multiply by 1 1/2 or 2 (2x is MORE than enough unless you plan to expand later) and check out inverters that can supply that power. Now, check the CURRENT draw of the inverters at their full-power rating. This is the current you must supply.

The lighter outlet may or may not be capable. Check the fuse that protects it. If the outlet is the only thing the fuse protects and it meets the need, great. If not, you'll need to either find another 12V line that can accommodate you, or run a new line, fused of course.

Another option would be to split the load. If you have two lighter outlets, get (or make) a 12V extension cord or two and two smaller inverters. You can pick up low power inverters (100-200W) pretty cheap. Use the same scheme as paragraph 3 to figure the capacity for each, just use each device instead of both.

Don't worry too much about whether you need a True sine wave vs a Modified sine wave inverter. Most (and I repeat, MOST) consumer electronics will be fine with the Modified. Alas, the only way to tell for sure is to try it. Modified is lots less expensive too.

Steve

[njs42]

I have a hunch it is not in anyones best interest not to consider legalities.

Find out specifically what they are then make your choice whether or not you choose to willfully ignore them. States may have differing laws around having the overhead TV on while driving under any circumstances---they are wired off most likely for that reason.

IMHO it would be ill advised to take anyones word for this---check it out and be sure of yourself before you proceed would seem a better choice and advice.

[Ottawa]

Don't see what the difference is between what he is proposing and all the cars they sell these days with DVD players for the back seat.

[SSteve]

I think Ottawa said it well.

I'll just add that, if common sense says no, the answer is no. Otherwise, don't let someone's "belief" of what's legal sway you. Certainly, get the facts if you are concerned.

Oh yea, by the way...

Don't smoke dope, snort coke or text while you're driving. A cop might pull you over because someone in your RV is playing a video game.

Steve

[njs42]

Common sense tells me the OP assumes all the risk. I'm sure he has heard enough to make a choice.

["007"]

Check the LCD power input maybe 12V if it has a adapter cord for 110V.
Would just need 12V power cord from 12V jack on dash. RS should have them.
Welcome to irv2.

[Eric_H_E]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogell2424 We have a class b+ with an entertainment center above and behind the driver's position. ?

BEHIND is the key word. I would think no legal problems

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm The short answer is NO, it is against the law.

If the TV can't be seen by the driver while underway it is perfectly legal to have it on so the answer above is wrong

[njs42]

Here is the Washington State Law---they vary state to state

Television viewers — Earphones.


(1) No person shall drive any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast when the moving images are visible to the driver while operating the motor vehicle on a public road, except for live video of the motor vehicle backing up. This subsection does not apply to law enforcement vehicles communicating with mobile computer networks.

(2) No person shall operate any motor vehicle on a public highway while wearing any headset or earphones connected to any electronic device capable of receiving a radio broadcast or playing a sound recording for the purpose of transmitting a sound to the human auditory senses and which headset or earphones muffle or exclude other sounds. This subsection does not apply to students and instructors participating in a Washington state motorcycle safety program.

(3) This section does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles, motorcyclists wearing a helmet with built-in headsets or earphones as approved by the Washington state patrol, or motorists using hands-free, wireless communications systems, as approved by the equipment section of the Washington state patrol.