How to power the TV while traveling

[JRUSH311]

OK so ive done a little research and still have some unnanswered questions

picture attached shows the connection at my tv and there is another on the outside flipdown panel as if to hook up a tv on a table while camping

It seems I need an inverter
I have a 1995 Winnebago Adventurer and I dont think it has one "built in"
to simplify things I 'think' can simply plug an inverter into that 12 volt cigarette looking outlet and power the tv from that
does this sound correct? I will be purchasing a 1000 watt inverter which should be more than enough

on the plug it says for TV
so how was this intended to be powered in 1995 when it was designed?

any ideas or insight ?
what is the small slide switch between the outlet and the cable outlet for?
it has a small red light

thanks

[Glenn and Kathy]

The switch with the red light is the booster for the batwing antenna, should be off when using cable or sat reception. You are correct a 1000watt inverter will run the tv. The tv will run off the gen while moving, but the tv outlets will probably be dead while the ignition is on. It is not legal or recommended to operate the tv if it is visible from the driver seat.


Glenn

[J Birder]

It may never have had a way to operate while driving. It was probably originally intended to work while connected to shore power.

A small inverter into the 12 volt cigarette outlet should work. A PSW inverter will be best. A MSW inverter will work, but may cause some picture degradation.

The switch that you asked about is for the (built in) amplifier for the signal from the antennae.

The outside connection is most likely an input for cable which is available in many parks.

Joel

[JRUSH311]

ok Ive done a little more research and it seems I only need 150-200 watts for my 24 inch led and a bluray player , my only concern is the gauge of wire used for that cigarette looking plug. It does say in small letter WARNING FOR TV USE only
which makes me think they may have intended for an inverter to be used with that outlet
200 watts isnt a lot so that doesnt worry me a lot

its the entertainment console outside that I will be using a 50 inch tv where Ill need 375-400 watts
I dont want to melt a wire and the winnebago manuals havent told me anythign useful as to wire sizing , just shows where they run in the diagrams

also noticing none of the inverters are labeled Modified or Pure sinewave

[vsheetz]

I use Tripplite MSW inverters for TV, computer, sewing machine, etc. the 150w unit has no fan so is very quiet, the 375w unit has a fan, both have zero power draw when turned off (unlike many others), both well made with metal enclosures.

[nothermark]

A typical big glass picture tube draws a couple of hundred watts more than any flat screen in a similar size. 300 watts plugged into the 12 V connector will do it. Better yet buy a flat screen that runs on 12 VDC. They are available.

[LI-Camper]

I bought an RCA LED TV that runs on both 12V and 110V. It came with 2 cords. It has a built in DVD player (not BluRay). When I am boondocking, I have a 12V outlet that connects directly to my house batteries with a fuse. You wouldn't need an inverter. Many (if not all) LED TV's run on 12V. Look at the brick attached to the power cord to see if the brick changes 110V to 12V. To my way of thinking, it wastes energy changing 12V to 110v so that a brick on a TV can change it back to 12V. I bought my RCA TV on Amazon.

[wa8yxm]

Those 12 volt outlets are not much good.. Very low current rating you might get a 150 watt invrter to work..And you might not but odds are not in your favor.

Better to use the dash outlet or hard wire a small inverter

A good choice would be something like a Samulex 300 Watt PURE SINE WAVE.. Connect directly to the battery using heavier than you think you need wire (like 8ga or 4ga) and park it in a compartment next to where the batteries live...Then you can run standard 120 volt wiring up to a new outlet you install NEXT TO the existing 120 outlet.. Make it red or orange to signify that it's hot even with you are not connected to shore power.

That should do it

One warning IF the TV is where the driver can see it (Appears not to be the case here) There are some laws that might end up costing you some money.. As I said in another thread.. I do not care if you run the TV or not. I believe you won't let it distract you..But I'd feel bad if you got a ticket without being warned first.

[DDDonkey]

In my old MH I bought a 'blue sea" (think that was the name) heavy duty 12v plug and changed out the factory one, then I put in a small 200 watt PSW inverter that I got of ebay for $50 to run the front TV and DVD. I never had a problem after I changed out the plug, I would just turn the inventor on and off as needed. If you already have the TV you can look at the back and it will tell you how many watts is uses..

[Mentor]

Originally Posted by JRUSH311

OK so ive done a little research and still have some unnanswered questions

picture attached shows the connection at my tv and there is another on the outside flipdown panel as if to hook up a tv on a table while camping

It seems I need an inverter
I have a 1995 Winnebago Adventurer and I dont think it has one "built in"
to simplify things I 'think' can simply plug an inverter into that 12 volt cigarette looking outlet and power the tv from that
does this sound correct? I will be purchasing a 1000 watt inverter which should be more than enough

on the plug it says for TV
so how was this intended to be powered in 1995 when it was designed?

any ideas or insight ?
what is the small slide switch between the outlet and the cable outlet for?
it has a small red light

thanks

There were TV's that had a 12 volt plug to go into exactly what you have there but presently your best choice is a 250 watt inverter.

[Ray,IN]

That TV amplifier, 12V power plug should have a 7.5A fuse on the back to protect the outlet.
Many new flat-screen TVs work internally from 12VDC. The 120VAC power cord is attached to a converter, which is 120VAC to 12VDC to power the TV. If you are handy with electronics you may be able to wire-in a 12V power cord with a cigar lighter plug. If you have the TV schematics you don't even have to take the TV apart to find out if this will work.

[BeachDude]

I use a Powercup to connect the TV while in transit. No fancy inverter, additional batteries, or maintenance. Simple, and it works. And you have the 12v jack right there!