Community Forums

Bubfn · 04-08-2010, 11:37 AM

I just purchased my first motorhome. A 29' class C, about 10 years old. The RV did not come with any TVs, and I need to get a couple before our first trip (kids will drive me crazy if I don't

). I don't know if I should get 12v or 120v tv and dvd. I would like the tv to work while driving but do not want to run the generator all the time. I'm not asking for help with picking out a brand, unless you can recommend a good 12v tv/dvd, if that is what I should get.
So much to learn!
Thanks in advance

DriVer · 04-08-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubfn

I just purchased my first motorhome. A 29' class C, about 10 years old. The RV did not come with any TVs, and I need to get a couple before our first trip (kids will drive me crazy if I don't

).

Bubfn, Unless you plan on doing a ton of primitive camping ... just get a regular 110Volt TV and be done with it. I would also recommend that you get a surge suppressor and use it. Your camper should have a roof mounted antenna and a booster amplifier. If it doesn't have one you may want to explore having a Digital Capable Batwing "type" antenna fitted to your rig. All TVs now days are digital so you should not need a digital converter like I do!

If you do need to run your TV off of low voltage, just get an "inverter" which will convert 12 volt to 110 volt. Just know that you'll be drawing down your coach battery before too long because all your other coach systems like lighting and fans for instance are typically 12 volt. I bought mine at the Flying J and it's the lowest rated one that plugs into a 12Volt socket.

Izzyblueye · 04-08-2010, 05:09 PM

Drivers advice is sound as a dollar. However, you can get many TV's that are dual voltage, they run on 12V or 110V. An inverter which most m/h's have will run the TV while going down the road, or even when parked. Keep in mind when motor is not running the battery is being drawn down by the inverter. Do not run down the road with the bat wing antenna in the up position unless it is the omni directional type. While TV is an important part of RV'g don't let TV dictate your ability to RV.

paz · 04-08-2010, 05:15 PM

We had a 120V TV in the old TT we used to have, and I bought an inexpensive inverter so we could use the TV during those few times we camped without hookups. However, I have heard some of the newer LCD TVs are a lot more fussy about the wave form of the alternating current. Inexpensive inverters are all modified sine wave, and you may no longer be able to get by with an inexpensive inverter.

M&EM · 04-08-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz

We had a 120V TV in the old TT we used to have, and I bought an inexpensive inverter so we could use the TV during those few times we camped without hookups. However, I have heard some of the newer LCD TVs are a lot more fussy about the wave form of the alternating current. Inexpensive inverters are all modified sine wave, and you may no longer be able to get by with an inexpensive inverter.

paz
I have seen no problems running the latest LCDs: Sharp and Vizio and a small 19" Sony. I also use the same inverter with our laptops and Mac computers for extended times. Our inverter is a 15 year old MSW type.That said, I think that most electronics and inductive type appliances (may) run a little bit warmer on MSW then pure SW. So be aware of that and provide adequate ventilation for these items for better cooling.

Marty

M&EM · 04-08-2010, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz

We had a 120V TV in the old TT we used to have, and I bought an inexpensive inverter so we could use the TV during those few times we camped without hookups. However, I have heard some of the newer LCD TVs are a lot more fussy about the wave form of the alternating current. Inexpensive inverters are all modified sine wave, and you may no longer be able to get by with an inexpensive inverter.

paz,
I have seen no problems running the latest LCDs: Sharp and Vizio and a small 19" Sony. I also use the same inverter with our laptops and Mac computers for extended times. Our inverter is a 15 year old MSW inverter. That said,, I think that most electronics and inductive type appliances (may) run a little bit warmer on MSW then pure SW. So be aware of that and provide adequate ventilation for these items for better cooling.

Marty

Gary RVRoamer · 04-09-2010, 07:34 AM

You should not be afraid of using your generator while driving either - powering 120v things is what it is there for. It is actually very economical to run and powers your fridge as well as the tv while underway. And if it gets hot, it also powers your house a/c to cool the entire coach.