Community Forums

Traps90 · 07-15-2012, 08:13 AM

Just curious of those of you that have a TV outside how much do you really use it and would you get another one if you we're to order a new coach.

I think we'd like one but not sure if the're worth the space you lose and the extra exspense, while we're not big TV watchers we do enjoy it sometimes.

Just not sure how well you can see it under the Awning and if the noise from the campground wouldn't interfere with hearing what was going on at times

Thanks
Trap

RickO · 07-15-2012, 09:12 AM

Good question. When we bought our new coach it was one the dealer already had on the lot and it had the outside entertainment center. We thought it was the coolest thing going at first but after 44000 miles and 4 years of full timing... turns out we hardly ever use it.

I think that might be because we were full timers though.

It's interesting how many full timers spend their time very differently that weekend "campers". Weekenders are trying to squeeze a lot of outdoor fun into a very limited about of time and therefore might be more inclined to sit around the campfire and watch TV. We just found that once the novelty of that wore off, we were more comfortable sitting inside in our comfortable living room.

Having said all of that, if I bought a new rig tomorrow I do think I would order it with the outdoor TV. Many new rigs now build them in to their own panel in the side of the coach so they don't take up a complete storage bay anymore. And... it is really nice to have when I'm grilling or just puttering around outside the coach.

Rick

toneumanns · 07-15-2012, 09:16 AM

Mine came with one also. At first I thought it was pretty cool but honestly if I custom ordered a motorhome I would not have one installed.

njs42 · 07-15-2012, 09:25 AM

I installed one just for the novelty of it and believed when G-kids were about it would be useful. I watch it seldom, usually during Super Bowl or special occassions. I can keep up with the news while I am BBQing outside. If I did not have it would not miss it but it was a fun project and I use it on occassion. I made a drawer basically that when it opens it swings down to expose the TV. Preserved some room and gave me an interesting if small challenge at the same time. Works fine.

Oh! I had a tech run the wires and electrical many years ago in anticipation of having one. This is the third permeation because as I replaced TV's inside I moved them down under. Then finally wanted more room so put a flat screen in a "drawer".

Traps90 · 07-15-2012, 10:38 AM

Thanks folks, I should have added that we do plan to go fulltime, and that's really interesting to here from you fulltimers.

Still interested on hearing others opinions

Trap

Dutch Star Don · 07-15-2012, 02:06 PM

I don't have one, but love doing projects. I felt that it would never get used as mentioned above. When I watch TV, Like to be sitting in my big chair. You also have to think about what type of provider you're going to use. A cable at the park would be easy, but of you have DirecTv or Dish, you're looking at another receiver, or using the inside receiver in SD, not HD. You also have to worry about remote control issues if using the main sat receiver.

RickO · 07-15-2012, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diplomat Don

You also have to think about what type of provider you're going to use. A cable at the park would be easy, but of you have DirecTv or Dish, you're looking at another receiver, or using the inside receiver in SD, not HD. You also have to worry about remote control issues if using the main sat receiver.

There is another way Don... that is if you're willing to watch the same channel as other TVs in the rig while watching satellite.

All three of my sets are connected to a single HD DVR via HDMI cables which I installed. I use the RF feature in DirecTv's remotes instead of the IR default and each set in the coach has its own remote but they all control the single DVR. Works fine, even from the bedroom and outside sets.

Not being able to watch different satellite shows on different sets at the same time is probably a deal breaker for some but it works for us.

Rick

JimM68 · 07-16-2012, 01:29 PM

I keep looking at the gap under the knights pass side kitchen slide...

I've got about 3 1/2 inches...

Modern led tv's are very very thin. I like to watch the races (nascar) and being a weeknd camper (lmao @ rick!) This could work for me.

I coukld drop a/c power down from the icemaker (on the inverter) outlet, and than i'd have to get a tv signal to it somehow. My rig is pre HDMI, the main TV (in the back of the salon) is on separate coax's, and the sat receiver is up front....

Still trying to wrap my head around that...

Soleary · 07-16-2012, 08:35 PM

One of our favorite pastimes is sitting around the fire watching baseball enjoying good friends and an ice cold beverage. Definitely a must have option for us.

Chuck 1935 · 07-16-2012, 11:47 PM

I also have an outside TV and stereo and rarely use them due to bugs.

DennisZ · 07-17-2012, 07:57 AM

We use ours quite a bit, real nice on a nice spring or summer evening. I use Directv with the RF remote on the main TV, have a separate box for the bedroom TV so th DW can watch her programs at night.

Dennis