Installing TV help in KZ MXT or any RV

[Flyingchef]

RV dealer wants 150.00 just to install a tv. I already have the bracket and TV. There is a piece of tape in mounting area. Is it difficult to do it myself? I just don't want to put the screws in where there is not a piece of wood or metal. Walls are so cheap, I don't want to damage. We love this camper, but lots of money for plywood, press board and fiberglass.

[APhotoWizard]

I have installed two TV's in a 40' diesel motorhome and other devices in several other motorhomes so I can offer some suggestions.

The primary problem with mounting anything in a mobile device is locating a frame member strong enough to hold the device. Trailers and some motorhomes are weight limited by the under carriage so the super structure is a careful balance between weight and strength. As such, it is imperative that you locate the actual structural member behind the facade of the interior.

Another problem you will face is the electrical wiring and other services are frequently contained within hollow structural members as that will hold them in place during manufacturing. You must avoid these to to avoid even more costly repairs.

The dealer has likely already seen where these items are located and can immediately drill the proper holes and make the attachment with minimal trouble and if the dealer drills a hole in your power wire then he will be responsible for the repair.

With that said, I continued with the job myself. The hard part is locating the supporting struts behind the wall. It sounds like you may have an identified location where the TV is designed to go. If that is true, then the tape could identify the proper spot. One way to test is to use a small rubber hammer and tap the wall. If there is a solid wood support behind the tape it will sound different from the surrounding area.

Once an area has been identified, I used a special drill to drill test hole. I chose a 1/8 inch drill. With the drill in the drill chuck, I cut a piece of 1/2 inch wood dowel such that when I drilled through the dowel length wise, only 1/2 inch of the drill remained exposed. Thus you have a drill that will only drill hole 1/2 inch deep. I chose 1/2 inch because most inside walls are 1/4 inch plywood so the drill should reach only 1/4 inch into the backing material. This should be enough to identify the material. If you hit wood or aluminum you are in luck. Continue to try each hole location. If you hit Styrofoam you need to move elsewhere.

One more tactic is to use a sheet of 3/8 plywood l the size of the mount and connect the mount to the metal. Then you can use a dozen or so small screws and glue to hold the plate to the plywood wall. For small TV's that could work as well without the need to find a mounting.

Good luck with your endeavor.

[marcham]

Do you you have a studfinder? If so then finding the mounting plate is easy.

[Kahoona]

You might want to ask the installer what they are doing for the $150.00. If this is a flat tv with a regular power cord and fluorescent back light it probably weighs enough to shift interior walls. You would really have to know what you are doing. On the other hand if it is a led lit TV 25" or less then it is light and you could do it yourself. Will it run on 110 or 12v and will it go on an exterior wall or interior?

[clifford j]

PhotoWizard makes good suggestions. This isn't much different than doing it in a house. Locate the studs and screw. A stud finder, tapping on the wall are the things the dealer would probably do. I bought an electronic stud finder for 25 bucks that locates wood/metal studs and electrical wiring. Drilling tiny holes works too, The holes will end up behind the tv and be concealed anyway. I'd just go for it and keep the 150 bucks in MY pocket.

CLIFF

[Some1]

Im going to be tackling this same project soon. I just contact my mfg through email and they sent me the construction drawings and cut list for the wall in question. This showed me I have a 3/4" piece of plywood to hang my mount on.

As long as the right hanging equipment is used and you mount your mount exactly where that sticker says to I dont see it being a difficult job as long as some common sense is used.

Or there is always the easy, worry free way of doing it and just paying the man to do his job.

[Flyingchef]

Wow, Thanks all of you. Many things to choose from. Thanks for the detail Photowizard. I think I am going to try the construction drawing from KZ first. I have no sticker in the toy box area and l was told there is an area. I can actually use pieces from all of you. Thank you very much. Glad I joined!!!!