There you have it. The top 10 best RV TVs of 2021and what makes them the ideal TV for your camper.

What is an RV TV?

An RV TV is a television set that has been specifically designed for RV use. Thus, it is an appliance that can endure the different traveling conditions – the bumps and humps along the way and the changing seasons, temperature, and humidity each day.

This means they can take on the shocks and vibrations during traveling and they can operate well even when it’s hot or cold. You cannot expect these features from household appliances since they are used in a stationary place.

Since it is designed for use in a camper, it is portable and lightweight. This is important to make them appropriate to use inside travel trailers with limited space and weight requirements. It’ll also make installation and arrangement of the TV easier.

As RV life involves a lot of camping outdoors, the screen of an RV TV usually has anti-glare properties to make it easier for the viewers to watch their favorite shows. They can enjoy watching even in broad daylight using anti glare screens.

To be able to access different channels when you’re in a remote site, you need to have an RV TV antenna. It allows you to catch local channels even if you’re in the middle of nowhere. There are also some RV TVs that come with a built-in DVD player so that you can watch your favorite movies while on the road.

How does an RV TV work?

An RV TV works by connecting it to a 12V power system in your rig. It is more energy efficient this way and will not consume too much power in case you want to watch a show on TV.

This is how an RV TV differs from the ones we use at home. It can run off a 12V DC electrical system which is powered by an electrical hookup at the campground or RV park. You can also connect it to your RV battery or a generator so that you can use it when you’re away from shore power.

What are the different types of TVs for RV?

A TV for RV can be classified into 2 types: the LCD TV or Liquid Crustal Display and the LED TV or Light Emitting Diode. The main difference between these 2 types lies on their screen backlight. Here are other things you need to know about them.

LCD TVs

When you have an LCD TV, it means that light passes through a liquid crystal display to be able to form a picture or the images that you see when watching TV. There are fluorescent lights beneath the glass that help provide you with a great image resolution.

On the downside, LCD TVs are usually thicker and bulkier. This is why they can be more difficult to set up and move around.

LED TVs

LED TVs are LCD TVs that also use the power of light emitting diodes to illuminate the screen. This presents us with a more efficient lighting, better contrast, and brighter screen display. They are also more energy efficient as LED backlights use less power.

LED TVs usually come with a more slender built and thinner panel making them easier to handle and install. However, LED TVs usually have a higher price than LED TVs of the same size.

There are a lot of available TVs in the market whether you prefer the LCD or LED type. You just have to choose the TV type that suits your viewing preference and budget.

Benefits of TV for RV

Having a TV in your camper is a good idea especially if you’re going on a long trip. It is also recommended for those with minimal contact with the outside world when they travel. Here are the benefits of having a TV inside your travel trailer.

Be updated with the latest news.

Need to know the weather forecast for the next few days? Want to know the traffic situation in the area where you’re headed to? Or do you want to be updated with the latest happenings in the political arena? You can be updated with what’s going on around you when you have a TV in your camper and that’s always a good thing.

Entertain yourself while on a trip.

An RV TV is a source of entertainment while you’re on the road. You won’t miss an episode of your favorite TV series. You can also play songs or see your photos using your RV TV. There are also some models that come with a DVD so you can watch your favorite movies together with your family and friends.

This is also a big help when you’ve got kids with you. This will help them pass the time, especially when it’s too hot to go outside or you’ve got some chores that need to be done.

Play any video that you like.

It’s not much fun watching videos on your laptop or tablet. Level up your viewing experience by transferring the file on your flash drive and play the video on your RV TV. This way, everyone can watch the video and join in on the fun.

Enjoy integrated services that come with the RV TV. 

This is true for smart TVs. They offer you a whole lot of features that’ll make you appreciate your RV TV even more.

Some come with games for added fun and entertainment. There are also units with voice integration services that allow you to control and interact with your surroundings using your voice. You can control your TV with your voice and ask it to switch channels, increase the volume, or to play the movie that you want to see on Netflix.

There are RV TVs that you can use as your computer monitor as well and help you get some work done while on the road. Or if the RV TV comes with an HDMI port, you can stream your favorite songs and videos from your smartphone and laptop.

Convenience

Most RV TVs come with multi-purpose remote controls. You can use them to control not onlyyour TV but also your DVD player. This adds convenience to users as you don’t have to keep 2 remotes with you and it eliminates the hassle of looking for 2 remote control units when you want to watch a movie.

Runs off Batteries

Most TVs for RV run off batteries. This means you don’t need to use a generator just to enjoy its features. They are also a great energy saver as most of them run on 12V. They consume less power and you can have them plugged into your RV while you’re driving.

There are many benefits to enjoy when you have a TV in your RV that’s why it’s worth considering putting one in your camper.

What to Look for When Buying a TV for RV?

When you’ve already made up your mind to get a TV for your RV, keep these factors in mind as you’re choosing the best TV for RV.

Voltage or Power

Power is a limited resource when you’re RVing so you don’t want an appliance that consumes too much electricity when in use.

Most RV TVs are 12V which means that they are compatible with RVs as most campers have 12V batteries. This is a practical choice as it saves you a lot of energy.

Ease of Set up

It is best when your RV TV is easy to set up. Nobody wants to be stressed about installation. It is frustrating when you already want to start using the TV but can’t get it running because you can’t figure out which wires and cables go where.

Look for a TV model that does not need a lot of wires during set up. Aside from they can get confusing, they also won’t cause too much cable clutter in your camper.

Look for an RV TV that comes with an HDMI cord. This way, you will be able to connect different devices with just one cable. It makes setting up your RV TV so much easier and more organized.

To help you determine the TV’s ease of set up, read about the product. Buyers usually provide feedback regarding the set up process if they found it hard or simple. Learn from their experiences and choose one that’s easy to set up so that you can start using your TV right away.

Reception

The best TV for RV is one that picks up or receives over-the-air broadcast TV signals from different TV stations. This will ensure that you’re able to watch shows from local TV stations and Free TV such as ABC, CBS, and NBC.

But if you want to have a stronger signal and more extensive coverage, you can get a satellite TV. This is popular among many RV owners because they can enjoy more shows from different channels. They also experience the benefits of having a better reception so they have higher quality of pictures and audio when they are watching their favorite TV shows.

You also have the opportunity to enjoy the services of Dish Network and DirecTV depending on your RV TV package.

When you get a satellite TV, you have a buy a domed antenna which allows users to receive different signals and have an improved reception. Make sure that the antenna that you’re getting provides in-motion viewing so that you can watch TV even while you’re in transit. It may be expensive but some RV owners find the price worth it because it enhances their TV viewing experience.

You can also look for HD outdoor antenna to get better reception. Or if you want better signal, consider buying a booster for your RV TV antenna. For those who also enjoy listening to radio stations, you might want to buy an RV FM antenna so that you can listen to your favorite tunes through your TV.

Type

There are different types of RV TVs. Do you want an LCD or LED type of TV? The type you choose will have an impact on the thickness, screen size, picture quality, power consumption and lifespan of your RV TV.

Take note also of the importance of buying a TV for RV and not the ones you use at home. Keep in mind that residential TVs are not fit for RV use because they are not equipped with the proper mechanism to deal with vibrations and changes in temperature and humidity that you commonly experience while on travel.

TV Size

Most RV TVs come in 19″ or 24″ sizes. These sizes have become the standard in RV TVs because of the limited space inside the campers. You see, RV TVs come in compact sizes to reduce the risk of getting damaged due to bumps or vibrations.

19-inch RV TV

The 19″ RV TV is more compact so it doesn’t take up too much space inside your camper. It is perfect for use in the bedroom. It is also more portable so you can move it around in case you want to watch TV in a different room or even outdoors.

It is also easier to set up. This is also more affordable than larger sized TVs. However, you have to get used to a smaller screen than the one you have at home.

24-inch RV TV

Because of its larger size, a 24″ RV TV is more suitable to use in your living area or outdoors. With its larger screen, you will have a better viewing experience.

Since it is larger than the 19″ TV, it takes up more space inside your camper. It is a bit more difficult to move around. The set up process may also be more challenging. They are also more expensive.

While there are RV TVs that come in bigger sizes, they aren’t that common because they take up too much space inside the rig. It is really a matter of how much space you have in your travel trailer.

This is why you need to know where you’re going to install your RV TV before buying one so that you know which size would fit in your available space. It’ll be a waste of money when you buy a TV that won’t fit in your rig.

Mounting Option

RV TVs can be mounted on the wall, ceiling, or any flat surface to help RV owners maximize the available space inside your campers. It is best to look for a TV that has different mounting options so that you can find the arrangement and position that suits you perfectly.

Many RV owners prefer wall mounted TVs which can be extended, tilted, swiveled or rotated so that they can get the best viewing angle. They can also be retracted snugly against the wall to keep them out of the way as people pass by.

Functionalities

As we said earlier, it is best to choose an RV TV that comes with an HDMI port so that you can use for TV for other purposes such as listening to music and watching movies. This will also allow you to watch videos in HD for better quality of pictures and audio.

Most RV TVs now come with built-in CD/DVD players so that you can watch videos or have a movie marathon.

There are also models that have SD card slots that allow you to view photos and videos stored in your memory card. This is great for sharing these content to everyone inside the camper.

Some RV TVs have USB ports so that you can hook up your mobile devices to your TV. This gives you more options to share various media on a big screen so that more people can enjoy them.

These added functionalities allow you to use your RV TV for different purposes. You can do more than just watch shows on local TV stations. You can listen to music, watch movies, view photos, and enjoy other media. The more things you can do with your RV TV, the more value you get for your money.

Price

Price is influenced by various factors – the brand, model, type, size, and other features offered by the RV TV. It depends on you on what properties you value in a TV for RV.

Set a reasonable budget when buying an RV TV. Your budget will help you limit your search when looking for the best TV for RV. This budget must be able to accommodate all the features that you want your own RV TV to have.

By this, we mean that you have to be ready to spend more if you want a bigger sized satellite TV. It would definitely be more expensive than a 19″ TV with a dome antenna.

There are various factors that you have to consider when buying the best TV for RV. Make sure you go over each one in our list so that the RV TV that you’ll purchase is the one that suits your needs the best.

Wrap Up

While not an essential part of your camper, an RV TV is a great addition in your travel trailer. It’ll help keep you and your companions entertained, updated with the latest news, and enjoy its conveniences and other features.

Before buying the best TV for RV, make sure you take into consideration its power consumption, ease of set up, reception, type, size, mounting options, additional features and your budget. All of these factors will help you get an RV TV that not only fits your camper perfectly but also satisfies your need for information and entertainment while on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose the right size and mounting options?

It is important to choose the right size and mounting option for your RV TV. That’s why you should check the specifications and product description of the RV TV that you’re buying. Do you want a compact TV or a larger one? Do you have the space in your rig for a large TV?

Prior to this, you should already know where you want to put your television and if you want it to be fixed on the wall or you want to be able to move it around. Do you want a mount with an arm for your RV TV so that you can extend and swivel it? Or are you okay with minimal movement such as being able to tilt your TV at a certain angle to reduce the glare from the sun?

While taking the size and mounting options of your RV TV into consideration, factor in the expenses involved such as the kind of TV mount that you will get and of course, if you want a bigger TV, it comes with a more expensive price tag.

The perfect TV for your RV has the correct size, convenient mounting options, and comes with the right price.

How to Hook Up a TV in an RV?

As mentioned above, look for an RV TV that’s easy to set up. As to the setup process, you should follow the instructions written in the owner’s manual. It may differ from one model to another that’s why we have to refer you to the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid encountering any issues when using your TV.

For your guidance, here are some common steps to guide you in the set up process.

First, put together all the mounting hardware. For you to secure the safety of your RV TV in your camper, you should mount it properly. Most manufacturers of RV TVs provide buyers with a mounting bracket. In case yours did not come with one or you have a different RV TV mount in mind, you need to buy the hardware that you want so that you can mount your RV TV.

The mounting kit includes a wall bracket, a mounting plate, an articulating arm, and the screws and bolts needed to attach the RV TV mount onto the wall.

Second, install the RV TV mount. Make sure that the wall in your camper is thick enough to handle the weight of the mount and the TV. If not, you have to make a wood stud for your mount and attach this to the wall.

You can use a pencil to mark the area where you will position your RV TV mount. Then drill the screws so that you can secure your TV mount in place. Attach the mounting bracket at the back of your TV.

The third step is for you to put the TV on the mount. Make sure the wires are properly in place so that your RV will function as expected. You can also proceed to arrange your RV in the right position and proper angle that will give you optimal viewing experience.

Lastly, you can proceed to program your TV settings – scan the channels, choose the picture mode, change the contrast, adjust the brightness and sharpness of the screen, along with the other settings that you want. This will just take you a couple of minutes and then you can already enjoy watching your favorite shows on TV.

Does RV TV come with a remote?

Yes, every RV TV we’ve seen comes with a remote. This makes it more convenient for viewers to use the TV. They can switch channels and adjust the TV settings from where they are sitting or laying down without having to get up to approach the TV screen.

However, the quality of the remote will differ depending on the manufacturer. This is why it is important to read about it, regarding their personal experiences in using the remote that comes with their RV TV.

This will help you ensure that you will get an RV TV with a quality remote, one that’s durable and does not give you unnecessary stress when all you want to do is to relax and have a good time watching your favorite show on TV.

Do I need a 12 volt TV for my RV?

12V RV TVs are a popular choice among RVers and here are the reasons why.

First of all, 12V RV TV help reduce your power consumption rate. Since you won’t need an inverter to power a 12V RV TV, you won’t be consuming more energy. When you’re living the RV life, you understand just how important power consumption is. So having an appliance that runs on less power is always a good thing.

Secondly, a 12V RV TV provides viewers with a seamless watching experience especially when you’re outdoors. This type of TVs has anti glare screens that allows it to display clear images despite varying lighting conditions. Thus, you won’t be bothered by the natural light of the sun while watching TV.

Furthermore, a 12V TV for RV has been specifically constructed to be able to withstand the vibrations and shocks brought about by traversing different roads. This is another factor that differentiates it from home TVs. A regular RV would get damaged easily with all the shaking and movements but an RV TV has a chassis that’s made more durable so that it can securely stay in its place. They can also resist the harmful effects of humidity changes and extreme temperatures such as condensation.

These are the reasons why you would appreciate having a 12V RV TV in your camper.

How can I watch TV in my RV without a generator?

You can still watch the news or catch exciting shows on TV even if you do not have a generator. This is possible when you have a 12V RV TV. You can connect it to your RV’s battery for your power source.

You can also use an inverter to power your RV TV. The inverter will convert the 12V from your RV’s batteries into 110V AC. You can then connect your TV to a direct power source or hookup.

Some RV owners may not have a generator but they have solar panels. They can also use these solar panels to power their TV for RV.

How do I get TV reception in my RV?

You can obtain signal on your RV TV through cable, antenna, or satellite.

Satellite TV is the most expensive option but it will give you the most extensive coverage. It means you can enjoy watching different TV shows anywhere you go.

You may be able to receive signals from local TV stations when you use a TV antenna. You need to stick the antenna out of your window towards the direction of the local broadcast channel.

To receive a TV signal through cable TV, you need to have a cable hookup which is available in most RV parks and RV-friendly campgrounds. But take note that some campgrounds and RV parks charge you for this service. There are also fewer channels in a cable TV than a satellite TV. Also, you won’t be able to enjoy the services of a cable TV when you camp in remote places where there are no available cable hookups.

Getting a TV reception in your camper would really depend on your budget and entertainment needs.

How to get satellite TV for RV?

A satellite TV will give you a more extensive coverage and receive a stronger signal. This means you will enjoy better quality of pictures and audio as you’re watching different shows on TV.

If you want to have a satellite TV, you need to buy a dome antenna. This device will pick up video and audio signals coming from the satellite. You also need to get a subscription for this. Some RV owners find that the extra cost is worth it because it enhances their TV viewing experience.

What’s the biggest 12 volt TV?

12V RV TVs come in a wide range of sizes. They are available in as small as 7″ and the largest size as of this writing is a 32″ screen RV TV.

Can I watch TV while driving my RV?

The short answer to this question is yes, you can watch TV while driving your RV or least your companions can as you have to stay focused on the road. Safety should always be your top priority.

If you want to watch TV but you haven’t reached your destination yet, you can pull over to the side of the road. You can connect your RV TV to your camper’s built-in generator. It would be better if you have a satellite TV so that you can enjoy great reception even while your camper is moving.

Do most RV parks have cable TV?

There are many RV parks and campgrounds that offer hookups for cable TV service. Some come with an additional charge. To be sure, better search online if the particular RV park that you’re eyeing offers this kind of service.