RV TV’s Buying Guide: Which TV is the Best for Your RV?

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RV Pioneers Team

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Choosing the right TV for your RV can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide will help get you on your way to your first purchase. If you are purchasing a brand new RV, the living room, bedroom, and outside televisions will most likely be included in your purchase along with speakers. You can choose to keep the ones provided or shop for better ones. If you are buying used you will probably be looking at purchasing brand new televisions.

So how and where do you start? The most important questions people should ask are:

• What are the OTA/Satellite/Cable capabilities?
• What types of inputs/outputs are required?
• How do they mount?
• Do I want a LED or LCD?
• Do I want a smart TV?
• What kind/composites of input/output, HDMI should I have?
• What RV TV brands work best in the interior/exterior?
• How much do I want to spend?
• Will I use it more indoors than outdoors or both equally?

RV’ers have different wants and needs and this includes TVs and whole entertainment systems along with everything else. Whether you decide on Class A, Class C, Fifth Wheel or Travel Trailer, your needs will be different than your neighbors. Knowing what you want and what will give you the amount of performance you seek is just the beginning.

By using this guide while shopping, your task will be an easier more informed one and you’ll be on your way to purchasing the right television for your RV.

How to buy an RV TV

After you have purchased your RV and have answered your most important TV questions about such things as size, cost, inputs/outputs needed and capabilities as far as OTA and satellite, you are ready to move on to the actual shopping for the TV.

You won’t need all the bells and whistles for the bedroom and outdoor TV’s as you will for the living room and bunkroom TV’s where most the gaming and movie watching will take place.

What to look for

• You will want flat screen TV’s that are built for the bumps and such on the road and that can be easily mounted and strapped for travel.
• Having good OTA capabilities is important because some RV Parks don’t provide cable and satellite systems can be expensive.
• If you have multiple devices such as DVD players and stereo receiver’s/speakers, you will need multiple inputs and outputs.
• 12 volt and/or 110 for power.

What to watch out for

RV manufacturers buy in bulk at discounted prices from Furrion, Jensen and TCL who all build TV’s who claim to handle the road but their TV’s have sub-par picture quality, so you may want to stay away from these brands when purchasing for your RV.

Popular RV TV Brands

A few of the more popular RV TV brands to date are:

• Insignia
• Samsung
• LG
• Sony
• Vizio
• Westinghouse

These TVs come in the more popular sizes of 19, 24, 28, 32, 38, 40, 43, 50 and 55 inches. Some newer RV’s have room for the 50-60 inch models. RV bedrooms/bunkrooms/outdoors take the smaller TV’s whereas the living rooms usually take a much larger TV’s. You’ll have to remember that space must be taken into consideration. Bedrooms and bunkrooms will usually only handle the smaller sizes comfortably.

These TV’s range in price from an average of $79.00 for a 19” to $449.00 for a 43” and have a variety of options; options you want in an RV TV like Satellite and SMART TV capabilities, like ROKU. These RV TV’s also include multiple inputs/outputs and HDMI for DVD’s and gaming.

Picture quality is important and varies with the cost of the TV. These TV’s are LED and HDTV’s from 720p to 1080p to 2160p. A clear picture for the big game and latest blockbuster is a definite plus.

The sound is also very important, especially for movie watching. These TVs come with a variety of sound/speaker capabilities.

Insignia 32-inch 720p HD Smart LED TV

Specs:

Compatibility:

• Wall Mountable: Yes
• VESA Wall Mount Standard: 200mm x 100mm

Features:

• Roku Smart TV: Roku TV offers access to stream 500,000+ movies and TV episodes from one simple, intuitive interface
• 31.5″ screen (measured diagonally from corner to corner): A good size for a small living room, bedroom or dorm room
• 720p resolution for quality HD images: Watch broadcast TV and DVDs in high definition
• LED TVs perform well in all lighting conditions: They also deliver plasma-like deep blacks and rich colors
• Built-in Roku smart platform delivers access to a world of entertainment: Stream from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, or choose from more than 3,000 other streaming channels
• Two 8W speakers: For good-quality TV sound
• 3 HDMI inputs for the best home theater connection: High-speed HDMI delivers 720p picture and digital surround sound in one convenient cable. HDMI cable not included

Pros

• Ease of use
• Price
• Picture
• Set-up
• Roku

Cons

• Base
• Lag
• Angles
• Ethernet

The best things overall about this TV is an excellent picture and the easy set-up. The worst things, especially for an RV, would be the flimsy base and the angles. An RV TV needs to have proper stability and you have a limited viewing area so angles are important. You can purchase the 32 Inches Insignia TV on Amazon or Best Buy where it’s currently listed for  $130.

Samsung J5003 Series LED TV

Specs:

Compatibility:

• Wall Mountable: Yes
• VESA Wall Mount Standard: 200mm x 200mm

Features:

• Smart Enabled
• Get access to a world of instant entertainment with this product: Just connect to the Internet and stream movies, listen to music, and access a wide variety of other content
• Watch TV on your mobile device or mobile media on your TV: With Smart View 2.0 and screen mirroring technology, you can use the big screen instead of your devices to watch content or perform other functions
• 31-1/2″ screen (measured diagonally from corner to corner): A good size for a small living room, bedroom or dorm room.
• 1080p resolution for stunning HD images: Watch Blu-ray movies and 1080p HD content at their highest level of detail
• Smart TV with access to streaming services for countless entertainment options: Stream shows, movies, games and more with the TV’s built-in Wi-Fi and integrated apps
• LED TVs perform well in all lighting conditions: They also deliver plasma-like deep blacks and rich colors
• Advanced TV Sound: Dolby Digital Plus, DTS Studio Sound and DTS Premium Sound 5.1 surround sound decoders
• 3 HDMI inputs for your home theater connection: High-speed HDMI delivers an HD picture and digital surround sound in one convenient cable. HDMI cable sold separately
• Motion Rate 60: Enjoy clear moving picture resolution
• 2 USB inputs: Easily connect your digital camera, camcorder or other USB devices
• ConnectShare Movie: Watch videos, play music and view photos from a USB connection without needing to use a PC or special equipment
• (Web-based services and content require high-speed Internet service. Some services may require a subscription)

Pros

• Ease of use
• Set-up
• Price
• Sound
• Picture

Cons

• Clarity
• Dim
• Roku
• Lag

The ease of use and set-up make this TV ideal for the RV, but the clarity and dimness can be a problem in an RV that has limited site and light. You can purchase the 32 Inch Samsung J5003 Series LED TV on Amazon.

LG 27.5″ 720p LED-LCD TV

Specs:

Compatibility:

• Wall Mountable: Yes
• VESA Wall Mount Standard: 100mm x 100mm

Features:

• Triple XD engine:  Processes images with even greater precision to enable more natural color expression, deeper contrast and to deliver a more lifelike picture
• 27.5″ screen (measured diagonally from corner to corner): A good size for a small living room, bedroom or dormitory
• 720p resolution for quality HD images: Watch broadcast TV and DVDs in high definition
• LED TVs perform well in all lighting conditions: They also deliver plasma-like deep blacks and rich colors
• Advanced TV sound: This LG television features two 5W speakers
• Two HDMI inputs for home theater connection: High-speed HDMI delivers up to a 720p picture and digital surround sound in one convenient cable. HDMI cable is not included
• Enjoy the picture from multiple angles: The wide 178° viewing angle provides a clear picture for viewers seated near the side of the screen
• One USB input: Easily connect your digital camera, camcorder or other USB devices

Pros

• Price
• Set-up
• Sound
• Size
• Picture

Cons

• Stand
• Bezel
• Speakers
• Voice quality
• Volume

The great sound and picture for the price stand out here, but again, a flimsy stand/bezel and bad speakers are not ideal for RV living where sturdiness and sound clarity are important because of the travel and space needs. You can purchase the LG 27.5″ 720p LED-LCD TV on Amazon or at Best Buy where it’s currently listed for $170.

Sony 40-Inch 1080p LED TV

Specs:

Compatibility:

• Wall Mountable: Yes

Features:

• X-Reality PRO™:  Enjoy outstanding clarity, sharpness and picture quality with everything you watch. Our combination of noise reduction technologies sharpen every scene, so the picture gleams with clear detail
• Screen mirroring: Screen mirroring lets you enjoy content and apps from your smartphone on your Sony TV. Supersize all your memories and enjoy them on the big screen with family and friends
• 40″ screen (measured diagonally from corner to corner): A good size for a living room, or if you want a larger bedroom TV
• 1080p resolution for stunning HD images: Watch Blu-ray movies and 1080p HD content at their highest level of detail
• LED TVs perform well in all lighting conditions: They also deliver plasma-like deep blacks and rich colors
• Motionflow™ XR 240: Allows fast moving action sequences in sports and movies to be seen with precise motion clarity
• Clear Phase™: Enjoy pure, natural audio. This TV uses a powerful computer model to analyze and compensate for inaccuracies in speaker response by “sampling” the speaker frequency with higher precision
• 2 HDMI inputs for the best home theater connection: High-speed HDMI delivers a full 1080p picture and digital surround sound in one convenient cable. HDMI cable not included
• 2 USB inputs: Easily connect your digital camera, camcorder or other USB devices

Pros

• Set-up
• Price
• Sound
• Picture
• Ease of use

Cons

• Apps
• Remote
• Stand
• Volume
• HDMI input

Easy set-up and ease of use are what you want in an RV TV, but with being out in nature with limited resources; great apps and great HDMI inputs are needed for decent entertainment when wanted. You can purchase the Sony 40-Inch 1080p LED TV on Amazon or at Best Buy where it’s currently listed for $380.

VIZIO 24” Full HD 1080p LED TV

Specs:

Compatibility:

• Wall Mountable: Yes
• VESA Wall Mount Standard: 100mm x 100mm
• Works With: Google Assistant

Features:

• Smart Enabled: Get access to a world of instant entertainment with this Smart TV. Just connect to the Internet and stream movies, listen to music, and access a wide variety of other content
• Quick Start Mode: Enable Quick Start Mode to turn on your TV automatically with a tap of the Cast button. By enabling Quick Start Mode, the energy consumption required to operate this display will change
• 23.8″ screen (measured diagonally from corner to corner): A good size for a bedroom or dorm room
• 1080p resolution for stunning HD images: Watch Blu-ray movies and 1080p HD content at their highest level of detail
• SmartCast TV: Browse and launch top apps directly from the TV screen using the all-new remote. SmartCast TV makes finding something to watch more fun – discover new shows including movies in 1080p Full HD
• Download VIZIO SmartCast Mobile: Turn your phone into a powerful touchscreen remote. Simply tap to stream content to the TV with a free download of the app
• Chromecast Built-in: Stream from apps like Netflix and YouTube, browse over 200,000 TV shows & movies, 30 million songs, radio, sports, games, etc. Discover a range of free, subscription or paid content from thousands of apps
• Use voice to control the TV: This VIZIO D-Series is the perfect smart-home companion, offering voice-control support from Google Assistant-enabled devices
• Advanced Sound: Two 2W speakers and virtual DTS Studio Sound
• 2 HDMI inputs for the best home theater connection: High-speed HDMI delivers a full 1080p picture and digital surround sound in one convenient cable. HDMI cable not included
• 1 USB input: Easily connect a USB storage device for viewing compatible photo and video files or for updating the TV’s firmware. USB cable sold separately
• (Web-based services and content require high-speed Internet service. Some services may require a subscription)

Pros

• Price
• Set-up
• Size
• Picture
• Sound

Cons

• Speakers
• Remote
• Connections
• Volume
• Cable service

The great picture, sound, and easy set-up at a great price rule here, but again, bad connections and cable service do not equate into an enjoyable time away from home. You can purchase the VIZIO 24” Full HD 1080p LED TV on Amazon or at Best Buy where it’s currently listed for $140.

Westinghouse 32″ LED 720p HDTV

Specs:

Compatibility:

• Wall Mountable: Yes
• VESA Wall Mount Standard: 200mm x 200mm

Features:

• 31.5″ screen (measured diagonally from corner to corner): A good size for a small living room, bedroom or dorm room
• LED TVs perform well in all lighting conditions: They also deliver plasma-like deep blacks and rich colors
• 720p resolution for quality HD images: Watch broadcast TV and DVDs in high definition
• Enjoy a crisp, detailed picture: The 180-200 cd/m² brightness and 6.5 ms response time promote sharp, highly visible images
• Two 6W speakers: Produce clear audio
• 3 HDMI inputs for the best home theater connection: High-speed HDMI delivers a full 720 picture and digital surround sound in one convenient cable. HDMI cable not included
• USB port: Allows you to enjoy JPEG and M-JPEG files stored on compatible USB devices

Pros

• Price
• Set-up
• Sound
• Picture
• Value

Cons

• Remote
• Speakers
• Tuner
• Cable service
• USB connections

This is the best value of all the brands as everything is there sound, picture and set-up for the right price, but on the downside, cable service and USB connections are lacking. You can purchase the Westinghouse 32″ LED 720p HDTV on Amazon or at Best Buy where it’s currently listed for $140.

Comparison

*Ask about Protection Plans at all retailers.

Recommendation

As a full-time RV’er and avid TV watcher, I chose to go with the VIZIO TV in the living room and bedroom. For the bedroom, I chose a simple 19” screen without all the bells and whistles. The size is perfect for the small bedroom space and it attaches easily to a dresser door. I don’t watch movies or play video games here so I don’t use any of the inputs/outputs for externals.

In the living room I have a 40” VIZIO with all the bells and whistles that I use on a daily basis:

• Price: $400.00
• SMART TV
• 1080p
• HDTV
• 4 HDMI inputs/outputs
• 1 USB
• SD card slot
• Video camera hook-up

It is four years old and has been on thousands of miles over all kinds of bumpy roads. (TV mounts were bought separately.) It has stood the test of time and I’ve been thrilled with it! I have it hooked-up to theatre surround sound speakers and the picture is as great as ever. I would buy another VIZIO in a heartbeat. Also most importantly, the VIZIO Corporation and their retailers stand behind their product.

Your Best RV TV

Camping today is not your grandparents’ camping. RV’s have come a long way and tent camping has fallen by the wayside, although I do recommend it. Now with the internet, apps, and services, TV entertainment has come a long way.

After having your fill of nature, settling down to a night of indoor entertainment for the whole family has become commonplace and so having the right equipment when out RV camping for the weekend or when full-timing is important. Finding the right RV TV can take some time, but in the end will be worth every penny.

Also, video gaming for the kids is commonplace now and having the ultimate RV TV for the right price will make everyone happy in the end. It’s a very important purchase and the time should be taken to find the right fit for the whole family for the all-the-way around, ultimate RV camping/full-timing experience.

*For more information you can follow these links:

These are forums where RV’ers can get advice for RV TV’s and everything else RV related:

• Community FMCA
• Heartland Owners
• Do it yourself RV

For needed RV TV accessories like TV mounts:

• Camping World
• Tweety’s

Best RV TV Satellite providers:

• DIRECTV and Dish