One of the most-requested modifications we receive at our RV shop is the upgrade to a bigger, more modern television. Most of the RVs built before 2008 with factory-installed televisions came with a 20-inch glass tube television set as the main unit. The glass tube units required a deep cabinet to house them. They were also very heavy and required a lot of power. To use them, you had to have your RV plugged into an outside power source, or have a generator running.
With the current choice of available flat screen LCD and LED TVs, the desire to upgrade has become the number one item on many RV owners’ lists.
In most Class A, B, and C motor-homes, the main television is located in the front, usually in an overhead cabinet. Some are mounted lower in the dash over the engine cover. The TVs are usually 19 to 22 inches. Most RVs have a second, often smaller, television mounted in a bedroom cabinet. Those who have towable RVs usually have smaller televisions mounted in cabinets, or portable ones stored during transportation. They also require plugging into an outside power source, or a generator.
Now for the good news: Motor-homes with overhead cabinet-mounted televisions can typically upgrade to a 32-inch flat screen LCD TV without a lot of cabinet remodeling. Also, the power to operate a LCD/LED television is typically around 26 watts, which means with a battery-powered inverter, there is no need to be plugged in or have a generator running. That’s especially good news for people with towables, who do a lot of dry camping where power is not always available.
The cost of flat screens has dropped dramatically over the last two years, and now you can find a 32-inch LCD for under $400. LEDs are a few dollars more, but they have a much higher contrast ratio and are more vibration-friendly. Because flat screen televisions are light-weight, they can easily be mounted to side walls or cabinets with mounts that swing and tilt for better viewing angles.
When it comes to making the RV life more enjoyable, upgrading your TV is the best bang for your buck.
Get out there and enjoy the RV lifestyle; be safe and have fun.
Final Touch Coach Works is located at 28532 Livingston Avenue in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-775-8375 and visit www.FinalTouchRV.com.