For full-time campers and travelers who take long camping trips at a time, a TV is those creatures of comfort that will really make your mobile home on wheels feel more cozy and “permanent”.
The novice might think that most of your time should be spent outdoors, however, during trips that last for months on end, there will definitely be some downtime, since you will need to take rests between excursions and the weather won’t always be forgiving.
When it’s raining outside, lounging on your sofa and watching your favorite show might be all you wish for. Investing in the best TV for RV is even more crucial if you travel with kids, as any parent will tell you.
The best RV TV will not only keep you entertained on long trips but will also keep you up-to-date with what happens in the world and locally to adjust your itinerary accordingly, including weather forecasts, updates on road conditions, changes in fuel prices and news on the COVID-19 pandemic. Many campers are tempted to haul along their household TV set, but there are good reasons to get one specifically designed for the RV life.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of time researching and be overwhelmed by the thousands of RV TV models on the market, you’ve hit the information jackpot!
Check out the 8 best TVs for RV tested and reviewed by RV experts of RVing Insider, with something for every wallet and RVs of every size, plus all the important things you need to know about RV TVs in order to make an informed investment.
Contents
- Quick Recommendations
- RV TV Basics
- Types of RV Flat Screen TV
- The 8 Best TV for RV For The Money
- #1. Best Flat Screen TV for RV: Free Signal TV FSTV-3219
- #2. Best Portable LCD TV: Tyler TTV705-14 Rechargeable Lithium Battery Operated
- #3. Best RV TV DVD Combo: Westinghouse WD32HX5201
- #4. Best LED WideScreen TV for RVs: SuperSonic SC-3210
- #5. Best Outdoor Smart TV: Furrion Aurora Full-Shade 4K
- #6. Best 12 Volt TV for RV: SYLVOX Smart RV TV
- #7. Jensen JTV19DC HD RV TV
- #8. INSIGNIA NS-32F201NA23 32-inch Class F20 Series
- How To Select The Best RV TV: Buying Criteria
- Camper Televisions FAQs
Quick Recommendations
- Best Flat Screen TV for RV: Free Signal TV FSTV-3219
- Best Portable LCD TV: Tyler TTV705-14
- Best RV TV DVD Combo: Westinghouse WD32HX5201
- Best LED WideScreen TV for RV: SuperSonic SC-3210
- Best Outdoor Smart TV: Furrion Aurora Full-Shade 4K
- Best 12 Volt TV for RV: SYLVOX Smart RV TV
RV TV Basics
RV TV vs Residential TV
Size and weight
An “RV TV” is not just any TV. Firstly, with the space and load limitations of an average RV in mind, an RV flat screen TV typically is designed to be slender and lightweight.
The majority of RV TV models max out at 19 or 20 inches, while the 7″ model is the smallest of its kind, so it can conveniently fit into the limited space inside an RV.
Nowadays, due to the increasing number of large size luxury Class A motorhomes, the market has seen larger RV TVs as well. 32 inches is currently the largest size you can get for an RV TV.
Power source
Another important difference between a regular residential TV set and one made for RV use is that the best TV for camping should be a 12 volt model, that is one that runs on DC power from your rig’s 12 volt house batteries.
This is especially so if you like to boondock in more remote locations, which means you will mainly rely on your batteries and a couple of solar panels for your power needs. A 12 volt RV TV will keep you entertained and up-to-date while not having access to a regular 110 volt AC power outlet.
While you can power a 110 volt residential TV that runs on AC power with your house battery using an inverter, at least 15% of power will be lost when the inverter converts the battery’s DC power to AC power.
You can also connect to a generator to power your TV, but having a noisy generator close by will not be enjoyable. Using a household TV set while camping only makes sense if you typically spend time in conventional RV parks and campgrounds that offer AC power hookups.
Power consumption
In addition, a 12 volt TV for RV typically consumes less energy than a comparable household TV.
Resistant to physical abuse
The best TV for RV use should also be engineered to be able to withstand vibrations and shocks due to constant movements while you’re riding down the road, even in rough terrain.
Appropriate RV mounting options plus an RV TV’s lighter weight certainly help in this regard as well. Many models can even withstand extreme temperatures and humidity, plus sizable and sudden fluctuations in weather conditions.
In short, while many campers might claim to have installed a regular flatscreen model from their home into their RV without any problem, it is safer to stick with a 12 volt TV made specifically for RV settings, if you wish for your RV TV to last a long time without acting up, especially if you like to travel off the beaten path on rough terrains and in more extreme weather.
How To Power Your RV TV
You can just connect your rig to shore power and watch away while staying at RV parks and campgrounds. If you are dry camping, running a generator is an option, but the best way to keep your rig powered is installing a solar system.
It’s a perfectly quiet, green and affordable (in the long term) solution, so the one-time installation cost is well worth what you get in return. However, since it is dependent on the amount of sunlight, you might not have enough power in winter when there is less sun.
If you want to run a 110 volt TV with only battery power, you’ll need an inverter to convert 12 volt DC power to 110 volt AC power. Inverter’s prices have been going down, and now you can get a high quality and durable inverter for less than two hundred dollars that can run almost everything except the air conditioner.
One note though: you should mount the inverter as close as possible to the batteries for better efficiency, and make use of the remote control to turn the unit on and off.
Benefits of an RV TV
So the best TV for RV are more slender, lightweight, energy efficient and suitable for the nomad life than a residential 110 volt TV. Some campers might think that they do not need a TV at all, and they might be right if they only take weekend getaways or very short trips at a time.
However, if you take long trips at a time and if you travel with kids, a 12 volt flat screen TV for RV will be more handy than you would think:
Keep you and your companions entertained
In addition to over-the-air, satellite and streamable video contents, an RV TV has plenty of other applications. The best RV TV these days would allow you to stream music from your phone.
A smart RV TV will even allow you to play games on your TV’s larger screen, since these smart RV TVs have a more powerful processor than regular models. Smart RV TVs also offer voice integration services for several applications, like ordering food or navigation. Entertainment is necessary especially if you have kids.
Even if you travel without kids, on long trips, you will have a lot of down time, since everyone needs to take a rest after a strenuous hike, or there will be days when the weather doesn’t permit outdoor activities. The only thing you might want to do then is to casually lounge back on your couch and watch your favorite show.
Keep yourself updated
In addition to entertainment, another important benefit of having the best smart TV for RV is being able to keep updated with the news, the latest weather forecasts and traffic reports, so that you know what may come up down the road and prepare or adjust your trip accordingly.
Use your RV TV as a PC monitor
If you work remotely during your travel, your RV TV can double duty to serve you in this regard as well. Any RV TV with a HDMI input and PC Audio input can allow you to use the larger TV screen as your computer monitor. Simply connect a HDMI cable and select the right setting.
* How to get more channels on your RV TV:
- Free cable hookups: Many RV parks and campgrounds offer TV cable hookups to visitors, either free or for a small fee, with which you can get one hundred channels on average.
- Pair the TV with antennas: Another free option with a lot of channels to choose from is pairing your TV with RV TV antennas. Once you set up camp, just point the antenna toward the direction of local broadcasting stations and you would get access to a hundred or so local channels for free.
- Streaming: Of course, streaming requires a reliable Internet connection to use Netflix, Hulu or similar apps to watch TV shows or movies.
- Paid satellite TV: If you want quality content whenever and wherever you are, even in bad weather and in the most remote locations, subscribing to satellite TV will be a sensible option, although it surely is an expensive investment. You’ll also need to buy a dome antenna to pick up the signals, preferably one that works while your RV is in motion, so that your companions can enjoy their show while you are driving on a long-distance trip.
Types of RV Flat Screen TV
LCD TVs vs LED TVs
LCD TVs
LCD TVs pass fluorescent light through a liquid crystal display (LCD) to form a picture by controlling where light is displayed on the screen. LCD TVs use cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) that sit across the backside of the liquid crystal display and illuminate the crystals uniformly, unlike LED TVs.
This means all regions of the picture will have similar brightness levels, which affects some aspects of picture quality. LCD TVs are not as good as LED TVs in terms of picture quality, and also tend to be thicker and bulkier than LED TVs.
LED TVs
LED TVs also pass light through a liquid crystal display, but use numerous light-emitting diodes (LED) for backlighting that increase and decrease individual pixels to determine each element’s brightness.
As a result, LED TVs offer a wider dynamic range, that is whites will be brighter, and blacks will be darker.
Such precise illumination allows for better picture quality. Moreover, LED backlights use less power, so LED TVs are more energy efficient. In addition, LED TVs are much thinner and slender, making them ideal for smaller spaces.
Smart TVs
You might have heard that smart TV for RV is all the hype these days. A 12 volt smart TV for RV requires a reliable internet connection to access exclusive applications.
You will get diverse and quality content to cater for any age and any interest. Another option is hooking up a Roku, Chromecast, or Firestick to your non-smart RV TV through an HDMI port. Once connected, you will get access to all the apps available on a regular smart TV.
TV DVD Combos
If you want the flexibility of being able to play many kinds of media, look for a 12 volt TV with DVD player that is built into the TV itself. This will allow you to play your DVDs without any other equipment.
Compatible DVD formats include DVD, CD, CDR, CDRW, DVD+/- R, DVD+/- RW, VCD, and SVCD. The best RV TV DVD combo allows you to watch multimedia contents in addition to live TV, so you can keep your kids entertained and contained without having to worry about the reception, satellite service, or cable.
The 8 Best TV for RV For The Money
There is something for everyone in this list of the best TV for RV, regardless of your budget and camping settings.
You will find from moderately sized TVs to the largest camper TVs available, the most lightweight options, full HD models, smart TVs, as well as super affordable units for first-time RV owners and the budget travelers.
#1. Best Flat Screen TV for RV: Free Signal TV FSTV-3219
At a glance:
- Type: LED
- Voltage: 12V
- Resolution: 720p
- Screen size: 31.5”
- Input ports: HDMI (3 inputs)
- Mounting style: Wall mounted or tabletop stand
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year full replacement warranty
Why we love it:
This 12 volt LED flat screen TV from Free Signal is one of the best TV for campervan thanks to its well rounded performance. It offers an excellent balance of all the crucial criteria: wide viewing angle, screen size, image quality, sound quality, slender build and light weight, compatibility and mounting flexibility. And all for a good price too! You can find other 32 inch TVs out there that cost only around $250, but it will be very hard to find something that offers the same benefits as this set.
It has a HD 720p resolution and a 178 x 178 degree viewing angle. This viewing angle is pretty wide, which means that the picture won’t be distorted for your companies who sit further away towards the side of the TV. This will allow everyone to enjoy watching sports or a movie from different seating arrangements in your rig, although not everyone can sit directly in front of the TV.
This ideal viewing angle contributes to the crisp and clear picture quality for the best viewing experience, so that watching from a smaller screen inside your home on wheels will not feel like such a downgrade from your 60-inch plus TV back home. 720p is not Full HD, but for the size I find it more than satisfactory, which is partly thanks to the advanced noise reduction circuitry that results in reduced static and improved picture quality. This TV has a built-in HDTV tuner.
Sound is also crucial to our viewing enjoyment, especially if you’re watching an action movie or thriller. This is where this TV impresses me more than picture quality. It has dual speakers on both sides, thus providing an equal audio experience for those sitting on either end of your couch or bed. Sound volume is great too. In terms of sound quality, it also boasts a dynamic audio response, which translates to higher-quality audio when you’re struggling to hear the dialogue in a particularly quiet movie scene.
You’ll enjoy a total of three HDMI inputs for connecting multiple audio-visual accessories, including WiFi streaming devices, Blu-ray, DVD players and gaming consoles for a variety of entertainment needs. Unfortunately there’s no USB ports.
Another huge plus is that this is perhaps the most lightweight 32 inch RV TV on the market, weighing merely over 6 pounds. This gives you more mounting options, and you might be able to secure this TV on the wall using heavy duty adhesive or command strips, so no drilling holes on your RV walls or cabinets. This RV TV can be wall-mounted or table-mounted, as long as it has access to a DC power outlet. This 12 volt DC-power TV can operate on AC power using the CHD 1260 Power Brick Adapter, which is included in the kit.
Not only is this one of the best TV for RV in terms of functionality, it is also very durable. Buyers universally praise its ability to withstand shocks and vibrations associated with open road traveling, which is thanks to its quality construction. In case you experience any issues within the fist year of purchase, you can take advantage of the one year full replacement warranty.
Pros:
- Superb picture and sound quality
- Very lightweight for its size
- Many input ports
- Wide viewing angle for multiple viewers
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with wall mounting hardware for more mounting options
#2. Best Portable LCD TV: Tyler TTV705-14 Rechargeable Lithium Battery Operated
At a glance:
- Type: LCD
- Voltage: 12V
- Resolution: 1080p
- Screen size: 14.1”
- Input ports: HDMI, USB, SD, RCA
- Compatibility: Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Firestick, Slingbox
- Mounting style: Table mounted
- Weight: 4.64 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year
Why we love it:
If you’re not fixated on getting a LED TV, then this LCD set will be an excellent option. It’s more affordable than LED units of the same size, available at only $150, so it’s an ideal option for first-time RV owners and the budget campers. At 14 inches, it’s on the small side, but perfectly functional in tighter Class B minivans and trailers.
If you’re concerned about picture quality, a LED TV is generally better than an LCD TV, but you’re getting Full HD 1080p resolution with this LCD set, and most buyers have been more than impressed with the crisp and clear images that this TV provides. When you consider all the other criteria, this model from Tyler is the best TV for motorhome in the LCD category.
There are many things to love about this tiny RV TV. What impressed me the most is that the sound is surprisingly good for such a small set, and the sound volume is also decent. Secondly, it features a built-in lithium ion battery, which provides up to four hours of use.
This makes this TV one of the best when it comes to portability, and it will be extra handy for anyone looking to tailgate or have a barbecue. There are a total of three ways to power this TV: using its own battery, or you can also plug it into a cigarette lighter plug and any AC power outlet, as it also features an AC adapter.
Another lovely feature is the built-in FM radio, which I and most buyers find to work pretty well. This set comes with a FM antenna and a magnetic monopole UHF antenna, so you have quite a wide selection of local stations. I also find the HDTV tuner of this unit to be sensitive and locks onto digital signals very well.
Another handy feature for those who want a versatile TV for diverse entertainment and other applications is that this unit comes fully equipped with all the inputs you could ever want: HDMI, USB, SD, headphone jack and more. In other words, this tiny TV is compatible with every and any media device on earth, and if you want private viewing while your companions are asleep, that’s totally possible too.
Another thing that many buyers took note of is the easy to use and super secure mounting hardware. This tiny but amazing TV comes with easy to use, quick release stand, a separate pull out stand on the back of the unit (like a picture frame foot), and hardware for connecting it to a wall-mounted arm. All mounting mechanisms are very secure, so you won’t have to worry about your RV TV taking the abuse while traveling on rough terrains.
This RV TV comes with a small rabbit ear telescopic type indoor antenna with about a 15 mile range, which works fine for nearby local stations if you’re in an urban area. If you want to pick up more stations over a longer distance, you can opt to pair this TV with something like a RCA 40 mile range indoor antenna.
Pros:
- 3 ways to power: its own battery, cigarette lighter plug and wall outlet (AC/DC adapter included)
- Lithium ion battery runs for 4 hours
- Built-in FM radio
- The tuner is sensitive and locks onto digital signals very well
- Comes with a FM antenna and a magnetic monopole UHF antenna
Cons:
- Small screen
#3. Best RV TV DVD Combo: Westinghouse WD32HX5201
At a glance:
- Voltage: 110V
- Resolution: 720p
- Screen size: 31.5”
- Input ports: HDMI (two inputs), USB, VGA
- Mounting style: Table mounted
- Weight: 11.5 lbs
Why we love it:
At only $150, this 32 inch unit from Westinghouse is one of the best TV DVD combo for camping you can find out there. The only catch though, is that this is not a 12 volt DC-power TV made specifically for camping. It runs on 110 volt AC power instead, and you will need an inverter to run this TV on your RV’s house battery power.
This also means that this TV will be generally more energy consuming than a 12 volt TV of the same size. This Westinghouse TV DVD combo draws 50 watts of power in use, while the first option on this list, the Free Signal 32 inch TV that runs on 12 volt DC power only uses 6 watts of power.
In short, this might not be the best choice for the boondockers, but if you often stay over at RV parks and campgrounds with electrical hookups, or if you typically travel where there’s plenty of sun most of the time and mainly rely on your rooftop solar system, this should not be a source of concern at all.
For $150, this 32 inch TV is very affordable for its size and its HD 720p resolution. The built-in DVD gives you more viewing options to watch movies and shows on a disc without having to worry about loss of over-the-air reception or spotty WiFi when you travel to more remote locations, far away from signal towers.
What’s even better is that this model is equipped with HDMI, USB, VGA, Digital TV Tuner connectivity, that is all the connectivities required to use your favorite streaming device, more than sufficient to satisfy even the most diverse entertainment needs.
A rare and handy feature is the built-in V chip that lets you block content based on program ratings and check ratings of unfamiliar programs, which is great to have when you travel with kids and wish to monitor what they view.
The only drawback is that while DVD performance is good, I find the volume to be on the low side. That said, this RV TV really shines with HDMI and the volume with HDMI is excellent.
Pros:
- Affordable for its size and functionality
- Multimedia compatibility
Cons:
- Some buyers find the DVD volume to be on the low side
- Not a 12 volt TV, inverter required to run this on house battery
#4. Best LED WideScreen TV for RVs: SuperSonic SC-3210
At a glance:
- Type: LED
- Voltage: 110V
- Resolution: 1080p
- Screen size: 32”
- Input ports: HDMI, USB, AC
- Compatibility: PC, Amazon Firestick
- Mounting style: Table mounted
- Weight: 12.57 lbs
Why we love it:
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money but still want the largest flat screen LED TV with Full HD resolution, you probably won’t find a better deal than this 32 inch Supersonic set, which only costs $200. This table mounted TV comes with an SD card reader, one HDMI input port, a USB port, an AC port and a PC input, so that you can use the large screen as your PC monitor. It is compatible with Amazon Firestick, video consoles and some other applications to satisfy different entertainment needs.
On the downsides, this model is not a 12 volt DC TV but a 110 volt AC TV. It comes with a 110 volt AC to 12 volt DC adapter, but you will need to purchase the 12 volt power cord separately. In addition, it is a bit thicker than most other 110V flat screen TVs on the market, and if you need to get something extra lightweight for mounting reasons, this is not the most lightweight unit you will find.
The USB port on this TV only plays photos and audios, not videos, but there are other options to play videos, so this is not a major inconvenience.
The biggest drawback though is that many buyers complain about the sound volume and quality, while many others noted that the sound is decent for something of its size with built-in speakers. I find it not exactly horrible as many reviewers claim, but not as good as the Insignia NS-32DF310NA19 Smart TV above.
However, for a large 32 inch LED HDTV costing only $200, I don’t expect to get the best of everything. That said, it’d be great if this TV had more than one HDMI input though.
Pros:
- SD card reader
- PC input for remote working
- Compatible with Amazon Firestick, video consoles and other applications
Cons:
- Tiny sound and poor sound quality
- Doesn’t come with a 12 volt power source, need to buy separately
- A bit thicker than most 110V flat screen TVs
#5. Best Outdoor Smart TV: Furrion Aurora Full-Shade 4K
At a glance:
- Screen Size: 43
- Display Technology: LED
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Special Feature: Flat
- Included Components: Power Cable
- Connectivity Technology: HDMI
Why we love it:
If you’re on the fence about getting an outdoor TV for your RV, I highly recommend the Furrion Aurora 4K Outdoor Smart TV.
This Aurora Outdoor TV is very well-built with a sturdy weatherproof housing, so you don’t have to worry about it getting rained on or dusty. And believe me, it’s been through it all.
The anti-glare 400-nit LED screen is also great, especially when we’re parked somewhere sunny. We got the Full-Shade model since we’re usually under our awning, and the picture quality is crystal clear, even during the day. This TV is also available in Sun and Partial-Sun styles, designed for optimal viewing experiences in sunny outdoor living areas.
Speaking of picture quality, it’s quite impressive. It’s 4K Ultra HD, and the colors are so vibrant. We’ve had movie nights under the stars, and it feels very cinematic. Having all the smart features built-in is incredibly convenient. We just connect to the campground’s WiFi, and we can stream all our favorite shows and movies directly from the TV.
One more thing – Furrion makes some great accessories for this TV. We also picked up their outdoor soundbar and a mount, and it really completes the whole setup. The sound is so much better with the soundbar, and the mount was easy to install and keeps the TV secure even when we’re driving on bumpy roads.
Pros:
- Superb picture quality
- Excellent sound quality
Cons:
- On the pricey side
#6. Best 12 Volt TV for RV: SYLVOX Smart RV TV
At a glance:
- Screen Size: 24 Inches
- Display Technology: LED
- Resolution: 1080p
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Special Feature: Flat
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Why we love it:
The SYLVOX Smart RV TV is an excellent option for RVers who are seeking a high-quality, feature-rich television for their RV travels. The combination of smart features and a built-in DVD player makes it a versatile entertainment solution, especially for those evenings spent off-grid.
Setting up this TV is super easy. It runs on Android, so you can download all your favorite streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu without a problem.
Featuring the 1080p full HD screen, the picture quality is fantastic, everything looks crisp and clear. In addition to high screen resolution, this RV TV also boasts a 60 Hz refresh rate, which means that those fast-action scenes in Hollywood movies won’t appear blurry. Plus, with the 178° viewing angle, you can enjoy a clear picture from anywhere in your RV. I’ve watched movies and shows in all kinds of lighting, and the picture always looks great.
The built-in 2 HiFi sound box speakers offer a clear and richer sound but I would suggest connecting a Bluetooth speaker for a more immersive audio experience, especially when watching movies. I also love that it comes with a DVD player, so we can still enjoy our old movies even when we go boondocking without internet access.
What sets this TV apart from other units is the wide voltage protection, making it a perfect choice for RV camping. Living in the campgrounds, we’ve had issues with power surges in the past, so knowing that this TV can handle those voltage spikes gives us peace of mind. We can also use it at home with the included AC adapter.
Pros:
- Sleek and minimalist design
- Excellent full HD picture quality
- Wide voltage protection for RV use
Cons:
- Built-in speakers are decent but could be better
#7. Jensen JTV19DC HD RV TV
At a glance:
- Type: LED
- Voltage: 12V
- Resolution: 1080p
- Screen size: 18.5”
- Input ports: HDMI (one input), USB, VGA
- Mounting style: Wall mounted or tabletop stand (mounting hardware not included)
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Warranty: 1 year warranty
Why we love it:
Now if you own a small rig and don’t have the space for a 32 inch RV TV or a sturdy surface to securely mount these heavier sets, you might do much better with this super lightweight 19 inch TV from renowned manufacturer Jensen. Weighing only 5.5 pounds, this 12-volt RV TV will give you more nail-free options as to where and how you want to mount it.
Using command strips in certain spots can allow you to attach this lightweight TV to the wall or cabinet in the dining area, then detach it to bring it to your sleeping quarters, attach it on your chosen surface there and watch your favorite shows on your camper bed.
This features an integrated HDTV tuner that makes it ready to receive HDTV signals in 1080p and 720p. In addition, it’s capable of displaying an astounding 16.7 million colors, so it’s not surprising that picture quality is one area that this TV is often praised for.
Another benefit is its multimedia-ready input ports, which includes HDMI, USB, and VGA inputs. It also includes inputs for RF, stereo audio, and two component video inputs (NTSC/PALS and YPbPr), plus a total of three outputs for selectable line-level audio, digital SPDIF audio, and headphones. In short, you can enjoy multimedia contents, private viewing as well as using this TV as the PC monitor for your mobile workstation.
You can find cheaper options out there for 19 inch RV TVs, but you’re paying for many years of excellent service down the open road with this Jensen 12 volt TV, thanks to its quality construction. Despite being one of the lightest RV TVs for its size, it features a rugged metal cabinet and a reinforced cabinet structure to protect it from the physical shocks and vibrations associated with RV traveling.
Even the mounting points on the back of the camper TV are reinforced and the circuit boards are conformal coated for added protection. Such attention to detail really makes this TV the best TV for campers I’ve seen when it comes to a durable build.
Pros:
- Good picture quality
- Lightweight for its size
Cons:
- Mounting hardware not included
- Only one HDMI input
#8. INSIGNIA NS-32F201NA23 32-inch Class F20 Series
At a glance:
- Type: LED
- Voltage: 110V
- Resolution: 720p
- Screen size: 31.5”
- Input ports: HDMI (3 inputs), USB, ARC
- Mounting style: Table mounted
- Weight: 11.2 lbs
Why we love it:
For the below-$250 price range, this TV set from Insignia is the best smart TV for RV, with an impressive 4.6 stars overall rating from over 52,000 buyers on Amazon. Normally for something so affordable, you would expect a few drawbacks, but I can hardly find anything less than satisfactory with this amazing set.
I noticed there are some buyers complaining about different kinds of WiFi connectivity issues, but it looks like each problem is unique and is more likely due to incorrect settings or procedures than functionality issues from the TV itself.
The only thing that might be a source of concern for certain campers is that this TV runs on 110 volt AC power, so if you wish to run it on your house battery, it will not be optimal in terms of energy efficiency. That said, it’s great that this TV can also be powered by two AAA batteries, so you have a total of three methods to keep it running.
For the price, the viewing experience that you get with this 32 inch smart TV is quite surprising. Although its resolution is 720p, it can easily be mistaken for a 1080p Full HD TV. On top of that, the sound quality and sound volume is amazing. And with a 32 inch screen, this unit offer some of the best viewing experience for multiple viewers at this price point.
An important criteria for smart TVs is speed. This is where this smart TV delivers, as it is powered by a-quad-core CPU/Multi-core GPU for instant search results and fast and fluid responsiveness. Here’s how this smart TV is extra smart: you can even customize the name of each input and adjust picture settings for each connected device. In addition, your TV keeps getting smarter with new Alexa skills and automatic over-the-air software updates, so you always have the latest.
With this TV, you can watch over 1 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to tens of thousands of over-the-air channels, as well as connecting easily with dual-band Wi-Fi, three HDMI inputs, and multiple input/output options, so there’s no limit to the type of content you can enjoy on the sizable 32 inch screen.
Pros:
- Superb picture quality despite not full HD
- Good sound quality for the price
- Many input ports
- Easy to use interface and menus
- “Live pause” function to pause live TV
- Battery powered, so more than one way to run it
Cons:
- Some buyers experience different kinds of WiFi connectivity issues
How To Select The Best RV TV: Buying Criteria
The market for the RV TVs offers a wide selection in terms of size, image quality and functionality, and price also varies accordingly. You need not the largest, most expensive set.
The best TV for campers in your case should be functional within your interior living space, and to get the best value for your money, consider all of the following criteria:
Voltage and Energy Efficiency
The first thing to decide is whether to buy a 12 volt TV that runs on DC power, which means it can be powered by your 12 volt deep cycle house battery, or to buy a 110 volt TV that runs on AC power, which means your RV needs to be plugged into shore power to run the TV.
While you can also power a 110 volt AC TV using your house battery, you will need an RV power inverter to convert the battery’s DC power to AC power. In any case, a minimum of 15% of energy will be lost during the conversion process. So a 12 volt TV would be more energy efficient, as it connects directly to your 12 volt battery. In addition, a 12 volt TV is engineered specifically for camping use, so they are intentionally made to consume less power than a residential 110 volt TV of the same size.
In short, no matter whether you have a solar system in place for your power needs, a 12 volt TV is in most cases the best TV for most camping applications.
Screen Size and Resolution
Screen size
RV TVs will come in all different sizes, but the two most common sizes you will come across on the market these days, both online and offline, are 19 inches and 24 inches.
More models means that there is more competition, so you have more options to choose from and are more likely to find a good deal for the money when looking for the best RV TV in these two sizes. The smallest size is 7 inches while the largest size these days is 32 inches.
Most campers will want the biggest TV they can get. Just make sure you decide where to mount it beforehand and make measurements to ensure your TV will fit the intended space and can be securely mounted.
You might not be able to mount your RV TV on the wall, since RV walls are typically thin, so long nails might go all the way through the wall. If you think your wall cannot support the mounting hardware and the weight of your TV, find a sturdy cabinet instead.
Resolution
Resolution is measured in pixels and the higher the resolution, the clearer the videos on your screen will be. The bare minimum that you would want is at least 480p. Remember that while you might be able to make do with a 480p TV that’s on the smaller side, say below 11 inches, the larger your screen is, the higher resolution you would want, as lower image quality really shows on a larger screen.
For anything larger than 13 inches, which is comparable with a Macbook Air, I would get at least a HD TV, which is 720p, or a Full HD, which is 1080p. The best camper TV in terms of resolution nowaday is 4K, that is 2160p.
Viewing Angle
Screen size and resolution are not the only two deciding factors on image quality and viewing experience. Another crucial specification you need to check when looking for the best TV for camping is viewing angle.
There is a reason why one one ever wants to sit in the first row at the cinema: if you sit further away on the sides of the screen, the images will be distorted. For optimal viewing, you should only sit at most 15º from the middle of the screen.
This is even more important for smaller RV TVs, as unless it’s only you and maybe another companion sitting in front of the screen, those who sit on the far sides of your sofa will more likely be angled at 15º and above.
This is why the best TV for RV should offer a wider viewing angle, which allows more viewers to spread out across the screen without getting distorted images. For RV TVs of 32 inches and below, a viewing angle of 178 degrees is considered ideal.
Size and Weight
In some cases, you might be limited in terms of the size and weight of your TV, due to the restrictions coming from your rig.
For instance, you can’t mount the TV to the thin wall and there’s no other sturdier structure to screw nails into, or your RV is tiny and there is only one spot to mount it so that you can view it comfortably from your bed or dinette.
In these cases, you might be forced to opt for a smaller and lightweight model, which you can mount on your intended spot nail-free, using heavy duty adhesive tape or command strips.
Input Ports and Features
The best RV TV typically has various input ports so you can choose different kinds of media device you want to use. These inputs include USB and SD, so you can insert a flash drive or card into your RV TV to blast some music or view photos taken from your trip.
The best motorhome TV these days will also come with an HDMI port, which allows you to stream audios and videos from your mobile phone, tablets and laptops on the TV.
Mounting Options
Most RV TVs will come with mounting brackets so that you can screw them on the wall or to a sturdy cabinet. The best TV for RV camper should offer more than one mounting option so you can attach it to different spots in your rig. It’s important to have such flexibility, since most RVs have thin walls which are not conducive to mounting anything heavy.
And unless you know where plumbing and studs are located, trying to install screws or nails can be risky. A secure mounting mechanism is important too, since your RV TV will have to withstand a lot of vibrations in rough terrains.
An option for campers who want the flexibility of moving their RV TV from the common lounge area to the bedroom is to fix the TV on a mobile stand on wheels. Just remember to secure the stand when you’re on the move.
If your RV is on the smaller side, a flip down TV for RV is probably the most ideal as it saves space by staying completely out of your way. A rotating arm comes in handy as well, as you will have more options as to where to secure your TV and you’ll just need to adjust the arm to move the TV toward the direction you want.
Camper Televisions FAQs
1. Can you use a normal TV in an RV?
Technically you can. But remember that a normal TV, that is one for household use, needs to be connected to a 110 volt power outlet to work. If you always stay at conventional RV parks and campgrounds that offer electrical hookups, you can power your residential TV set when you connect to shore power.
Otherwise, you will need a TV made specifically for camping, that is one that can be powered by a 12 volt battery, or the house battery in your rig. If you are concerned about adding yet another electronics to your already power hungry home on wheels, consider installing a solar system. Your TV and other electronics will still draw power from the house battery, but the solar system will keep your 12 volt battery charged without being depleted down to under 50%, which is an unhealthy level.
2. How to install an RV TV?
The installation process might vary between models, so always follow your owner’s manual religiously. That said, the general process should look something like this:
Prepare the mounting hardware: The best TV for RV should come with a mounting bracket and everything you need to mount your TV up. The most popular mounting kits usually include one or two mounting brackets, a removable articulating arm attached to these brackets and the necessary screws and anchors to attach these pieces to the wall. If not, you can purchase separate hardware depending on how you want to mount it.
Find the appropriate mounting location: Note that RV walls are typically thin, which means sometimes the nails may be too long and could go all the way through the wall. Furthermore, you should be aware of where plumbing and studs are located to avoid damaging them. If you decide to mount your TV on the wall, make sure it is thick enough to support all the weight and secure the nails. If you find the walls are too thin, you can also mount your TV set to something sturdier like a wooden cupboard.
Secure the hardware: Use a pencil to mark where you want the mount to sit on the wall. Then drill the screws in to secure the mounts to the wall, attach the back of the TV to the mount and secure it.
Position the TV: Check to see if the mounting hardware is well-secured. If your TV kit comes with an articulating arm, you just need to adjust it so that the TV faces the right direction for optimal viewing.
Program the TV: All you have to do now is spend a few minutes to program the TV settings to your preferences to the best viewing experience. This includes changing the screen brightness and contrast, select aspect ratio, scan channels and much more.
3. What’s the biggest 12 volt TV?
19 inches and 24 inches have been the most popular sizes, as they are not too big or too small, and can easily fit in most RVs these days. With time though, you start to get more options in this regard, and now you can find from the tiniest 7-inch RV TVs of 7 inches meant for the smallest Class B minivans and trailers to the largest 32-inch model that would be more suitable for a family.
4. How can I power a 110 volt TV using my house battery?
If you often set up camp at conventional RV parks and campgrounds with access to electrical hookups, you can just connect your rig to shore power and watch away. Otherwise, you can use a generator to power the TV, however, this is not recommended as no one can enjoy whatever they’re watching with a noisy generator in close range. A more practical way and thus the most common method RVers use nowadays is using an inverter, which will convert the DC power from your RV’s 12 volt house batteries to 110 volt AC needed to run a TV.
A durable and high quality inverter will only set you back by less than two hundred dollars, and most models can run almost any electronic except the most power hungry one of them all, the air conditioner. The best inverters these days often come with a remote control to turn the unit on and off. One note for better efficiency is that you should mount the inverter as close to the batteries as possible.
Another practical, sustainable, quiet and green option for long term use is installing solar panels on the roof of your rig. Your RV TV as well as other necessary electrical appliances will still draw power from your house battery, and you will still need an inverter to convert the battery’s 12 volt DC power to 110 volt AC usable for your TV, but the solar system will charge your battery without letting it depleted to an unsafe level. Of course, the amount of power your solar system can generate is dependent on the amount of sunlight, so you might not have enough power in winter when there is less sun. Although this method requires an initial investment, it will save you money in the long term, so the one-time installation cost will quickly pay for itself.
5. How long will a 12 volt battery run a TV?
To work out how long a 12 volt house battery will power a TV (that is the TV only, without any other electronics), you will need the wattage drawn by your TV, that is how much power it consumes, and the size of your house battery in wattage hour, that is how much power is stored in the battery that can be supplied to the TV per hour (RC, AH, and CCA ratings are all okay).
As you should generally avoid depleting your house battery down to 50% or lower, which is detrimental to its lifespan, the calculations will be how long a battery can run a TV before it is depleted down to 50% capacity.
First, you need to work out the power capacity of your battery, which is how much energy is stored in the battery.
Let’s say the Ampere Hour rating of your house battery is 50 AH. Then the power capacity of your battery will be: 50 AH x 12-volt battery = 600 watt-hours
(In case you only have the Reserve Capacity (RC) of your battery to work with, we can also estimate a close-to-actual Ampere Hour rating and then work out the power capacity. Reserve Capacity is how many minutes the car will function if the alternator were to die and the battery was not charging while the car was running. Let’s take a RC of 90 minutes, which is the industry standard.
Estimated battery’s Ampere Hour rating = Reserve Capacity × draw from the vehicle* ÷ 60 minutes = 90 minutes × 25 A ÷ 60 minutes = 37.5 AH
Then the power capacity of your battery will be: 37.5 AH x 12-volt battery = 450 watt-hours
* For estimates, it’s best to be conservative, so let’s assume the draw from your rig will be high, at 25 amps.)
In case we have the actual AH rating of 50 AH, and the calculated capacity of 600 watt hours, the amount of energy we have to power the RV TV before the battery is discharged down to 50% is: 600 watt-hours × 50% = 300-watt-hours
Assume you want to power a 24-inch, 30-watt LED TV. The wattage drawn from your TV will be 30 wattage. Then your 12 volt house battery can run this TV for: 300 battery watt-hours ÷ 30 watts = 10 hours.
* Note: If you’re trying to power a 110 volt AC TV, you’ll need an inverter to convert DC power from your house battery to AC power usable for the TV, and you must factor in about 15% inefficiency from the inverter as a safe measure. This means that in the above example, you will only be able to power the TV for 10 hours × 85% = 8.5 hours
* Another note: 10 hours of TV sounds like a lot, but remember that your TV will most likely never be the only thing that runs at any given time. Your RV house batteries can only power your RV TV plus one or two other electronics at the same time for a short period of time. Unless you travel in a Class B minivan with minimal power consumption, you should rely on another power source as backup. This includes power hookups at the campground, a generator, but the best of all is to have a solar system installed.
6. Can I watch TV while driving my RV?
Of course, the driver shouldn’t be watching anything other than the road ahead, but your companions can watch their favorite show while the vehicle is in motion, given that your rig has a built-in generator, to which you can connect and use a 12 volt RV TV or other electronics that run with 12 volt DC power. If you use satellite TV, you can get reception at all times whether you’re stationary or moving.
7. Who makes the best RV TV?
The most established brands with a proven track record in the arena for TVs for camping include LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Jensen (now owned by Dual Electronics Corporation), Furrion, TCL, SuperSonic, Sceptre, Axess, Free Signal TV, Pyle, and Tyler. They have many best sellers, a broader product portfolio, use the latest technology and are widely available both online and offline, so it’s more convenient if you wish to visit a store to check out a product and speak with a sales representative. These brands often offer good warranties, customer service and technical support. In addition, their products will have more reviews to help you compare different models. A TV is a long term investment, so you should get the best TV for RV for your budget, and buying a well received product from a renowned manufacturer is always the safest bet.
8. How do I get TV reception in my RV?
These days, you can get a TV signal inside an RV in four ways: cable, satellite, antenna, and the latest, streaming. Each option has its pros and cons in terms of affordability, channel variety, coverage range and signal strength, so it’s not uncommon to see many campers using more than one method at the same time, depending on their budget and entertainment needs.
Cable TV is the most basic option that will not cost you anything, as many parks and campgrounds offer cable TV hookup for free in most cases, and you also don’t need to invest in any hardware. The only thing you need is a cable hookup for reception, so it’s ideal for travelers who often stay at conventional RV parks and campgrounds. As you can expect for something free in these days and age, cable TV typically offers fewer channels than the other three options. To find out if your next campground has cable TV hookup and if it’s free (sometimes it’s not), just do a Google search or check with campground directories, such as TrailerLifeDirectory.com.
If you often travel off the beaten path, far away from the campground, then you must buy an antenna to enjoy free channels or a satellite TV to get access to paid content. A TV antenna allows you to receive over-the-air local broadcast channels up to 25 miles away for free, including SD and full HD channels. A TV antenna actually consists of an exterior antenna mounted on the roof of your RV, which receives signals from the TV tower and transmits these signals to an interior antenna, which is mounted inside and re-broadcasts signals to your TV.
Satellite TV is the most expensive option, as you will need to pay for a monthly subscription and you’ll also need a dome antenna or a portable RV satellite dish to get reception. The huge advantage is that you can watch TV anywhere, anytime, even while you’re driving on the road. While antenna reception can be impeded in inclement weather, due to physical obstacles or when the antenna is out of range of the signal tower, you will get uninterrupted signals to watch satellite channels in all circumstances. You will get access to ample paid channels, but the only downside is that when you travel outside of what’s considered your local service area, you won’t get local network channels.
Streaming is the latest technology that allows you to watch exclusive content on a number of applications, including Netflix, Hulu and Disney+, as long as you’re connected to the Internet. If for some reason you don’t want to mount an antenna on your roof, for instance if your roof is absolutely covered with solar panels, streaming might be the ideal option, as you don’t need an antenna or any kind of physical receiver.
9. Can you mount a TV on the wall in an RV?
To be on the safe side, you should not try to mount your RV TV to the wall as you would in your home. This is because in most cases, RV walls are typically pretty thin. Even if your RV TV is of the smallest size, say 9 inches up to 14 inches, trying to put screws or nails on your RV walls can be risky, unless you know exactly where plumbing and studs are located.
The safest and most practical solution is to use the mounting brackets that often come with the best TV for RV. You can also find a wide variety on the market. These brackets are meant to go on the underside of your wooden cabinetry or other fixtures — if you’re willing to make holes in your RV’s wooden fixtures.
If you want no holes at all and if your RV TV weighs less than 16 pounds, you can either use extra strong adhesive strips or command strips. Another option for campers who want the flexibility of moving their RV TV from the common lounge area to the bedroom is to fix the TV on a mobile stand on wheels. Just remember to secure the stand when you’re on the move.