Mounting a TV in a Camper
A TV adds a touch of comfort and utility to any RV, whether it’s for watching your favorite shows or keeping up with the news and weather. There are various RV TV mounting ideas to work with and achieve your objective. In a continual motion setting, you’ll need a well-secured mount to keep your TV in place.
General RV TV Mounting Guidelines
The following are guidelines for the successful process on how to attach a TV mount to an RV wall:
- Select a TV Mount for Your RV.
- Remove the old television if you have one.
- Remove any extra mounting hardware from the old TV tube.
- Get an idea of how you want to attach your RV TV Mount by looking at images from suppliers.
- Make a location to secure the RV TV Mount. Even if you think the area is stiff enough to attach a TV to, it’s always a good idea. The television’s weight and your RV’s movement will wear down the region where you attach the mount.
- If you’re going to utilize a fastener to secure the RV TV mounting bracket, make it a little more durable just in case.
- If you’re using an articulating mount, check the length of all your wires and, if necessary, purchase an extension.
- If you’re not using the wall/tilt mounts, you’ll need to find a technique to keep the secure mount in transit (Velcro or straps are a common choice).
What You Need to Install a TV Mount
Find everything you’ll need to mount a TV to an RV wall below. Some supplies are a must-have, while others are optional but highly advised to make the job go more smoothly.
TV Mount for RVs
RV TV mounts are specifically for use in RVs and are advisable if you plan to leave your TV mounted on the wall while traveling. They have lockable swivel arms that keep the TV in place during transport and reduce vibration.
Is it possible to utilize a standard TV mount in an RV? Yes, but it’s advisable that you remove the TV from the mount during travel if it has an adjustable arm that doesn’t lock.
Power Driller
What is the best way to screw into an RV wall? Using a standard screwdriver will work, but it will be time-consuming and tedious. For a far more straightforward operation, use a power drill.
Different Drill Bits
To drill pilot holes and drive the mounting screws, you’ll need masonry tools and a Phillips head bit. The bits will enable you to get the correct hole sizes.
Level
Putting your faith in your eyes alone is a recipe for disaster. Using a level, you may prevent needless holes in your RV wall and a misaligned TV.
Stud Locator
A good, deep scanning stud finder will assist you in locating the optimum support points in your RV wall. Your RV’s wall surface cannot support the weight of your TV without a stud, and you could end up with an expensive mess.
However, in some RVs, a stud finder may not fulfill your expectation; therefore, check some other stud-finding methods below.
A Companion
Having an extra set of hands to help you carry the TV or hold things in place will make this project much faster and easier.
Screw Adhesives
For further stability, use industrial adhesive on your screws. A little more help goes a long way in a constantly shifting environment like an RV.
Tape
Mark your wall studs with painter’s tape once you find them. It’s easier to see, and there’s no need to scratch your wall.
Covers for Cables
Route your cables through the RV wall, tie them up neatly, and tuck them behind a table, stand, or another décor for a cleaner look. Don’t worry if your RV’s layout prevents you from using these options.
The Best RV TV Mounts Buying Guide
Because the vehicle is subject to a great deal of vibration and motion, it is vital to install your TV on an RV TV mount to prevent it from falling off or colliding with a wall. In an RV, you can effortlessly mount your TV and watch your favorite shows while on the road.
Today, we’ll review some of the basic features of TV mounts so that you may choose the best option from our selection. These considerations impact the overall usability and quality of RV TV mounts, so read the buying advice carefully before making a purchase.
Availability of Space
Space is often not a concern for household applications because living rooms and bedrooms have big walls and allow longer viewing distances. The same cannot apply to RVs with small interior spaces. As a result, you must consider the amount of space available in your RV while choosing an RV TV mount. Read our article and find out Our Top RV Bedroom Remodel Ideas.
The RV TV mounts come in various sizes to accommodate various TV sizes. As a result, you must ensure that your RV TV mount can mount and secure a TV of the appropriate size in your RV. It also has an impact on the TV Mount’s adjustment settings.
You cannot move the TV around if you have limitations. As a result, purchasing an articulated mount with several adjustment options is pointless.
Weight Capacity
TVs are quite hefty due to the numerous heavy components they include. Furthermore, they are quite important, and you must handle them cautiously to avoid damaging the TV. For this, you must consider the TV’s weight and choose an RV TV mount capable of supporting the weight.
One of the most significant aspects of an RV TV mount is its weight capacity. As a precaution, you might choose an RV TV wall mount with a 20 to 30 pounds (9.08 to 13.62 kilograms) higher weight capacity than your current TV. This will improve the device’s reliability for your existing TV while making it upgrade-proof.
Adjustments Settings
The adjustment settings on an RV TV mount come in handy because they allow you to move the TV around without having to remove it from its socket. Swiveling, tilting, rotating, and linear adjustment are among the adjustment options. You’ll need to adjust these settings if you want a perfect viewing angle at an ideal viewing distance in your RV.
In general, swiveling and tilting motions can correct the viewing angle, whereas linear adjustment provides optimal seating and viewing distance. You cannot adjust your TV once you install it if your RV TV mount doesn’t contain the adjustment settings.
Safety
The RV TV mounts come with extra safety features to account for the vehicle’s motion, which might potentially damage the TV. Most of the time, the passengers watch television while the vehicle is in motion. Whether the car is stationary or movable, you will mount it on the RV TV mount even if it is not in use.
This necessitates additional safety features for RV TV mounting, such as a locking mechanism. If you don’t fix the mount in a specific location, it will move around with the RV’s motion, potentially damaging the TV. As a result, before purchasing an RV TV mount, ensure it has a strong locking mechanism.
Top RV TV Mounting Ideas
Mounting a TV Outside an RV
The exterior installation is extremely difficult. You must make certain that the RV TV mount is detachable. This will enable you to relocate the mount within the RV. When you’re camping, this mounting idea is ideal.
A dual camper TV mount is a fantastic item you can have. You may place your RV TV outside the camp and have it entertain everyone with this handy piece of equipment. When the television is not in use, you can quickly remove the TV mount and mount it indoors because it is detachable. This is to keep the TV safe.
Mounting in the Cabinet
One disadvantage of this mounting method is that it takes up a lot of room in the RV. When hanging your RV TV, you only have a tiny under-cabinet space to work with. You must purchase a small television. You should buy a TV that is less than 27 inches (68.58 centimeters) in size.
Inside Cabinet Articulating Arm
You can use this mounting method without altering the plywood; therefore, refurbishing it is unnecessary. This style has no cords or wires flying around, so it’s quite elegant. Only the television screen is visible.
You hide everything else behind the plywood. You’ll need to lock the television to keep it safe after installing it. If the plywood is too wide, the TV may swing from one angle to the next, perhaps damaging it.
Continuous Motion TV Mount
This fantastic piece of gear offers much flexibility regarding seeing and mobility. Most RV TV wall mounts have clear instructions and are reasonably simple to install. One thing to remember is that your RV vehicle’s wooden board should be at least 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters) thick. +/-5 degrees post-installation adjustment for perfect TV leveling
Wall Installation
This is the simplest method of attaching the RV television. You’ll need to drill a few holes in the wall, attach the TV mount, and then install the television on the TV mount.
This procedure creates multiple holes in the wall, which is a huge disadvantage. You may also have a problem relocating the television because this will necessitate drilling additional holes in the wall.
On the Shelf
The most common method is to mount the RV TV on the cabinet. This is because it is simple and easy to set up. It is ideal to use the cabinet as a television stand.
Because you will have various wires and cables all over the place, this setup is not very appealing.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an RV TV Mount
Now that you have information about RV TV mounts, it’s time to check out the other aspects that will influence your ultimate decision.
Room Dimensions
You should consider the space’s layout before choosing an RV TV mount. This is important because certain models aren’t particularly adaptable. You will have to install it near the center of the wall. Why is this a problem?
The lack of flexibility severely limits the mobility of your television. It also impacts the viewing angle, making it more difficult to have the greatest possible TV viewing experience. It’s also worth noting that, depending on your RV’s furniture, you could require a swivel mount.
If this case arises, you’ll have to pay a little more than you expected. Swivel mounts are more expensive, such as full-motion or articulating travel trailer TV mounts.
Compatibility with VESA
You want to be sure that your mounted RV TV is secure. After all, televisions and wall mounts aren’t inexpensive. Everything between the TV and the mount will be compatible, which will provide security.
Their compatibility is because TVs use a screw pattern system to attach to mounts and brackets. These screw patterns are particular to the VESA system and mirror the exact design of each mechanism.
Mounts with this screw layout are more likely to work with major television brands. It’s a quick way to see if a mount will work with your TV and vice versa.
Easy Installation Procedure
You’ll want a TV mount for your RV that’s simple to set up. Of course, this component may not be attainable with more complex types like an articulating or complete motion mount. Even in these circumstances, you must ensure that the installation is something you can handle.
Reading customer evaluations is a great method to figure out how difficult something is. These conversations will reveal whether or not the installation process was simple. And if there is a problem, the people will inform you. It’s also critical that the mount comes with all the necessary components and fixtures to complete the job.
If possible, avoid mounts that require additional tools to install. This action will eliminate any potential headaches associated with determining if you’re using the correct tool or need to purchase it separately.
Safety
Any RV TV mount worth considering will feature functional and safe designs. The brand you choose must meet all of the safety requirements with their products.
There should be no problems with safety if you stick to safe brands. Also, opt for mounts that come with a longer guarantee. This move will provide you with some protection in an accident.
It’s also a good idea to avoid refurbished electronics. You never know when one of them will go down, posing major safety risks inside your RV.
The Mount’s Stability and the TV’s Dimensions
While it may seem obvious that the mount can support your TV, many people fail to read the product description before purchasing. Don’t be sure that a mount will work without checking your TV’s ad and size/weight.
If you don’t and acquire the wrong one, your television is likely to topple. As a result of this occurrence, you will need to purchase a new mount and maybe a TV. So, before making a final decision, please research the mount’s strength and the size of your television.
Price
The cost of these gadgets will vary depending on the model. This is why making a budget is crucial to any successful shopping experience. This budget should include all of your desired features and mount types.
For example, if you want a pull-down motion mount, it will cost more than a flat or tilt mount. By recognizing differences like this, you can create a budget range with which you’ll be happy.
And after you establish a financial range, the rest of the procedure is easier. It will reduce the number of options to a more manageable quantity, alleviating any feelings of overwhelming.
Why Do You Need a TV Mount for Your RV?
There are numerous reasons why purchasing an RV TV bracket is a wise decision. This section will go over some of the features that make these gadgets such a valuable addition to your rig when you go on vacation:
Saving Space
Let’s face it; even the largest RVs don’t have a lot of space on board. It frequently feels like a tight, cluttered space that annoys you. A TV mount alleviates this problem by securing your television to a specific surface, such as a wall or cabinet.
As a result, it’s a device that will help you save some room on your rig. You can use this room for various purposes, such as storing souvenirs from your travels.
It also helps that some models allow you to adjust your television by swiveling or tilting it as necessary. This ability eliminates the need to move it yourself and reduces the risk of an accident.
Safety and Security
During an RV trip, you always move from one location to the next. Even if you drive as cautiously as possible, this movement will cause things like vibrations. Without a sturdy, secure mount, your TV will likely collapse or become unstable.
Once you have this top-tier mount, you can sit back and rest, knowing your TV is safe. It’s just another method to bring a sense of serenity into your life, which you try to achieve when you go on RV excursions.
These devices also have beautiful designs that will blend nicely with your RV’s decor. In other words, it will give your rig a more premium feel.
Types of Television Mounts
There are various TV mounts for RVs available. And determining which one best suits your needs is an important first step.
As a result, let’s go over the six most common varieties in great detail: flat wall RV TV mounts, under cabinet RV TV mounts, tilt RV TV mounts, articulating RV TV mounts, full-motion RV TV mounts, and pull down motion RV TV mounts.
Flat Wall RV TV Mounts
A flat wall RV TV mount can be the best solution if you seek a sleek and simple setup. These devices will allow you to hang your TV on the wall like a mirror or a picture. It’s a simple method to get the benefits of a TV mount.
Flat mounts also conserve space because they keep the TV near the cabinet or wall, depending on your setup. You can imagine how useful this feature could be on your rig, given how the little room is onboard RVs.
It’s important to remember that these gadgets lack the range of motion that some other types do. This feature implies that a flat mount will not tilt or spin after installation and will remain in place. You require a reinstall if you want to relocate the device.
However, given their simple installation process, this possible concern is minor. You should also be aware that a flat mount will leave approximately 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) between the TV and the wall. This makes accessing wires on the backside of the TV difficult because you must remove the mount from the wall.
Under Cabinet RV TV Mounts
RV owners with smaller TVs may consider investing in an under-cabinet RV TV mount. These items are ideal for installing 10 to 25-inch (25.4 to 63.5 – centimeter) televisions in any room with a cabinet, such as a kitchen.
Your flat panel TV will stay tucked away under the cabinet where you position it using an under cabinet mount. These mounts are available in one of two styles: permanently stationary or folded up.
Both options will allow you enough flexibility to watch your favorite shows in small spaces like your kitchen while taking up minimal space. This benefit stems from the under cabinet mounts, which conceal your TV beneath the overhang while still allowing you to maneuver around your counter.
Furthermore, most of these mounts can rotate and tilt, making it much easier to locate the ideal viewing position. Doesn’t that sound like a fantastic device? However, it’s disappointing that these mounts can’t handle larger TVs.
These devices aren’t great when you need to access wires and cables. Many consumers complain about this feature in under cabinet RV TV mounts customer reviews.
Tilt RV TV Mount
These mounts are similar to flat mounts, but they have one major difference: they allow you to tilt your TV after installing it on the wall. This benefit may not appear significant, but it gives you greater control over your watching experience.
For example, if the sun is shining brightly on your TV, you can tilt it away from the sun to get a better picture. Depending on the type, the tilt range is usually between 8 and 20 inches (20.32 and 50.8 centimeters). It may not appear to be a game-changer, but it will shield your TV from the sun’s brightness when you need it.
It’s a lovely little perk that can make a big difference when it comes to unwinding and watching your favorite shows. However, this advantage makes these devices more expensive than flat mounts.
As a result, some consumers prefer flat mounts to this gadget when they’re seeking a good deal. This decision frequently leaves them dissatisfied with their purchase.
Tilt mounts, on the other hand, allow your TV to tilt downwards. This capability enables you to install TVs higher than eye level. It’s another feature that helps RV owners a little more flexibility in terms of what they want from a mounted TV.
Articulating RV TV Mounts
The articulating RV TV mount is one of the most common forms of mobile mounts. These devices provide an astonishing range of motion, allowing you to move from side to side, sit against a wall, and even extend 30 inches (76.2 centimeters) outwards in certain variants.
Depending on your needs, these mounts can also tilt to the right or left. These devices will provide you with the best TV viewing experience you’ve ever had when traveling in your RV.
Of course, this additional range of motion comes at a higher cost than a flat or tilt mount. When not in use, the arm on these devices folds back to allow you to set the TV near the wall.
People frequently choose an articulating mount since they may place it inside their RV. It just requires a small space to affix itself to a cabinet or wall. It also doesn’t hurt that you can watch TV from various perspectives within your RV.
However, this type of technology isn’t flawless, as it has several faults. Articulating mounts are not as near the wall as flat or tilt RV TV mounts, and you must fasten them when traveling. These mounts don’t tilt downward, which could be a problem if you mount the gadgets higher than eye level.
Full Motion RV TV Mounts
A full-motion RV TV mount, also known as an RV swivel TV mount, is an excellent alternative if you’re searching for a flexible mount. These mounts are the most versatile on the market today since they allow you to move your TV left and right, tilt it, and even rotate it 360 degrees.
This versatility will allow you to watch TV from numerous locations inside your RV. You may even view from rooms other than the main room. It’s also worth mentioning that these devices have a greater range of motion than articulating mounts.
The ability to move side to side, tilt down/up, and retract your TV gives them this position. Full motion mounts also give you much flexibility regarding where you can put your TV.
Because of these capabilities, it’s clear that these models have a range of motion that other types don’t. However, the price is substantially greater than the preceding varieties because of the complex creation process and rich features.
You’ll also have to keep these mounts secure while traveling, which can be a pain. These goods, like articulating mounts, will not sit as close to the wall as a flat or tilt model would. As a result of this feature, they take up a little more of your restricted space.
Pull-Down Motion RV TV Mounts
The last type is pull-down motion RV TV mounts, the most advanced mounts available today. These products will allow you to hang your TV from the ceiling, giving you more options.
A pull-down motion RV TV mount, for example, can raise your TV over your eyeline or lower it by 20 inches (50.8 centimeters) for a better viewing angle. And once you finish watching TV, this item will automatically return to its place.
These mounts are the ones to go with if you want the greatest TV watching experience possible. It gives you the best opportunity of finding the ideal viewing angle. However, this does not negate the fact that these mounts have some flaws.
Pull-down motion mounts, as you might expect, are the most expensive. The presence of the gas springs, essential to make these mounts operate, results in this terrible reality. They also have high-quality, long-lasting materials that can support a hanging TV.
You should remember that these mounts take up more room and have a larger footprint than the others.
Our Conclusion
A recreational vehicle is arguably the greatest transportation mode if you plan to tour the country. It claims to provide you with the comfort and elegance of space. While the RV ensures convenience due to its enormous space, you must consider your entertainment options.
Long-distance travel, regardless of how comfortable it is, can get tedious. This explains why you require an entertainment source.
Television is the most popular kind of entertainment available. It’s vital to remember that most RVs are simply extensions of your home. This means you can travel with your television mounted in your RV.
However, because the wall and overall setting of the RV differ from your home, it may be perplexing how to install the television. The suggestions above may give you a hint or spark your imagination when mounting your RV TV.