We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
One of the best things about “roughing it” in an RV is that it doesn’t have to be that rough. You can enjoy practically all the same luxuries of home, just on a smaller scale. Unlike tent camping, RVing gives you the option of having a long-term, comfortable, and dry set-up.
Adding a television to your RV gives you lots of options for rainy days and nights when you just don’t want to be stuck outside. Today’s RV TVs are just as crystal clear and high-tech as any TV you would find in your home. In fact, there are many excellent options to choose from when purchasing a new TV for your RV. We’ve come up with a list of some of our top favorites and a smart buying guide to help you know what to look for to ensure you’re getting the best one to suit your needs.
Benefits of TVs for RVs
- Reduce boredom. Though many RVers may want to enjoy the environment and outdoors, others need the entertainment to get them through the journey. Watching TV is a great way to wind down at the end of a long day. It’s also a good distraction for children. For those who are thinking about renting an RV, make sure that good TV is part of the entertainment amenities.
- Multifunctionality. A TV is more than just a platform for shows and movies. It can also be used as a PC monitor if you need to get some work done. You can also hook up a gaming console to it or you could simply connect it to your smartphone or play music through it to listen to while you sit outside or relax indoors.
- Add ambiance. While a TV certainly allows you to watch your shows, it also adds a sense of style to the inside of your RV. Having a TV set up in the camper makes it feel more like home. It’s somewhere guests can gather at night to turn on a movie or ballgame and chat about the day.
- Improve safety. With a TV inside your RV, you can monitor the weather by watching the news. While you could get a weather radio, being able to see where a storm is at a given moment gives you a better idea of how to prepare. Seeing where a storm is headed gives you time to decide if you need to pack up and leave or if you can simply wait it out.
Types of TVs for RVs
LCD
A liquid crystal display (LCD) flat-screen TV is powered by fluorescent lights placed behind the glass panes. The placement of the lights generally makes these types of TVs thicker and a bit bulkier to put in place. The picture color and quality is clear and can even be up to 4K resolution.
LED
Light-emitting diode (LED) televisions are typically much thinner than their LCD counterparts. This is due to the placement of lighting around the screen’s edges. Their design also makes them more efficient and provides a higher quality resolution and a wider range of color, yet this also makes them a bit more expensive.
Top Brands
Supersonic
Supersonic has been manufacturing TVs and mobile electronics for 30 years out of Commerce, Calif. A few of its products are portable DVD players, speakers, cameras, and LED and LCD televisions. One of its top-rated TVs is the SuperSonic SC-2412 LED Widescreen HDTV.
LG
LG Electronics is a multinational electronics company that’s headquartered in South Korea. Since its inception in 1958 when it was known as “Goldstar,” the company has been leading the way in technological advancements in electronics and appliances, creating such innovative products as the LG Smart InstaView® Door-in-Door® Double Freezer Refrigerator.
Vizio
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., Vizio is proud to be a young, innovative, and American-owned company. It strives to bring powerfully immersive products to the marketplace at super competitive prices. One of the company’s top sellers is the Vizio OLED 55-inch 4K HDR Smart TV.
TV for RV Pricing
- Under $150: This is where you will find the most standard RV televisions. They will allow you to hook up audio, HDMI cables, and a satellite TV antenna. However, they will generally be on the smaller size, starting at around 20 inches.
- $150 and up: It is here you will find televisions with more functionality and larger screens. Additional options can range from smart features to get online, extra HDMI ports, and anti-glare screens.
Key Features
Size
Perhaps the most important function of a television is the screen size. You don’t want anything too small so you are unable to see the screen and make out details. However, you do want a TV that is large enough to fit the space provided in the RV. Check the dimensions of the TV and the width and length of where it will go to make sure it fits properly and securely.
Ports and Connections
The next thing to consider is what will be connected to the TV. If you want to watch content in high definition, then you will want one with HDMI ports. These are designed for Roku, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles. If you want to hook up your cell phone, then make sure it includes ports for USB as well. SD card ports give you access to your photos or other files on your TV and VGA adapters connect your laptops or PC.
Other Considerations
- Color and Picture Quality: Choosing a TV with the best picture quality can be difficult but not impossible. While the difference between LED and LCD is minor, LED screens to tend to emit a more vibrant color. Also, look for one with 1080p quality for the best picture.
- Power: TVs designed to fit in RVs tend to be 12-volt while others use the standard power cable. Be sure to pick a television that is compatible with the power system running through your camper.
- Mounting: Many RVs will allow you to mount the TV instead of just set it down somewhere. Mounts are all rated to hold a certain amount of weight, so make sure the one you are looking at can securely hold your TV.
Best TV for RV Reviews & Recommendations 2021
Best Overall
Jensen HD Ready 19 Inch TV
Best Value
Insignia 24-inch Smart HD TV
Most Versatile
SuperSonic SC-2412 LED Widescreen HDTV
Best Color and Contrast
LG Electronics 24-Inch HD webOS 3.5 Smart TV
Honorable Mention
VIZIO D-Series 24-Inch HD LED Smart TV
Tips
- While you may think connecting a standard HD television in your RV is a good idea, think again. The majority of RV TVs are specifically designed to handle bumps and vibrations, while regular TVs are not.
- If you have multiple HDMI components to connect to the TV and only have one HDMI port, you can buy an HDMI splitter to connect them all at once. It’s a convenient way to make sure everything is connected without having to worry about extra cables.
- Consider connecting external speakers to any TV to get a richer sound quality. The sound is quiet and muffled because speakers are built into the back of the TV.
FAQs
Q: Do RV televisions come with their own component cables?
A: They generally do not come equipped with all of the cablings you will need for extra components. While many come with all of the standard ports needed to connect things such as DVD players, you will need to purchase your own cables to properly connect anything to the TV.
Q: Do RV TVs come with their own mounting hardware?
A: Mounting hardware is sold separately for most televisions. Occasionally, you will find TVs that feature their own mounting options or brackets. You will need to find the right mounting equipment for your specific TV’s weight and size in order to mount it securely to the wall.
Q: Will an RV TV has smart features?
A: Typically, motorhome TVs do not have smart capabilities. However, you can make any TV smart by connecting a Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast to the HDMI port and connect it to the internet or a Wi-Fi Hotspot.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a high-quality, crystal clear 12-volt powered TV for your RV, our top pick is the Jensen HD Ready 19 Inch TV. It includes a whopping 10 different ports to plug in all kinds of accessories.
For a bit more budget-friendly option that still provides an excellent viewing experience, consider the Insignia 24-inch Smart HD TV. It’s fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Fire Stick, making it a wicked value.