TV’s in caravans...

[JapanRed]

Hi all,

We are thinking of getting a TV in our caravan but have a few questions first.

The caravan is a 2016 Sterling Ecccles 640 which has its own ariel. Is it as simple as buying a TV and plugging it in, then when on site extending the roof mounted ariel and tuning the TV? Will any TV work or does it have to be a TV specific for caravans?

Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks. Rob

[bristolracer]

If you are always using hook up then any tv will work
If you are off grid then you will need a 12v one, dont fall into the trap of buying a tv that is marketed for caravans, thre are many tvs that use a 12v supply,all you will need to buy in addition is a lead to connect it to your 12v socket on the caravan.
You will need to tune the tv into the local transmitter,the owners of the caravan site should be able to point out the direction of the local transmitter.

[youngricharduk]

We use a normal 32 inch TV as we are always on electric hook up sites. On a side note caravan and motorhome club sites mostly have an aerial connection on the pitch which allows you guaranteed good signal. Alternatively, I use a cable which displays my phone screen on the TV through the HDMI input and allows me to watch Netflix etc (not sky Go).

[chasingracecars]

I bought a 22” TV from Curry and bought a inverter so if I am not on electric then switch it over to Inverter.

One like this...

BESTEK 300W Power Inverter DC 12V to 230V AC Converter with AC Outlet and 4.8A Dual USB Car Charger https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00INW611Y/ref=cm_sw_r...

[LeadFarmer]

Any TV will do, assuming your caravan is connected to mains power at the site. Your caravan might also have an TV aerial socket on the outside of the caravan, in one of the external lockers maybe. Some caravan sites also have tv aerial sockets by the mains electric point, so you can then run a length of normal aerial cable from this to your caravan for better signal strength.

[Mr Pointy]

LeadFarmer said:

Any TV will do, assuming your caravan is connected to mains power at the site. Your caravan might also have an TV aerial socket on the outside of the caravan, in one of the external lockers maybe. Some caravan sites also have tv aerial sockets by the mains electric point, so you can then run a length of normal aerial cable from this to your caravan for better signal strength.

What happens when you're not on a hook-up?

You're assuming the OP's caravan has an inverter installed. If it doesn't, the TV won't work.

[JapanRed]

Thanks everyone. We have only ever been on electric hook up pitches and this is what I foresee us using moving forwards, so sounds like any TV will do.

I’m assuming I could always buy an inverter if we ever do decide to go off grid?

What cable to I need to connect to the Ariel connection on pitch? Link to an amazon or google product would be very helpful.

Thank you again.
Rob

[LeadFarmer]

Mr Pointy said:

LeadFarmer said:

Any TV will do, assuming your caravan is connected to mains power at the site. Your caravan might also have an TV aerial socket on the outside of the caravan, in one of the external lockers maybe. Some caravan sites also have tv aerial sockets by the mains electric point, so you can then run a length of normal aerial cable from this to your caravan for better signal strength.

What happens when you're not on a hook-up?

You're assuming the OP's caravan has an inverter installed. If it doesn't, the TV won't work.

Did you miss the bit in bold?
As for when not on hook up, that question had already been answered, so why would I need to answer it again?

JapanRed said:

We have only ever been on electric hook up pitches and this is what I foresee us using moving forwards.

Boom!!

[Spare tyre]

In the U.K. at least, surely an iPad and data connection is much easier and flexible. I travel a lot with work and have all sorts saved locally and stream whatever else

[21st Century Man]

We just take the TV from our bedroom and put it in the campervan, it's 12v even when running on mains anyway so on/off grid makes no difference. We don't have a sophisticated aerial though, but manage with a stubby magnetic base high gain and a booster most of the time.

[Evoluzione]

Make sure you've got a valid TV licence for your van too

[andrewcliffe]

Have a TV which we use when on pitches with mains hook up. Have a roof mounted aerial and a signal booster, and a mobile phone app - Antenna Aligner to help locate best signal. Can power it on 12v if not hooked up but tend to stream via iPad as I understand its a fairly power hungry on the leisure battery

[Neddy Sea Goon]

Evoluzione said:

Make sure you've got a valid TV licence for your van too

Not needed, covered by the licence at your home address for tourers and motor homes

[LeadFarmer]

I'm actually about to get a 2nd TV for the caravan, then I'll have one for the lounge and one for the bedroom.

[richardxjr]

^ ours is on a swivel panel so can be viewed in either Only 500mm wide though.

I like the Cello 12v TVs. British! Cheap, and has built in DVD player and Miracast. They sell direct on eBay, £170 for 19 or 22"

The sound is a bit rubbish though, you might be able to line into your audio unit.