On the lookout for one of the best motorhome or caravan TV? Questioning how a 12v TV differs from a ‘regular’ TV and the right way to use it in your van? Right here’s all the pieces you must know to decide on the appropriate cellular TV setup for you, plus one of the best motorhome TV opinions.
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Motorhome & Caravan TVs
Generally, even when touring in your motorhome or caravan, you simply wish to curl up with an excellent movie. Or watch the information. Or meet up with sport.
Or watch Strictly Come Dancing…
No matter you wish to watch, the excellent news is there are a number of methods to get TV in your motorhome, campervan or caravan.
The three foremost methods are:
- Digitial TV
- Satellite tv for pc TV
- On-line/ catchup
Don’t fear if you happen to don’t actually perceive the distinction (but!)- we’ll go into all of it under that can assist you select the right setup for YOUR motorhome, camper or caravan.
The Finest 12v Caravan & Motorhome TV Suggestions
On this publish, we discuss in regards to the professionals and cons of every technique, in addition to numerous caravan & motorhome TV choices and what you must take into account whenever you purchase one.
Nonetheless, it’s a protracted, in-depth publish on all elements of watching tv on the street so, if you happen to already know you desire a 12v motorhome TV and don’t wish to learn your entire article, listed here are the highest fashions we suggest:
Okay, let’s stroll by the method of selecting the best TV in your motorhome or caravan extra totally.
Ought to You Match a TV in Your Motorhome, Camper or Caravan?
Putting in a motorhome TV could be a controversial matter. Some persons are vehemently towards the thought, while others don’t see the hurt.
Personally, I’m of the opinion that your motorhome, caravan or camper is your area, so do with it no matter you want.
Simply concentrate on the ability drain and needing someplace secure to retailer it, in addition to the added weight of a TV and the aerial/ dish (extra on that shortly.)
Additionally, if there’s a programme you simply HAVE to observe, you would possibly have to plan your motorhome journey accordingly to make sure you have a sign and are packed up/ arrange in time!
Can You Use a Regular TV in a Motorhome?
Questioning how a motorhome or caravan TV differs from a ‘regular’ TV? Effectively, there are a number of key variations between the 2.
- voltage
- effectivity
- robustness
- in a position to face up to vibrations
- weight
Most motorhome/ caravan TVs are 12v and they’re infinately higher at energy administration than dwelling TVs- making them rather more environment friendly.
Additionally, a motorhome TV is designed to be moved round, so it’s rather more sturdy than a house TV, which is designed to remain in a single place for many of it’s life. A motorhome TV is designed to resist the vibrations which come from being pushed in all places, to not point out the jolts and bumps from even essentially the most cautious driver.
Lastly, most dwelling TVs weigh greater than a motorhome TV. Certain, a few of that’s right down to measurement, but it surely’s additionally right down to how they’re designed, which helps maintain you inside your motorhome weight & payload limits.
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Do You Want a 12v TV in Your Van?
Until you propose to ONLY ever watch a TV when you’re plugged into mains in a campsite, you’ll want a 12v TV, which can run off your motorhome leisure battery.
With out the 12v functionality, you’ll be able to solely use a 240v plug (just like the one in your own home), which after all solely works when you’re plugged into the mains system.
I suppose you could possibly run it off a motorhome generator too, however you’d want a giant generator with pure sine energy and it might be fairly noisy!
However, once more, it relies upon completely on what kind of motor-homing vacation you wish to have.
What’s the Finest TV for a Motorhome or Caravan?
Apart from in search of a 12v motorhome television, there are 2 foremost issues to contemplate.
Terrestrial digital tv (DVB-T)
DVB-T is the TV practically everybody has of their dwelling, no less than within the UK. That is the strategy individuals get digital tv, Freeview and most ‘regular’ tv channels.
Folks get these channels at dwelling by utilizing an aerial- and it’s the identical in a motorhome or caravan- you want an aerial (normally known as a directional aerial.) This must be mounted as excessive up as potential, so is normally discovered on the roof, rear ladder and even an extendable pole.
A digital receiver must be re-tuned in each new location; ie: everytime you cease and wish to watch TV.
That is accomplished virtually precisely the identical as at dwelling; as soon as the aerial is ready up (if not everlasting), you then begin the tuning course of and it takes a couple of minutes to finish. If there’s a sign within the space, you’ll get it!
In an effort to use this technique, you will want:
- A DVB-T receiver or set-top field (able to getting digital TV from an aerial – ie, NOT a satellite tv for pc receiver field)
- Tv coaxial cable (25m appears to be the common size)
- DVB-T Aerial, both completely fastened or magnetic, comparable to this one:
NOTE: Many trendy TVs now have DVB-T functionality built-in, so that you do NOT want a separate set-top field with these, however you’ll nonetheless want an aerial.
If you wish to set up a everlasting aerial, this one is omni-directional and helps enhance the sign.
You may as well purchase some set-top packing containers and even a few 12v motorhome and caravan TVs which have a in-built onerous drive.
This lets you file one channel and watch one other. They’re usually known as PVRs (Private Video Recorders) or DVRs (Digital Video Recorders).
Preserve a watch out for these in our Finest 12v TV suggestions under, particularly if you happen to’re somebody who usually can’t resolve which channel to observe!
Satellite tv for pc digital tv (DVB-S)
The second foremost method to get TV in a motorhome or caravan is by satellite tv for pc.
The largest benefit of this technique over terrestrial TV is that it really works in additional areas, together with these that will not have a digital sign.
In case you love to do a variety of wild tenting in your motorhome, or staying away from campsites, satellite tv for pc TV might be a more sensible choice.
Additionally, if you happen to plan to tour Europe by motorhome, however wish to watch UK TV, you’ll NEED satellite tv for pc TV; digital doesn’t work abroad.
You may get many extra channels on satellite tv for pc; a whole bunch of tv and radio stations which embrace BBC, ITV, SKY Information (relying on bundle), CNN, Movie 4 and lots of others. These are sometimes known as “Freesat” channels.
You should purchase televisions with Freesat already in-built, so you do not want to purchase a separate field with these TVs however you’ll nonetheless want a satellite tv for pc aerial.
Finest Motorhome TV Satellite tv for pc Aerial
Okay, so that you’ve determined you want a satellite tv for pc TV in your motorhome, camper or caravan.
Subsequent, you want an aerial.
NOTE: An aerial is most certainly to be some form of ‘satellite tv for pc dish’, both completely fastened to the roof or handbook.
Mounted motorhome satellite tv for pc dishes
There are 2 sorts of fastened dish for satellite tv for pc TV in a motorhome or caravan
- Mounted however handbook tuning
- Mounted and self-seeking
These are fairly self-explanatory, however listed here are some professionals and cons of every.
Mounted, operated by hand dishes
This technique signifies that the dish is completely fastened to the roof of the motorhome and also you manually management the dish from inside to set all of it up after every journey. It’s simple sufficient, particularly you probably have a satellite tv for pc finder, however you do must be exact when aligning with the satellite tv for pc.
Computerized, self-seeking satellite tv for pc TV dishes
This technique can also be fastened to the roof however is fully-automatic, that means that all the pieces units itself up with simply the press of a few buttons. Now, this selection is NOT low-cost, but it surely’s rather more handy!
(and if you happen to suppose THAT’S costly, it is best to see this one!)
Transportable dishes, handbook arrange
Transportable satellite tv for pc programs are the most affordable. You manually get them out of storage every time, place them in the appropriate place after which should sync with the right satellite tv for pc.
It will possibly imply organising within the rain/ wind/ snow/ chilly/ darkish and you’re then reliant on a tripod/ pole outdoors the van, which could possibly be blown over/ knocked down and even stolen.
Right here’s a model on a tripod:
One other drawback is having to retailer the dish within the van when not in use. Though they’re smaller and extra moveable than family satellite tv for pc dishes, they’re nonetheless not simple to discover a dwelling for.
Many individuals retailer them on the mattress, which is okay till the time whenever you don’t wish to set it up- after which you need to maintain shifting it across the van.
However they’re a good way of being extra versatile. This one means that you can use a pole, that you just take away earlier than you drive.
Which Receiver do I Want for My Motorhome or Caravan TV?
You want a receiver to observe satellite tv for pc television in your motorhome, campervan or caravan. Probably the most well-known one within the UK is Sky ‘Digibox’ however others can be found too.
Often, together with buying the receiver, if you wish to watch premium channels you will want to purchase a month-to-month/ annual subscription (comparable to to Sky). In case you solely wish to watch free-to-air channels, a Freesat field will probably be fantastic.
NOTE: Sky viewing playing cards can’t be moved from one digibox to a different. You both have to take your digibox from the home with you within the motorhome/ caravan OR get two packing containers and viewing playing cards. Additionally, Sky’s Ts & Cs state that the field can’t be taken overseas.
Additionally they have one other subscription choice (or they did final time I checked!) known as Sky Go.
We used to make use of this round Europe fantastic to observe important programmes (Like Sport of Thrones) and to do that we wanted to make use of a VPN to say that we have been within the UK. We not use Sky Go, however we do nonetheless use a VPN- we’ll get to that shortly.
What Measurement Satellite tv for pc Dish Do I Want for My Camper or Caravan?
The dimensions of dish you want will depend upon the place you’re travelling along with your van. Within the UK or Eire a 50cm dish must be sufficient to obtain all channels.
Nonetheless, if you wish to watch UK channels whereas touring Europe along with your motorhome or caravan, you’ll want a bigger mannequin; the bigger the higher (however keep in mind storage and weight.)
How Do I discover the Satellites?
In case you don’t have a totally automated system, all you must do is Google the satellite tv for pc you want, then use a compass and cease when the image on the TV is sweet.
Nonetheless, a a lot simpler choice is to make use of a ‘satfinder’ which connects between the dish and the receiver to seek out the satellite tv for pc.
Finest Sort of Motorhome and Caravan Tv
LCD
For many motorhomes and caravans, a modern-type 12v LCD TV might be finest, until you’ve LOTS of energy out there. Nonetheless, the screens are a little bit extra fragile than older variations, and may be simply broken if not saved correctly.
Additionally, they are often delicate to voltage fluctuations, so that you would possibly discover a voltage regulator is well worth the cash.
Trendy 12v LCD TVs usually have both a built-in digital satellite tv for pc and/ or Freeview choices and typically even embrace built-in DVD gamers or card readers in order that photographs may be considered on a giant display screen.
You’ll want some form of USB stick to place the photographs on first, until there’s wifi connectivity.
Finest 12v Caravan & Motorhome TV to Purchase within the UK
Okay, so in any case these explanations, what are one of the best motorhome & caravan TVs to purchase?
Effectively, clearly that will depend on what sort you selected above, however listed here are a number of of one of the best available on the market within the UK and worldwide.
Avtex 12v Caravan & Motorhome TVs
Avtex have rapidly change into an business chief in motorhome and caravan 12v televisions. They at present have a number of fashions available on the market, starting from 24″ right down to 16″.
Most of them have very comparable options, though some fashions are equipped with a USB stick for recording, which is perhaps very helpful if you wish to file one thing while you’re away from the van.
Avtex W195TS 21.5” Good TV – 12v 24v 240v 21.5 inch Tremendous Slim LED Wi-Fi Bluetooth Linked HD
One other nice TV from AVTEX with;
- ULL HD SMART TV – With built-in HD satellite tv for pc decoder
- Compact design with edge to edge frameless display screen with crystal clear sound.
- Wirelessly Casting – Forged out of your cellular gadget to the AVTEX Good TV, suitable with each Apple (iOS) and Android units.
- 3 Yr Guarantee
| Model | Avtex |
| Decision | 1080p |
| Connections | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Show expertise | LED |
| Supported Web Companies | Entry Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, iPlayer, Now TV, Sky Retailer, YouTube and rather more. Freeview Play not included. |
| Show | LED |
| Show Measurement | 21.5 Inches |
| Tuner Expertise | DVBT & DVBT2 Digital Terrestrial Tuner use for aerials and DVB-S & DVB-S2 Digital Satellite tv for pc Tuner use for dishes. Powered by 12v / 24v DC or 240 volts AC for ultra-low energy consumption. |
Avtex L219DRS-PRO 21.5″ Inch 12v/240 Volt TV with built-in HD Freeview/Satellite tv for pc Tuner DVD/PVR File
This is without doubt one of the main motorhome TV fashions available on the market.
Particular options embrace: DVD participant; USB File; HD Satellite tv for pc Tuner; HD Freeview Tuner; 7 Day EPG; 3 yr guarantee.
| Model | Avtex |
| Decision | 1080p |
| Connections | 2xHDMI/2xUSB/phono/headphone/audio in/co-axial audio-out |
| Show expertise | LED |
| Supported Web Companies | Freeview |
| Dimensions | 49.00 x 4.60 x 29.00 cm |
| Color | Black |
| Merchandise Weight | 3.1 Kilograms |
| Tuner Expertise | Freeview |
As you’ll be able to see above, this 21.5″ TV has each satellite tv for pc and Freeview expertise already in-built. It has a frameless edge-to-edge LED display screen, with full HD Extremely-wide viewing angle.
The built-in twin DVB-T/T2 and DVB-S/S2 tuners help you watch TV, DVD or take heed to the radio and concurrently file terrestrial or satellite tv for pc TV.
Extremely slim, gentle and compact, this Avtex L219DRS-PRO mannequin boasts AQT one button tuning, an on-screen leisure battery meter and lots of different options you’d count on from the main cellular leisure particular TV. Requires 2 x AAA batteries and comes with a cigarette lighter adaptor.
Avtex L249DRS-PRO 24″ 12V LED Full HD TV for Caravan Motorhome Truck & Boat
A 24″ model, with many comparable options to the mannequin above, together with HD Satellite tv for pc; HD Freeview; DVD participant; USB File and playback.
| Model | Avtex |
| Decision | 1080p |
| Connections | 2xHDMI/2xUSB/phono/headphone/audio in/co-axial audio-out |
| Show expertise | LED |
| Supported Web Companies | Freeview |
| Mannequin Yr | 2018 |
| Color | Black |
| Show Measurement | 24 Inches |
| Merchandise Weight | 5.15 Kilograms |
| Dimensions | 53.40 x 4.60 x 33.00 cm |
This Avtex L249DRS-PRO 24″ mannequin additionally has edge-to-edge design for the LED display screen. It means that you can watch a DVD and file a TV programme on the identical time, plus pause/playback stay TV/Immediate file to USB on each Satellite tv for pc and TV.
Different Finest Motorhome or Caravan TVs
Okay, that covers Avtex motorhome TVs, however there are different manufacturers out there too- and infrequently for a greater worth.
One among these is Cello, a UK-built model.
Cello 12 volt 32″ inch C3220 Traveller FS LED TV with DVD and Satellite tv for pc
One of many largest 12v TVs available on the market, the Cello 32″ runs on both 12v or 240v and may be wall mounted or free-standing.
Some options of the TV embrace:
- 32″ Full HD LED TV display screen
- DVD participant
- Inbuilt Freeview HD
- Constructed-in satellite tv for pc tuner for all free to air channels (DVB-S2)
- USB 2.0 enter so you’ll be able to file digital TV or play media information.
- Two HDMI inputs in your exterior units
- 12-volt AND 240v energy adapters included
- PAUSE, REWIND, RECORD stay TV (USB storage gadget required)
| Model | Cello |
| Decision | 720p |
| Connections | VGA, USB, HDMI |
| Show expertise | LED |
| Color | Black |
| Show Measurement | 32 Inches |
| Merchandise Weight | 5.5 Kilograms |
| Refresh Charge | 60 Hz |
| Tuner Expertise | Digital |
Sniper 22″ HD LED Journey TV with in-built DVD, Satellite tv for pc and Freeview, 12V, 24V & Mains. DVB-T2 & DVB-S2
Final on our record of suggestions is the Sniper motorhome and caravan 12v TV.
Sniper are well-known for different electronics and their TV’s are effectively value contemplating, particularly for travellers on a finances.
That is the 22″ model however there are a number of different sizes out there, all with comparable options, which embrace:
- 12/24 volt energy lead to be used in motorhome, caravan or boat, plus mains adapter
- Freeview HD and HD satellite tv for pc receivers built-in
- DVD/CD participant
- Constructed-in Bluetooth audio for soundbar or headphones
- USB PVR perform for pausing stay TV and recording
- Grade A LED Display, very low energy consumption 22 watts
| Model | Sniper |
| Decision | 1080p |
| Connections | VGA, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI |
| Show expertise | LED |
| Show | LED |
| Show Measurement | 22 Inches |
| Tuner Expertise | Freeview and Freesat |
| Wi-fi Communication Expertise | Bluetooth |
Catch up On-line
I’ll be trustworthy, since my first motorhome, I didn’t have a devoted motorhome TV. I realised I not often watched TV ‘stay’ and tended to observe catch up channels as an alternative. Additionally, I realised that to get UK TV in Europe, I both wanted an costly and heavy satellite tv for pc system, or discover a method to watch on the web.
So now, I solely ever watch TV on my laptop computer or iPad and entry UK catch up apps comparable to BBC iPlayer from everywhere in the world, utilizing a VPN. I’ve used Categorical VPN with out downside for years. I additionally watch Amazon Prime and Netflix utilizing this, and it’s labored effectively for us.
NOTE: I proceed to pay for a UK TV licence. I nonetheless have one registered on the identical tackle the place my mail goes, which covers me to be used when I’m again within the UK and likewise when overseas.
Clearly, so as to watch TV on-line, you will want to have web. You’ll be able to both use the 3G/4G which is in your cellphone/ iPad (you need to use it as a hotspot for a laptop computer) OR you’ll be able to join it to a wifi dongle.
Learn extra about how I get web in my motorhome.
TV Sticks for Motorhomes and Caravans
Another choice is to make use of a ‘stick’ which plugs right into a laptop computer or perhaps a TV, and offers you TV that manner.
Two of the most well-liked are the Amazon Firestick, and the Roku stick. Once more, you will want a wifi/ web connection for both of those to work.
Remember, many campsites have wifi, however they limit it, so you can be unable to obtain motion pictures or stream TV (stream means watch it in real-time).
This may be irritating (particularly when there’s a sporting match on) so you probably have your individual web you’ll be a lot happier!
I hope that helps you select the appropriate sort of caravan or motorhome TV for you. Let me know which one you get!
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