Novice RVer and tv query

[Wendy4Annie]

Hello,
I'm new to this forum as well as RV-ing. Traveling with husband and re-careered guide dog Annie. Enjoyed four short trips this summer in our used 22' Born Free, training toward potential cross-country trip in 2014. Question/advice needed for tv. Our Skyworth died (video portion) and the reviews for replacements are very negative. Is a 12v TV/DVD necessary, or can we just get a *good* quality regular tv and run it on 110 when elec hookup is available? So much to learn. Thanks for your comments. Wendy

[Excel]

You might call the Born Free factory in Iowa, talk to Kim.... I'm sure he can help you.... I also have a BF & have just replaced my TV with a new slim regular TV... It'll work on electric or generator.... though I don't use my generator for it. Anyhow, maybe someone else has better info, but I know calling BF will answer your questions.... Good luck...

[WickedLady]

The flat screen HD televisions will work fine for you. No need for a 12v unless you want to use it off your batteries.

[BirdbyBird]

What WL stated above.....

My original RV did not come with a TV but I used an old one with electric. I replaced that with a 12 volt 15 inch that I could hang on the wall and wouldn't tkae up as much room. When the 12 volt bit the dust I just picked up a 19 in and plugged it in. I am not so tied to TV that I can't live without it. If necessary I can always run the generator for news but I get a lot more reading completed without the TV when I am boondocking.....

[IrishIroamed]

HI Wendy - no idea from me - but listen to the ladies - they know there stuff.

[Gentleladybear]

Both of my tv's are just 110 V...only watch on electric or generator.

[retiredhappy]

Bought a regular 19" from Walmart and plugged it in. Don't watch it on generator but could. When I was fulltiming I also had Dish and a rooftop satellite so I didn't have to rely on the antenna. It was an expensive way to go but I was living in my RV and wanted my TV. There are portable satellite systems that are cheaper than the rooftop ones but you do have to worry about them being stolen.

[MelissaD]

Hoosier Welcome and as for the television it really depends on how and when you might want to use it. A flat screen from Walmart like you'd use at home will probable be the least expensive option and be digital signal ready. The old 12v DC TV's were analog signal based and probably won't get a signal anymore. Since the market for the 12 v DC is small they are also more expensive.

I have never found a 12 v DC outlet in my 5'r. I have 12 v DC lights and control power to appliances but no outlets. Unless you intend to boondock it's not a major issue. As inverters become more efficient, generators standard and shore power readily available, I suspect many coaches will just be wired with 120 v AC outlets. If you boondock its more energy efficient to use the 12 v DC straight from the battery. As a truck driver I tried many 12 v DC appliances over the years with poor results. Most drivers finally had inverters installed and used normal home appliances.

Good luck and once again welcome.

[Redwahine]

Welcome to the forum. My TVs are 110 and have also used them with the gennie. (This summer we ran the gennie while on the road to run the a/c. We parked at a Wally World. I went in to shop and when I came back, there was DH laying on the couch watching TV!). I had a 12v TV for my sailboat and it worked well as long as we were plugged into shore power to keep the house batteries charged.

[Bethers]

Welcome Wendy.

What they all said about the tv. I also replaced my 110/12 volt combo tv with one that was just 110.

Hope to see you around the forum and maybe on the road one day.

[carolb]

Welcome Wendy, DH & pooper I have no tv, so no advice, EXCEPT please come to us for more than "advice" We be a great group of fun & crazy women, & always welcome another one to join us for cyber communication or "in person" GTG's! Happy camping!