New tv solution

[Manitou]

Replacing the old tube style small tv and VCR (really? A VCR still? in 2004?!) is a common upgrade for us. Actually doing it though.. I've seen write ups, but actually doing it seems a little intimidating. First there's what size tv to replace it with? I happen to have a "old" 22" LCD TV with built in DVD player. It seems woefully heavy though and I can't remember the las time I actually watched a DVD. Though.. In the road with possibly poor internet connection might change that. (Ugg.. Just remembered another project.. Install some sort of cell/wifi booster)
Then there's how to cover the old TV hole? I'm no wood craftsman, though I think my uncle is. Might need to swing by his place in Mississippi.

[Astrodokk]

My buddy used his DISH account and took it with him in the RV. I'm usually so tired when I finally stop somewhere that I pretty much go to sleep. I use my rig mostly for getting from A to B. That might change later. I'm just glad I have transportation and somewhere to eat, sleep, and poop in.

[Blue~Go]

The TV area on my rig is in transition, but here is what I've done so far, and what I'm thinking for future.

First of all, I removed the original TV, VCR, and converter on my way home from picking up the rig. I could not get rid of those fast enough. They were heavy, dated, and bulky -- and I don't watch TV to speak of anyway. That left a nicely sized (and trimmed) square hole on the driver's side, and then a rectangular (VCR-shaped) hole on the left, with a car stereo above it (still there).

I use the TV opening to store my bedding. Takes only a couple of seconds to just stuff it up there, right from the foot of the bed, and same to pull it back down for sleeping (I use fleece blankets and a down quilt that is sort of like just the top half of a sleeping bag). I'm happy with that arrangement. I may add a door to that compartment, although if I sort of smooth the last blanket up there, it looks very tidy (and no added weight!). I did note that a flip-up door (like the center one) would not open due to the side cabinet (where the thermostat is), but a flip down one would, as would a side-hinged one -- so something to check on your own rig before making a flip-up door.

On the right (passenger) side, I would like to make a matching square compartment (same as the ex-TV spot), for general storage. This would involve peeling back the fabric and then cutting the fiberglass (which I'm familiar with from boats). I will either move the car stereo, leave it in the new compartment but inside the door, or have also considered just having the dash stereo (probably wired to the house battery bank) and a remote control for when in camp. Two full stereos in a 21' rig seems a bit overkill, perhaps. Haven't decided yet on that. I saw that the Premier owned by the "Chinookers Journey" blog folks did something similar and he made really nice cabinet doors for both openings (too bad he is retired! )

I then also removed the TV antenna from the roof (large and flapped when driving), then filled the screw holes with thickened epoxy to seal them. I'll re-gelcoat them after it has cured for a bit. The two larger holes I covered temporarily (galvanized flashing circles and butyl tape) because I think I will use them for future solar panel wires.

Of course if one watches TV then this might not be the best solution. I tend to either surf the web or watch movies on the computer for my "screen time" entertainment.

[1998chinook]

I recently upgraded the coach electronics including the TV, VCR, Stereo head. The original TV and VCR were Audiovox. I found the following AC/DC TV/DVD combo on Amazon and purchased it along with a wall mount.

$189.94 - Axess TVD1801-22 22-Inch 1080p Digital HDTV, LED AC / DC TV with DVD Player Full HD with HDMI, SD Card Reader and USB


$14.99 - VideoSecu LCD Monitor TV Wall Mount Articulating Arm Bracket for most 12"-24", some up to 27" with VESA 100/75mm LED Flat Panel Screen TV ML10B 1E9


1. Removed the old TV and the board that kept it from sliding.
2. Attached a 2x4 to the post between the TV cubby and the Center storage door for a reinforced mount point for the articulating arm bracket. I used 2.5" deck screws.
3. Attached the TV Wall Mount to the 2x4.
4. Attached the TV to the Wall Mount.
5. Relocated the old velcro straps and buckles so that I could secure the TV firmly against the original opening.
6. Added some rubber, self adhesive door stops to the back of the TV at the corners so when the TV was velcro'd to the opening the TV didn't scratch the wood.
7. Used the existing DC connector to power the new TV/DVD combo.

The picture on the TV is excellent.
I was concerned the 22" size would be too big, but it is perfect.
The sound on the TV is my only complaint. When parked the TV volume is adequate. When driving, the road noise makes the TV impossible to hear.... which lead me to project #2.... Upgrading the coach Sony Stereo Head.

The Sony stereo head was so old it did not have an AUX port. The kids wanted an AUX port anyway for their iPhones to play their music. I wanted an AUX port so that I could use the TV Audio Outputs to connect to the Stereo. I replaced the Sony Stereo Head with a Pioneer model on sale at Best Buy. I also purchased an RCA to AUX cable and connected the TV to the coach stereo, and now I have surround sound, well not actually, but that's what I told the kids

[Blue~Go]

Welcome (I say, having been here only a week ), and good to see your post! I don't tend to watch TV, but it's still interesting to see the mods.

I *am* looking to replace the stereo though, for the same reason as you did: No aux/USB port. I no longer have any desire to use cassettes or CD's, but would like to be able to plug in my iPod, or a USB thumb drive or SD card. I do see that now they have units with nothing but a radio tuner and the inputs (USB, etc.) and no CD slot even. Those look great to me. So far, I'm overwhelmed with choice, and have only looked at a few online (not in person) so I'm still undecided. How do you like or not like your new stereo head unit?

One mod I made to the coach stereo (following the tutorial of a fellow Chinooker) was to change the wiring so it runs completely off the house batteries (originally it was drawing the majority of its power from the start battery, which prefer to be "sacred" and untouched when I'm parked).

I was thinking about eliminating the coach stereo altogether, and just going with the dash stereo and a remote for in back; but then I was advised I would need an amp in order to drive the speakers (not totally sure on this, since I would only be using either the front two, or the rear four, but not all six at once). However perhaps it's (ironically) simpler to just have two stereos (?).

I also considered just using a bluetooth speaker and my iPod in the coach, but... the four speakers do sound nice so I've backed off that idea for now.

[1998chinook]

Welcome (I say, having been here only a week ), and good to see your post! I don't tend to watch TV, but it's still interesting to see the mods.

I *am* looking to replace the stereo though, for the same reason as you did: No aux/USB port. I no longer have any desire to use cassettes or CD's, but would like to be able to plug in my iPod, or a USB thumb drive or SD card. I do see that now they have units with nothing but a radio tuner and the inputs (USB, etc.) and no CD slot even. Those look great to me. So far, I'm overwhelmed with choice, and have only looked at a few online (not in person) so I'm still undecided. How do you like or not like your new stereo head unit?

One mod I made to the coach stereo (following the tutorial of a fellow Chinooker) was to change the wiring so it runs completely off the house batteries (originally it was drawing the majority of its power from the start battery, which prefer to be "sacred" and untouched when I'm parked).

I was thinking about eliminating the coach stereo altogether, and just going with the dash stereo and a remote for in back; but then I was advised I would need an amp in order to drive the speakers (not totally sure on this, since I would only be using either the front two, or the rear four, but not all six at once). However perhaps it's (ironically) simpler to just have two stereos (?).

I also considered just using a bluetooth speaker and my iPod in the coach, but... the four speakers do sound nice so I've backed off that idea for now.

Hi Blue,

Thanks for the greeting. I do like the new Stereo head for the reasons you mentioned, AUX and USB. The stereo head replacement was surprisingly simple except for one thing. The back of the stereo was connected by a metal strap to the ceiling of the front storage compartment. I ended up using my wife's hand mirror and propping it up so that I had a clear view of the back of the stereo so I could see how the strap was mounted. I used a small flash light aimed at the hand mirror, reflected to the back of the stereo to illuminate the area of interest. I had to semi contort to get the screw out, but besides the stereo opening, that was the only thing holding it in place.

Once the stereo head was out, I disconnected the wiring harness. I was pleasantly surprised to see all four pairs of speaker wires, not only labeled (front left, rear left, etc...) but were the same wire colors as my new unit (which not being a stereo tech is probably an industry standard). At that point all I had to do was match the colored wires together to the new harness.

Regarding the power. I see your point about the power being drawn from the start battery. I hadn't considered that unit was being powered from the start battery... I assumed it was powered from the house batteries (as you point out, a much better alternative).

[Manitou]

Don't suppose you know how much that TV weighs? I have an older 22" LCD/DVD, but feels heavy.
How did you power the 110 (I just skimmed this thread so far.. Maybe it's in there)

[1998chinook]

Don't suppose you know how much that TV weighs? I have an older 22" LCD/DVD, but feels heavy.
How did you power the 110 (I just skimmed this thread so far.. Maybe it's in there)

TV:
Item Weight: 10.6 pounds
Product Dimensions: 21 x 7 x 14.8 inches
Item model number: TVD1801-22
Color Name: Black
Special Features: USB, SD CARD, AC/DC
Speaker Type: Built-in

Wall Mount:
Item Weight: 2.2 pounds
Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 1.8 inches
Item model number: ML10B

•TV Wall mount, compatible with VESA 75x75(3"x3") or 100x100(4"x4")
•Fits most 15", 17", 19", 20", 22", 23", 24", 26", 27" (check VESA and weight)
•Loading capacity up to 33lbs; Tilt, swivel and extend for maximum viewing flexibility
•Retracts to 1.6" to save space ; Extends up to 14" from the wall
•Common hardware and user manual included in the package

[Manitou]

Nice! Led is way lighter than my LCD and I see it's 12v now. A pic or 2 of the installation would be cool.
The issue I have is I want to be able to run a play station and Apple TV too (both 110). So some inverter solution seems in order. I guess I have to give up on the whole house inverter idea (to run the AC). So just a small one for the entertainment and laptop charging is the way to go (I guess).

[1998chinook]

Nice! Led is way lighter than my LCD and I see it's 12v now. A pic or 2 of the installation would be cool.
The issue I have is I want to be able to run a play station and Apple TV too (both 110). So some inverter solution seems in order. I guess I have to give up on the whole house inverter idea (to run the AC). So just a small one for the entertainment and laptop charging is the way to go (I guess).

I'll take some pics and post them.

Another mod I did was remove the DVD player and replace it with my son's Xbox (his older Xbox that is). I have given some thought to adding an Apple TV, but then my son would never leave the rig.