What features make the best TV for RVs? While most specialized moving vehicle, marine, and RV TVs have key features that set them apart from regular home TVs, you’ll still want to find a model that’s compatible with your favorite input devices and streaming devices. You’ll also want a TV that’s compatible with the power system in your RV, boat, or motorhome.
Next, as with any modern television, image quality is important, too. The latest RV TVs can offer up to 4k resolution and have an anti-glare screen with enough brightness to show a clear picture in daylight conditions. Finally, a great TV for use in an RV or boat should have features that help endure mobile vehicle electronics’ unique conditions, such as temperature changes and vibration.
Keep reading to learn more about the best RV TVs and how to choose the best TV for your mobile vehicle and boating entertainment needs.
Top TV for RVs
#1 Jensen JTV19DC HD Ready 12V DC RV LED TV
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is excellent for users who would want to have an easy-to-operate TV in their room. It also comes with a remote for and features both HDMI and USB inputs.
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- Very easy to wall mount
- Features a remote for wireless control
- USB port for playing external media
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- No support for HDR content
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The Jensen JTV19DC is a small screen TV with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and support for Full HD content. The monitor can depict up to 16.7 million colors, and on its rear, it comes with a VGA, USB, and HDMI port. Measuring only 19 inches, the display is perfect for users who want to have a TV screen in their RV, or even use it as an external monitor when connected to a source such as a computer or a laptop. The display also has a USB port that owners can plug in a flash drive or even a streaming stick such as that for Amazon. Unfortunately, the display does not support any HDR content.
This 19-inch display also comes with a remote for wireless control, and weighing only 6.2 pounds, it is pretty easy to move around. It also comes with the VESA 100mm x 100mm mounting pattern on its rear for users who wouldn’t want to place it on a table top, however, those who would prefer to do so would have to purchase the table top separately.
#2 Free Signal 2-inch Transit 12 Volt DC Powered LED Flat Screen TV
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has wide viewing angles and features three HDMI ports for easy connectivity. Owners will also appreciate that it comes with a car charger cord and can also be easily VESA mounted.
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- Wide viewing angles
- Comes with a car charger cord for easy power setup
- Has three HDMI ports
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- No USB ports
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This Free Signal 28-inch DC-powered LED flat-screen TV is an excellent alternative for anyone who prefers a larger-sized TV in their RV, and since it has a pretty thin side profile, it shouldn’t take up too much space. The display measures 25.10 inches in length and is 15.375 inches high. It has a decent 720p resolution, and since it has a 160°/170° viewing angle, it is ideal for group viewing. One of its highlight features is that it comes with three HDMI ports, so owners will have the chance to connect their laptop when using it as an external display or even their sound system. However, the display does not feature any USB ports.
The 28-inch LED screen also comes with a car charger cord for quick and easy setup and is also designed to be both shock and vibration resistant. The TV is capable of stereo sound since it has a dual speaker system, and since it weighs only 9.2 pounds, moving it around shouldn’t be very difficult.
#3 eXuby Small Flat Screen 13.3-inch Kitchen TV
Award: BEST FOR COMPACT SPACES
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a built-in digital tuner to receivebroadcasts in your area without the need for any other accessories. It also has a wide range of inputs and is very light.
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- Wide range of inputs
- Built-in digital tuner for accessing local programming
- Very light
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- Might be too small to view from a distance
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With a screen size of only 13.3 inches, the eXuby flat-screen TV is an excellent option for anyone who needs a compact display and doesn’t have a large footprint. The display supports a Full HD resolution and has a wide range of inputs for easy connectivity. It comes with a USB input, an HDMI input, a VGA input, audio inputs, antenna inputs, and a headphone jack that are all conveniently located on its back panel. The display also has a decent 60 Hz refresh rate and is great for the RV, the kitchen, or anywhere else where users might be tight with space. Unfortunately, it might be too small to view from a distance.
Weighing only 3 pounds, this display is one of the lightest in the market, and since it also comes with dual speakers, users will also be able to enjoy stereo sound. This display can be wall-mounted, and since it also comes with a built-in digital tuner, users will be able to tune in to their favorite local channels immediately after setup.
#4 SuperSonic SC-499 Portable Widescreen TV
Award: BEST FOR PORTABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has a built-in battery that makes it ultra-portable, and since it also comes with a digital tuner, owners will always be able to enjoy local broadcasts.
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- Very easy to move around with
- Built-in battery
- Built-in digital tuner
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- No HDMI port
- Low resolution
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The SuperSonic SC-499 is a portable 9-inch widescreen LCD display with a built-in digital tuner and easy-to-access controls situated on its screen’s right and left sides. The display has a 9-inch screen, and since it comes with a lithium battery built into it, users will also be able to watch it anywhere without connecting a power source to it. This makes it ideal for use in the kitchen or even the RV. The display comes with a USB port for connecting a flash drive or a streaming stick, however, it does not have an HDMI port.
As small as it is, users still won’t have to walk up to it to change the channel or adjust its settings because it comes with a remote, and since it also features an earphone jack, users will also be able to connect their headphones for private listening. Its 480p resolution may not be the best, but its stand doesn’t take up too much space, and its power consumption is also very low.
#5 RecPro 28-inch 720p HD TV
Award: BEST FOR EXPANDED CONNECTIVITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is a well-designed display with decent picture quality. It has a wide range of inputs and a built-in digital TV tuner.
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- Has a wide range of inputs
- Features a built in digital tuner
- Can be wall mounted
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- Not a smart TV
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The 28-inch RecPro TV is a 720p display specifically designed for RVs and is based on LED technology. The display also comes with a built-in digital TV tuner, so owners will be able to watch local TV channels without connecting any other accessories. The display also has a decent selection of ports since it allows for VGA, USB, and HDMI connectivity. This is key because users will then be able to view and play media from a flash drive or even connect a gaming console to it. Still, some might not like that it is not a smart TV.
Owners will have the freedom to choose whether to wall-mount the display thanks to its VESA compatibility or use its two-legged table stands instead of placing it on top of a flat surface. The display also comes with its own remote for convenient control, but it also has some of its primary controls on the side of the display for whenever the remote is out of reach.
#6 Furrion Sense FDHK32V1A 32-inch 12-Volt HD LED RV TV
Award: BEST FOR FULL-FEATURED USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has excellent looks and offers impressive sound. It has advanced features that keep it in good functioning order, and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless playback of music and other media.
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- Great design
- Great sound
- Bluetooth Connectivity
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- Does not have a table stand
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The Furrion Sense FDHK32V1A is a 32-inch display with a reasonably modern design and decent picture quality, thanks to a screen resolution of 720 pixels. The display uses Direct-Lit technology to make sure that images are clear and have great detail, and since it also has 178-degree viewing angles, it is well suitable for group viewing. It also has an integrated soundbar that offers a more enhanced listening experience, and since it also offers Bluetooth connectivity, users will be able to wirelessly play their media. However, it only has provisions for wall mounting and cannot be placed on a table.
With features such as VibrationSmart technology to counter sudden movement and ClimateSmart technologies to keep it operational even with weather and environmental changes, this Furrion Sense TV is well equipped to handle the conditions that come with being used in an RV. It is also very intuitive to use and has wide viewing angles.
Beginners’ Guide to RV TVs
What Are RV TVs?
While you can technically use just about any TV that will fit in your RV or camper, there are also specialized TVs made for use in mobile environments such as RVs, boats, and campers. RV TVs have various mounting options to work with RVs and campers’ brackets. Common screen sizes range from around 19 inches to 32 inches, though some mobile homes and bus conversions include larger models. RV TVs typically include input options like VGA and RCA cables, USB, HDMI, and SD card ports.
RV TVs vs TVs in General
Compared to the general run of home televisions, portable RV and marine TVs share many picture quality and sound features but have certain key features that make them better suited to mobile installations.
Like other models, most modern RV TVs use a flat-screen. These options also come in a similar range of picture quality options with max resolution ranging from around 720p upwards to 4k UHD. Also, similar to other units, RV TVs may be compatible with Roku TV, Apple TV 4K, Android TV, and other streaming services. They can also use a built-in DVD player and tend to give users the option of using an external speaker or the TV’s built-in speakers.
Unlike typical home entertainment models, RV TVs may have RV or marine-specific features such as integrated chassis mounts that help isolate the screens from road vibrations. TVs for mobile set-ups can run on an RV’s 12-volt DC power system or they can rely on a power inverter. Camper TVs usually have a lightweight design that makes them easier to install in an RV or motorhome.
RV and Camper TV units may also be more likely to work with portable satellite TV antennas or a portable satellite dish. Cable hookup with a mobile TV is generally similar to the process on a home TV.
How RV TVs Work
RV TVs connect to input from a satellite service, portable antenna, laptop computer, mobile device, or built-in DVD player to show audio and visual content in the cabin of an RV, mobile home, or camper. They’ll all connect to game consoles, and will make a good TV for the PS5. These models generally use the same types of display technologies as home TV sets. Most modern RV televisions use a flat-screen display with LCD or LED technology. LED TVs have the advantage of being slimmer and usually lighter, while LCD models tend to have a lower price range.
RV television units can differ from home TVs in their power source. Many Coachbuilders employ 12 volt TV systems that use the 12-volt DC power supply in the RV. Other RV TV setups use a power adapter with an inverter to power a display that runs on household AC. Either way, most camper televisions, and marine TVs can operate using the onboard power supply from the generator or when connected to shore power.
Camper TVs often employ dual tuners with a satellite TV service or cable service, along with input options including HDMI, USB, and VGA or DisplayPort.
Why Should You Buy a New RV TV
A TV can serve to relieve boredom on the road and provide entertainment during long trips. It can also function as a practical tool for video conferencing and tuning in to local news and weather updates via satellite or portable cable hookup.
You might want an RV TV if you’re traveling by RV camper on vacation or to tour; even if you’re out to see the sights of your favorite national park, you might want to enjoy your favorite movies or be able to watch local news during downtime. A functioning TV for the Xbox One can also enable you or the kids to play video games and help pass the long hours on the road between stops.
You might want a new boat, camper or RV TV if you’re refitting a coach for a long journey. Even if your original build included a TV, you might want to update the unit in favor of a newer display that offers improved resolution and picture quality. A TV can help alleviate boredom on a long drive or sail, enabling you and your family, friends, or band-mates to play your favorite video games and watch movies while the miles pass by.
A TV can also be a practical feature. A TV with a satellite service can deliver local news and weather updates in areas where you might not have cellular reception, allowing you to access local public TV stations and hear about important road or bridge construction, extreme weather, and special events that may impact traffic and road conditions.
Is an RV TV Worth Buying?
- New Bus or Van Conversion: If you’re furnishing a new RV or van conversion, you’ll have the freedom to choose a TV mounting location and hardware solutions that allow for a wide range of screen sizes and display setups. Installing the perfect size TV for your needs during the conversion can save time and money compared to adding one in later.
- Preparing for Tour with Your Band: A TV with cable and satellite TV antennas and a built-in DVD player can help ease boredom on the long trips between stops on a live music tour. You can also have a TV that includes smart features to connect with mobile phones and streaming devices, giving the tour crew a chance to stream TV shows or play video games during downtime.
- Long Trips Through Rural Areas: Family road trips can be exciting, but the long hours on the road can also be monotonous, especially when you’re traveling in rural or remote areas. A TV with a built-in tuner and satellite TV antennas can help pass the time even where there’s no cellular service.
- Updated Game Consoles and Mobile Devices: If your old RV TV isn’t compatible with the newer game consoles, mobile gaming devices, and mobile phones, you might want to upgrade to a similarly-sized model with updated input and smart features.
Why RV TVs Might Not Be for You
- Your Camper Has a Built-In TV Already: If your camper or RV already comes with a television, you might think exchanging it for a new one would be redundant or wasteful. However, you might gain valuable compatibility upgrades and better performance with features like low-latency gaming modes and streaming TV integration with a newer TV.
- Using Mobile Device Screens and Radio: Many road trip passengers rely on mobile devices and the radio for entertainment, so a TV may seem unnecessary. However, in an RV or boat cabin, a TV screen may be more comfortable to look at than a mobile device since it allows for hands-free viewing. A good, modern flat-screen RV TV can provide excellent picture quality and include a built-in speaker with decent audio quality as well.
How Long Do RV TVs Last?
Despite the additional stresses of a mobile installation, RV TVs generally last about as long as home entertainment TVs. The display panel units typically come with a rating based on the screen technology they use. LED panel lifetime ranges from around 20,000 to over 60,000 hours, while LCD screens average around 50,000 hours of rated lifetime.
Display devices last around 7-10 years under normal use conditions, according to EPA life cycle analysis results. However, this figure may not account for obsolescence, as many households replace TVs more frequently due to future updates and new video formats or connectivity standards. Newer game consoles, for example, may perform best when connected via HDMI 2.1 to a TV with at least 4k resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Older TVs might also not be compatible with the latest streaming devices and built-in apps.
To maximize the lifespan of an RV or camper TV, experts recommend making sure the installation brackets can handle the TV’s weight and are sturdy enough to handle road vibrations and potholes. If using a 120 Volt TV, always use a properly shielded inverter rated for the RV’s onboard power; ensure the inverter is working properly before connecting the TV power supply. If you’ve been parked overnight in sub-freezing temperatures, let the inside of the RV warm up before turning the TV on to avoid condensation.
How to Choose the Best RV TV
Various factors, including your cabin’s power setup and size, can help you determine the best RV TV for your application. In general, the highest-rated RV televisions have a rugged design that allows them to withstand road vibrations and temperature changes, a versatile array of connection options, and the right power source for your RV, Motorhome, or Boat’s electrical system.
RV TV Key Factors
1. 12-Volt DC or AC Power With Inverter?
When choosing an RV or camper television, one factor to consider is the power supply. Some TVs designed with road-going or marine use in mind come with a 12-volt power adapter that lets them run straight off the RV’s house batteries without the need for an inverter. On the other hand, if you only plan to use the TV when running off A/C power from a generator or when connected to shore power or the electric grid at a campground, you can run a regular household 120-volt TV.
2. The Size of the Room/ Cabin Space
The best size for a camper or RV TV display screen depends on the size of the vehicle and the mounting location. Most RV-specific 12-volt TV models come in sizes ranging from 19-32 inches. If you plan to use the TV for tailgating parties, you might prefer a larger screen or want a more immersive experience watching your favorite movies on the road.
3. Do You Need to Connect a Smart TV Device or Mobile Devices?
If you want smart TV features, you can opt for a TV with built-in smart features and apps, or you can make sure the TV you choose has the appropriate ports to connect a Roku TV or Apple TV 4k device. Most 12-volt DC-powered TV units don’t include built-in smart TV features, but newer models offer plenty of connection ports such as HDMI and USB-C.
4. What Input Sources Do You Use?
You’ll also want to choose a model of TV based on the input sources you use. If you use a Satellite TV service or mobile antenna, for example, you’ll want to make sure the TV you choose is compatible with the cables necessary to connect to the antenna and digital tuner.
