By Greg Illes
Our RV floor plan had only one TV, and it was mounted up front, high above the captains’ chairs. Even after we replaced the old CRT monster with a modern flat-screen, it was still an impossible situation, so we had to come up with a new TV installation idea.
Impossible to view TV
We couldn’t view the TV from the captains’ chairs because it was impossibly high above, and we couldn’t view it from the dinette area because it was too small and far away. Installing a bigger flat-screen would have blocked our front storage areas, so that was not an option either.
After a long time thinking, we developed a novel installation for a large-ish (32-inch) flat-screen. The screen stores in a horizontal position, underneath the front storage area in the Class A. When it’s time to watch, a couple of straps unhook and the TV swings down to hang vertically. There’s a small catch just behind it, on the center post of the windshield.
Now the TV is easy to view but stores out of the way quickly
In this position, that 32-inch screen is wonderfully positioned for viewing from the captains’ chairs. And the screen is big enough to watch from the dinette area, too. In fact, if we have company, we can put up a couple of camp chairs so that four people can watch. Not bad for a 27-foot Class A.
I don’t know that this technique would work in a Class C, but there is plenty of room under our front overhead storage area. There’s a bit of geometry involved, working out the angles and distances, but once that’s done, the TV deploys in less than a minute and stores back flat in the same time. All the cables are bundled and run through a single hole in the overhead.
Watching “the tube” now is a real pleasure, and we can kick back the captains’ chairs, swivel/recline, and have nearly a home-theater experience.
Greg Illes is a retired systems engineer who loves thinking up RV upgrades and modifications. When he’s not working on his motorhome, he’s traveling in it. You can follow his blog at www.divver-city.com/blog.
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I like this idea. I would love to hear from someone who has removed or shortened the box. My husband and I are both tall and we are so tired of hitting our heads on the corner of the darn box. We have an older 2002 Newmar Kountry Star.
Good day Pat: I made a modification similar to this in my older 34′ Winnebago Vectra some years ago now. It works great. I removed the 19″ cathode tube Tv from the top right overhead shelf because my neck was stiff looking up at it. I also rebuilt the former Tv location to include a glass door etc. I have numerous pics I could share with you if we could communicate via email. We enjoy our flat screen now!
Hi, DW/ND. If Pat gives me permission (by responding to this comment), I’ll connect you two via email. 🙂 —Diane at RVtravel.com
That would be fine, Diane, thanks so much!
Thank you Diane…. I was wondering if there was a way we could do this. That is a great service by RV Travel.
Hi, DW/ND and Pat — Emails just sent to both of you so you can connect regarding your RV mods. Good luck! And I’m very glad to help in this tiny way. 🙂 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Great idea but wouldn’t work on my Fleetwood Bounder 35E because the rear monitor is mounted below the TV cubby. So instead converted the storage cabinet above the window behind the passangers chair and put the TV their. The cubby above is now a storage area and we’re thrilled to watch the TV from our recliners. Pictures available if interested.