Probably a very niave question, but as a newcomer to caravaning i am unsure. Can a normal portable TV be used in a caravan or do i need to use a specialised one with lower wattage?
Portable TVs
- Thread starter leefaz1797
- Start date
Hi Lee
Yes, you can use a normal portable tv in your caravan, we do.
Tesco or Argos are doing a 15" lcd for around
Yes, you can use a normal portable tv in your caravan, we do.
Tesco or Argos are doing a 15" lcd for around
Normal TV if you have electric hookup or generator power ( don't even think about those horrible things!) but if you are relying on battery power you need a TV that will operate on 12v system.
Running a colour TV is not practical as it drains the battery very quickly but you can run Black and White for a fair few hours. however, don't think you can buy a B&W anymore.
If you are thinking of a TV for the van, although more expensive, think about a laptop with a TV adaptor.So much more use than a TV.
Running a colour TV is not practical as it drains the battery very quickly but you can run Black and White for a fair few hours. however, don't think you can buy a B&W anymore.
If you are thinking of a TV for the van, although more expensive, think about a laptop with a TV adaptor.So much more use than a TV.
Hi all,
If you buy an LCD TV look at the power plug, most have a small transformer to give a low dc voltage from mains 240v, I found a Sharp 15 inch LCD tv that runs on 12volt dc from its transformer, the voltage is moulded into the casing around the plug, I found the plug in Maplins for 52p and made up my own lead to give the tv 12 volts direct, I dont use the transformer now at all even on mains and the tv only draws 39 watts on 12v.
Most 12 volt appliances have a tolerance of around 10 - 15 volts and a liesure battery will vary on voltage from near flat to a higher voltage when on charge, but this will still be within the tolerances of the tv. My parents used a standard Toshiba LCD tv on a boat on 12 volts with no problems either. A caravan shop will charge way over the odds for a 'caravan' tv but if you look a normal LCD can be found to run at 12v. My tv as most do has av inputs and so can have a Playstation connected or we use it connected to the caravans DVD player and gives surround sound through the caravans speakers, there is no need to settle for a 10 inch black and white tv in this day and age.
spj.
If you buy an LCD TV look at the power plug, most have a small transformer to give a low dc voltage from mains 240v, I found a Sharp 15 inch LCD tv that runs on 12volt dc from its transformer, the voltage is moulded into the casing around the plug, I found the plug in Maplins for 52p and made up my own lead to give the tv 12 volts direct, I dont use the transformer now at all even on mains and the tv only draws 39 watts on 12v.
Most 12 volt appliances have a tolerance of around 10 - 15 volts and a liesure battery will vary on voltage from near flat to a higher voltage when on charge, but this will still be within the tolerances of the tv. My parents used a standard Toshiba LCD tv on a boat on 12 volts with no problems either. A caravan shop will charge way over the odds for a 'caravan' tv but if you look a normal LCD can be found to run at 12v. My tv as most do has av inputs and so can have a Playstation connected or we use it connected to the caravans DVD player and gives surround sound through the caravans speakers, there is no need to settle for a 10 inch black and white tv in this day and age.
spj.
We rally most weekends (no hook up, just the power from the 110amp battery) and not only use a portable colour T.V but have a 12v satalite unit as well. The battery manages to provide plenty of power to run the t.v and sat plus all the lighting as well with no noticable problems. The caravan is left during the week on hook-up to put the power back in ready for the next weekend.
Hello spj, and others
I must add a word of warning regarding running LCD tv's directly from the caravans '12'V supply.
Most of LCD TV's I have seen, have used a 'switched mode' power supply (similar to the ones used to power laptop conputers). These are used mainly because they produce a very stable output voltage (typically the specifed voltage + or - 0.1V) This is an expensive type of supply, so it is unlikely the manufcatiure would use it unless it were necessary.
The '12' supply in a caravan as you point out does vary depending on the condition of the battery, the type of charger and the number of appliances being used on the circuit.
So whilst you have been lucky with the TV set you use, its is not a universal experience. Some contributors have reported sound but no vision, I have seen pictures that won't form properly, and I have heard from other reliable sources of sets that have been damaged though 13.8V rather than the designed 12V.
For anyone purchasing a new TV, makwe sure the retailer agrees the set is suitable for use on a caravan supply of between 10 to 15V, then if it goes wrong or does not work you have a legal redess as the set is not fit for the specified purpose.
There are 12V to 12V dc stabalisers that will ensure the supply to the set is kept at 12V, this might be worth getting to protect your investment.
I must add a word of warning regarding running LCD tv's directly from the caravans '12'V supply.
Most of LCD TV's I have seen, have used a 'switched mode' power supply (similar to the ones used to power laptop conputers). These are used mainly because they produce a very stable output voltage (typically the specifed voltage + or - 0.1V) This is an expensive type of supply, so it is unlikely the manufcatiure would use it unless it were necessary.
The '12' supply in a caravan as you point out does vary depending on the condition of the battery, the type of charger and the number of appliances being used on the circuit.
So whilst you have been lucky with the TV set you use, its is not a universal experience. Some contributors have reported sound but no vision, I have seen pictures that won't form properly, and I have heard from other reliable sources of sets that have been damaged though 13.8V rather than the designed 12V.
For anyone purchasing a new TV, makwe sure the retailer agrees the set is suitable for use on a caravan supply of between 10 to 15V, then if it goes wrong or does not work you have a legal redess as the set is not fit for the specified purpose.
There are 12V to 12V dc stabalisers that will ensure the supply to the set is kept at 12V, this might be worth getting to protect your investment.
We bought an argos flat screen Mikomi cos we struggled to see our small 10in roadstar. works fine. OK if on holiday you probably not bother with TV but if away more of the time you can sit in rather than rush around because there is all ways another day.
Happy Christmas All
Happy Christmas All
Lolly
Good choice if you get one, we bought one last year and its excellent in the van and a lot lighter to carry. We use the original box to transport it.
Brian
Good choice if you get one, we bought one last year and its excellent in the van and a lot lighter to carry. We use the original box to transport it.
Brian
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