TV Question

[Breezinalong]

Can a TV operate without shore power or generator? On our 2010 AS it didn't, but the prior owner had screwed around with the electric system a whole bunch. We've sold that one and are taking delivery on a 2016 shortly and I'm hoping we can at least peek at the news now and again if we are boondocking.

As to battery drain, we are installing 240W up top of solar.

[Lumatic]

There are 12v DC TVs. Also you can use a 12v DC to 110v ac inverters but you loose a little in amp hours. Some TVs come with a transformer that converts 110 to 12v and you can bypass the transformer and wire them direct.

[Breezinalong]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

There are 12v DC TVs. Also you can use a 12v DC to 110v ac inverters but you loose a little in amp hours. Some TVs come with a transformer that converts 110 to 12v and you can bypass the transformer and wire them direct.

So I'm guessing, then, this is not an "off the lot" thing, but something we'll have to do aftermarket?

[NCMEDIC]

Some of the newer models have two different receptacles behind the tv. One for the 110 power and one that runs off of the inverter.

[dwightdi]

If it comes with an inverter, you do not need to do anything. Just pug in your 110VAC TV. If you are parked in a 110VAC campground the same thing. If there is no inverter, you can add one for just a small flat screen for under $50.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by Breezinalong

So I'm guessing, then, this is not an "off the lot" thing, but something we'll have to do aftermarket?

Google 12v TVs. Check truck stops. You can get a small 12v DC to 110v AC inverter at an auto parts store. For a small flat screen this is a no brainer. A bigger TV might need some engineering.

So you have 2 options:
1. A 12v DC TV running off your 12v system
2. A 110 v AC run through a built in or add on inverter with a 12c DC power supply.

You can also get a TV with a built in DVD player.

[dkottum]

We have the inverter option but you could also power a small portable inverter off the batteries.