Being an adventurer and exploring new and diverse earth spots is a really beautiful and inspiring way to live. Some people love to exit their comfort zone more, so they opt for camping during their stay in a wild environment.
If you are not one of the camping enthusiasts and would not want to experience, for example, camping in high humidity, you’ve probably chosen a comfy camper by now.
If you love indulging yourself with some tech gadgets, the chances are you already have a flat TV in your RV home.
The problem begins with winter in sight. That is why today we are going to discuss whether it is okay to leave your flat TV in a camper during winter and cold months.
The truth is, you can leave your TV inside a camper, but that can make you some trouble. Whether you opt for an LCD or LED TV, you’ll need to know their safe-operating temperature range. Keep in mind that the cold isn’t the only enemy of your TV. Sometimes, the condensation can make even bigger problems.
We will provide you with useful information regarding TV safety during chilly weather, and how to be sure your entertainment pal is safe and sound.
Table of Contents
Why Is Flat TV a Good Choice for a Camper
Most new campers have already installed flat TVs inside them. If you have an older RV you might want to change your old TV to a modern version. Flat-screen TVs are a really great option for a camper because of many reasons.
Besides the better picture quality, you won’t have to deal with bulky TVs from the past century. Flat TVs are thin and come in different sizes, you can even mount them on your camper’s wall, it will be a very nice aesthetic detail.
That way you will have a lot more space for other important camping necessities.
LCD or LED – Which TV Is Better for Cold Weather?
Durability in cold temperatures is pretty similar for both LCD and LED TVs. LCD, short for liquid crystal display can throw a bit of confusion when it comes to cold weather safety.
In reality, this type of technology has no liquid elements, therefore is not prone to freezing during exposure to extreme cold. As you know, many vehicles have LCD displays on in-dash radios, and they not tend to break in freezing conditions.
LED or light-emitting diode TV is actually an LCD TV that uses LED backlighting. LCD has more fluorescent-style backlighting, and LED is more energy-efficient. But, that doesn’t make a difference in their response to cold temperatures.
Both LCD and LED TV may have some lagging under extremely cold temperatures.
For this reason, you may come across that TV manuals specify a safe-operating temperature range. For most HDTVs, this range goes from 50-90F or 10-32C.
Do Flat TV’s Freeze In Cold Weather?
The cold and freezing temperature doesn’t have to be the main problem with flat-screen TVs. The much bigger issue is condensation that occurs when your TV starts to thaw.
If the TV starts to warm up too quickly, rapid condensation can flow into the electronic parts of the TV, and damage its components.
Minimum Operating Temperature for Flat Screen TV
Be sure to check the user manual to see what’s the minimum temperature the manufacturer suggests. Most manufacturers will provide a warranty for flat-screen TVs that have never been to temperatures below 40F (4C).
If you’re not worried about warranty-voiding, you could try to thaw a TV that has been on low temperatures. Some TVs can handle more extreme temperatures, up to -20F (-28C).
How Long You Should Wait for the TV to Warm Up?
If your TV spent some time in an environment that was below freezing, you should move the TV inside a warm place. Keep it there for at least 24 hours before turning it on. That way you can ensure the condensation won’t be a problem.
How to Keep TV Warm During Winter?
If you can, make sure your TV and its delicate electronic components won’t fall below the manufacturer’s recommended temperature, that would be the best choice.
But, if the TV needs to stay in your camper that you’re not planning to use during winter, find some heated storage facility for the RV.
Of course, a much cheaper and easier option is to remove the TV from a camper and store it in the comfort of your heated house during cold months.
Wherever you choose to store your TV, make sure the environment is warm enough, doesn’t have high humidity, and has a lock on the door. You should pack your TV appropriately so that the potential humidity and dust won’t break its electrical components.
How to Protect Your Flat TV In Camper During Winter?
The only way to be sure your TV is safe from freezing in your camper is to either spend all winter in your RV and continuously have the camper’s heat turned on. You could also move RV to heated storage, or if possible (much better option) head somewhere south where there are no freezing temperatures.
That way you can enjoy nice weather, and maybe go on some hiking adventures, while your TV is safe from the cold, same as you.
Is There Any Waterproof/Coldproof TV?
There are versions of outdoor TVs, some of them are said to be waterproof and can perform well in both hot and cold weather conditions. The downside is that they come in pretty big sizes for an RV type of TV, and they are quite expensive.
But, it’s best to check them out for yourself, you may find the just-right fit for your camper.
Things to Consider When Buying Camper TV
Despite the weather conditions, there are a few things you should consider before buying your camper TV.
The RV TVs are not the same as regular TV sets. So, to make it easier for you to choose the right camper TV, we made a list of the most important things to bear in mind when choosing your RV TV.
1. Voltage
People often overlook the TV voltage when buying an RV television set. The wrong voltage can result in a large energy bill that nobody likes. Luckily, the RV TV manufacturers had this in mind during the creation of their TVs.
Most of the camper’s TVs are made with 12-volts. It may seem irrelevant, but you’ll change your mind when you see lower bills at the end of the month.
2. TV Size
Most RV TVs will have a size that ranges between 19 and 24 inches. These measurements are the result of RV owners having a limited space inside their rigs. That’s why you don’t see 50-inch TVs inside RVs regularly.
Their compact size also helps to deal with the potential damage from things like vibration or sudden bumps. But, the main point of this factor is realizing how much room is available for a TV in your RV.
3. Mounting Option
Campers are famous for their snugly but limited space. Because of that TV companies are giving their customers to choose the way they will display their new TV.
It’s good to buy a TV model that has multiple mounting options. That is how you can place it in various positions. Mounting a TV inside a camper is a really great solution for more space inside RV. Plus, it also keeps the TV out of your way.
4. TV Price
The price for these types of devices can vary from one product to another. Before buying it, you should consider your budget and your expectations.
If you want a 24-inch or even larger camper TV, you must be aware these models are more expensive than those measuring 19-inches.
Once you set the budget, you’ll have a much easier time deciding which model to buy. The available options will be more narrowed and precise.
5. Consider Multiple Purposes
When buying a TV for your camper, make sure it has different input options. Consider USB and SD components. This way you can insert a flash drive or card into the RV, so you can view photos and cheer with some music.
If possible, choose a TV that has an HDMI port. That is how you can stream music or movies directly from tablets and laptops on the TV.
To Sum It Up
As you had a chance to see, low and freezing temperatures are not the problem alone, but the condensation that happens due to TVs warming up. It’s best to avoid leaving your TV device inside the camper during the winter months. Instead, place it in a warm, and dry place.
But, if somehow you end up with frozen TV, make sure to properly warm it up by leaving it at least 24 hours in the warm room, before turning it on.
There are different types of TVs on the market, some are made purposely for campers, the others not, but can also serve as RV TVs.
So, whichever TV you decide to choose, be sure to take care of it, and consider some of the mentioned tips when buying your new camper TV. And, of course, try to spend as much time in nature, in the end, that’s why you have a camper.
