Watch TV in Axis while driving?

Ubugarrity · 03-10-2022, 12:37 AM

We did our first trip in our 2017 Axis and it was awesome. We found the TV doesn't work while going down the road. I know I can put the generator on but I wouldn't do that for just the TV. Is there a relatively easy way? An inverter for just the TV? This isn't a necessity but if there was an easy mod, I'd probably do it.

Ntrinh15 · 03-10-2022, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ubugarrity

We did our first trip in our 2017 Axis and it was awesome. We found the TV doesn't work while going down the road. I know I can put the generator on but I wouldn't do that for just the TV. Is there a relatively easy way? An inverter for just the TV? This isn't a necessity but if there was an easy mod, I'd probably do it.

Are you from Andover MA? Im having the same thing in my rig. So far the cheapest route is to run an inverter depending on how many batteries you have will
Make up the size of inverter. Theres a more expensive route going with a victron multiplus which does everything automatically

Ubugarrity · 03-10-2022, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ntrinh15

Are you from Andover MA? Im having the same thing in my rig. So far the cheapest route is to run an inverter depending on how many batteries you have will
Make up the size of inverter. Theres a more expensive route going with a victron multiplus which does everything automatically

It would only be while the engine is running if that makes a difference. Andover, NJ unfortunately

Is there a TV that runs on 12VDC and 120AC I wonder?

JamieGeek · 03-10-2022, 01:14 AM

What is wrong with running the genny for the TV?

We used to do it all the time in our 24.1--especially when our son would come with us and bring his PlayStation.

Its not like it burns that much more gas. Can't even tell a difference when you calculate the mileage at the pump.

Ntrinh15 · 03-10-2022, 01:16 AM

The power is typically taken from the house batteries and cables run up. There are several ways to do this. You could back feed the panel which takes some rewiring and important to shut off some breakers. Some run an extension cord. There is a member here that has done it and waiting for his reply. There are some youtube videos however no one showing it on a MH. Mainly TT which means your parked anyway

Ntrinh15 · 03-10-2022, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

What is wrong with running the genny for the TV?

We used to do it all the time in our 24.1--especially when our son would come with us and bring his PlayStation.

Its not like it burns that much more gas. Can't even tell a difference when you calculate the mileage at the pump.

With gas prices i dont need any more fuel being wasted. An inverter is a better solution more so when the alternator is charging the batteries while driving.

Ubugarrity · 03-10-2022, 01:35 AM

Thanks for the replies! I've been searching online and it looks like there are 32" 12v TVs. That might be an easy fix but I'm still researching. I don't think I'd hesitate to run the generator for the AC if needed just seems like a lot for just the tv but it is an easy option. We'll try it on the next trip.

Bob Denman · 03-10-2022, 02:28 AM

Time for me to play "Devil's Advocate" again...
Do you really think you can do your best driving with that added distraction?
The manufacturers wire them this way for a very good reason.
... Just sayin...

Ntrinh15 · 03-10-2022, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Time for me to play "Devil's Advocate" again...
Do you really think you can do your best driving with that added distraction?
The manufacturers wire them this way for a very good reason.
... Just sayin...

Not sure if you have kids or not. But having the tv on in the back while you drive which you cant see anyways is far less than a distraction than having a child say are we there yet a 100 times in an hour. just saying

**16ACE27** · 03-10-2022, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ubugarrity

Thanks for the replies! I've been searching online and it looks like there are 32" 12v TVs. That might be an easy fix but I'm still researching. I don't think I'd hesitate to run the generator for the AC if needed just seems like a lot for just the tv but it is an easy option. We'll try it on the next trip.

For the cost of that 32" 12 VDC you could like buy an inverter and pay to have it installed.

k.maslowski@comcast.net · 03-16-2022, 09:28 PM

You should not watch TV while you are driving.

Ntrinh15 · 03-16-2022, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k.maslowski@comcast.net

You should not watch TV while you are driving.

No one said we’re watching while driving. Its for the kids in the back

**16ACE27** · 03-16-2022, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ntrinh15

No one said we’re watching while driving. Its for the kids in the back

Yeah, that's obvious for most of us. BUT:

If the TV is capable of being in view of the driver there may be an interlock relay that opens the 120 VAC line to the TV outlet when the ignition is on. If you put an inverter in you may need to defeat that interlock as well.

Ntrinh15 · 03-16-2022, 11:57 PM

My tv turns on when the generator is on in the back. So I don’t think i have an interlock with the ignition.

There is a video on youtube a guy with the class C has that interlock. Its just a 12v loop wire plugged into a junction box that turns off the outlet to the tv.

JimDebOklahoma · 03-17-2022, 12:13 AM

Harbor freight Jupiter 2000 watt power inverter works great. Also allows the wife to have the crock pot going while driving down the road so dinner is ready, hot and waiting when we get to the campground. Mounted it on the side of the MH near the battery box so was an easy install.

GordSanClemente · 03-17-2022, 12:31 AM

Making this harder than it needs to be...

I have a SUPER CHEAP inverter that powers my TV, Directv DVR and SWM power block. I put a separate switch on it, so I can power it on and off when I want. Easily powers it all.
It is right under the TV and Directv, and wired directly to the house battery.

Today less that $16.00 on Amazon. Probably back up to 18.00 tomorrow

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I like the option of not turning on the main inverter, which happens to be under our bed, and is too noisy when the wife goes to bed.

txc2936@yahoo.com · 03-18-2022, 11:09 PM

Had a similar situation, we pull off the highway every 2 hrs or so, to take a break and walk the dog. I have a separate inverter and plug that is dedicated to running the Main TV, while off of the Generator. We can watch a little local TV after a quick station search.

I also use it for running the refrig. as a second source of AC pwr. i find the 1000W inverter works fine and mount it right over the batteries. i kept this system separate, even though there are commercial transfer switches available out there.

vegas25.5 · 03-19-2022, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k.maslowski@comcast.net

You should not watch TV while you are driving.

We run the generator 90% of the time when the kids are with us in the Vegas. 90% of the time they have a TV going or something that needs AC power. It is comical to think that it would even be possible for a driver to watch TV. Our two interior TVs are not visible by the driver and there is about zero chance one could hear what is being said. My wife and I sitting next to each other at highway speed struggle to hear each others words. The kids in the rear have to run a sound bar to hear the TV due to the road noise and low quality TVs Thor uses.

k.maslowski@comcast.net · 03-19-2022, 06:48 PM

I understand. However, I have seen people driving RV's and driving cars watching movies (not GPS maps). No common sense.

vegas25.5 · 03-19-2022, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k.maslowski@comcast.net

I understand. However, I have seen people driving RV's and driving cars watching movies (not GPS maps). No common sense.

Agreed.

You may also like: