A Complete Guide To Motorhome TVs

Technically, yes, you can take your TV from home and use it in your motorhome. However, household televisions run on 230V AC power, so you can’t just plug one into a convenient lighter socket: you’ll need mains electricity or a suitable inverter. 

Of course, using an inverter will drain your leisure battery and you could end up missing the last few minutes of a nail-biting thriller – you’ll never know who dun it!

So, for most people, a better alternative is a 12V TV, designed to run directly off the vehicle’s battery and, in the case of some models, built to withstand the shocks and vibrations that are inevitable when driving on UK roads. 

Such TVs will probably be smaller than the one you have at home but, because of this, will draw less power than a domestic TV, putting less strain on the leisure battery.

There are three main ways to receive a TV signal in a motorhome: through an aerial, from a satellite dish and via the Internet, using WiFi.

An omnidirectional aerial is the simplest and easiest method for motorhomes. It will pick up signals from multiple directions, without needing to be adjusted. This is ideal when you move from one place to another, but getting a good signal may be a bit hit and miss if you’re out in the countryside. You can get aerials that are mounted on the roof or mounted temporarily using suction cups or a magnet.

For more reliable performance, especially in areas where the signal is weak, a directional aerial is a better bet. This type of aerial can be adjusted so that it points at the transmitter that gives the strongest signal. There are many models available; just search online and see which takes your fancy.

The only trouble with this type of aerial is that you need to know where to point it but there are apps and signal meters that can help you.

As long as it has a clear view of that part of the sky where the satellite is positioned, and you are located within the satellite’s ‘footprint’, a satellite dish is virtually guaranteed to give you a perfect signal in your motorhome. If you plan to travel abroad, a satellite dish will enable you to watch British TV; although, again, as long as you’re within the satellite’s ‘footprint’.

Search online to find maps showing you what channels are available, wherever you find yourself. Note, accessing British TV in Spain is not possible with a standard set-up. However, nothing is impossible and specialist suppliers may be able to offer a solution.

You will also need a satellite receiver. Some TVs have these built in. Otherwise, small 12V receivers are available and will connect to most televisions.

Absolutely – in fact, it’s increasingly the preferred method as long as you have a Smart TV. With a decent mobile WiFi hotspot or 4G/5G router, you can stream shows from Netflix, iPlayer, or Disney+ just as you would at home. WiFi can also enable you to skip traditional TV set-ups entirely, instead using a tablet, laptop or even a phone.

Keep an eye on your data usage, though – HD streaming can consume several gigabytes per hour.

The biggest problem here is that campsites are often in locations with variable mobile signal – streaming does need more bandwidth and a better connection.

So take a look at signal boosters. These can be used with PAYG SIMs, and you can even get cards with data that lasts a whole year, so you are not paying monthly for data you may or may not use.

Firesticks can be used to make a TV smart, as long as it has an HDMI and USB connection.

You can also use mirror casting with more modern TVs, using the relevant TV app, such as Sky Go, on your phone to cast to the TV. Look for a TV that supports the latest apps – ask about the operating system.

This does depend on the kit you’re using, but as long as you’re within a broadcast area, you should be able to get a signal. First, find a clear view of the sky — if anything blocks it, you won’t get reception.

From there, the signal needs to be decoded. This can be done automatically by the TV or by connecting the dish to a satellite receiver.

Once connected, tune the system accordingly. It should then lock on and give you a picture, although you may need to adjust the dish or settings slightly.

The first 12V TV I bought was made in the USSR. It had a 5in black and white cathode-ray tube screen, a knob to tune it with, volume and brightness controls and an aerial stuck in a socket on the top. It was the only 12V TV on the market at the time.

Things have changed dramatically and now, when buying a TV, aerial, satellite dish, mounting bracket or projector, you really need to take the time to ensure that the TV has the features you want and need.

It’s so easy to get things wrong and, when you’re sitting down in your motorhome, it’s nice to know that the whole set-up is working just as you expected.