MOD Replaced exterior TV (again) - LG 48 inch 4K

[Neal]

Once you go 4K you can't go back and my outside TV was 1080p. I replaced the smaller Newmar outside TV with overflow from my house as new TV's went in, the older ones went to the RV outdoor TV spot. I think Newmar used a 43 and I put 46's in, twice. With poor cable/antenna scanning on top of 1080p (blech) it was time for a treat so I shopped for a 4K TV that would fit. I am typically a Samsung TV guy but finding TV's that fit these spaces has become a challenge these days. Either way too small or too big. I had 42 inches between the lift struts for the door and found LG has a 48 inch 4K OLED TV that's 42.2 inches wide. So I ordered it while here in Breckenridge, from LG, paid for expedited shipping and it was a close call, it arrived today (Friday) and I leave Monday for a 4-5 hour drive to my next destination.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09RMHBXYX/?tag=rvf01-20

It is a tight fit but it worked. I have a TV mount that tilts and swivels so I can finagle it out of the compartment if needed but I intend for it to stay right where it is. I absolutely love the picture and all of the features, speakers, etc. As mentioned above I am a Samsung TV fan but all of my computer monitors are LG so I trust in their panel technology and quality. As usual what should have been a one hour job took half a day. A run to Lowes for M6 screws as my prior TV used M8, then to Walmart for an extension cord as the power cord is on the opposite side of the prior TV, opposite the wall entrance to the under sink area for power.

Very much looking forward to watching TV outside now. Loving this setup! Oh, and it picks up all the channels now on cable scan like inside. It has Alexa, YouTube, Amazon Prime, etc. etc. all built in. I do use Apple TV which is installed separately on the outside TV (overflow from newer ones coming in) but we'll see how this integrated one works out.

 

[Neal]

Goodbye soundbar! The speakers and bass on this TV is amazing!! Sorry neighbors, I'll be up late!!

 

[Ernie Ekberg]

“Sorry neighbors, I’ll be up late”
let us know where you are, I’ll not be there

 

[Neal]

Based on my shopping cart this little mod may be breeding to within the coach....ugh - the same TV above fits the Televator and the 42" version of the above the front TV. Nothing for the bedroom yet (thank G!)

 

[AbdRahim]

I am going into the junk business. Neal; a stop at your house is free! When should I drop by? Will an econo van be large enough?

 

[Gizmo]

We are getting ready to replace our 2017 Ventana inside TV and the biggest that will fit is 48". Did you have any problem getting the holes to line up in the TV and the mounts?

 

[Neal]

I've only done the outside TV. I did examine the inside TV's as I'm likely (sadly) going to replace all 3 soon realizing all of my TV's are 1080p and the difference in today's tech and 2016 TV's that mine are is amazing. As one of my pleasures is watching stuff (typically YouTube) I'm not sparing expense on TV's. I am getting a 42 and another 48 inch of the above TV for front and televator and a Samsung 32 inch for the bedroom, the only one that will fit my space available, but that's fine. I actually have this one at home in the kitchen:

Samsung 32" for bedroom:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093CP66L7/?tag=rvf01-20

LG 42 and 48 inch for front and televator:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09RMHBXYX/?tag=rvf01-20

It is going to be interesting getting holes lined up and I'm not sure the work involved for the televator. I doubt I can do the front and televator myself so I either make a friend at Pagosa Springs or I'll need to hire a RV mobile tech to help me. I have all 3 TV's above in my cart, not sure if I should buy one at a time or all at once but likely will get all 3 at once and hope for the best.

 

[Neal]

I took another look and a better study of the televator install in my coach. The top corian is not attached to the TV, it's attached solely to the televator, which is good as the new TV is very very thin. There are two bolts on the lower side of the TV, probably M8 that will need to be removed, not hard. There is a bar attached to the TV on the top side by adhesive and then it's connected to the televator with 2 x self tapping screws. I plan to remove those screws and then detach the bar from the old TV and added 3M VHB adhesive tape to my cart which I'll use to reattach the bar.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SQYHC2P/?tag=rvf01-20

There is discussion about removing the screens and working through the window but I don't see that it will be necessary.

I realize I will likely not receive 4K content over the typical RV Internet connectivity but who knows in the years ahead. The quality of picture and features of the TV's warrants replacing. The current TV's are 6 years old. Ancient in the land of tech.

Probably will upgrade the Apple TV for the outdoor TV with the latest edition as well, however, Apple is set to announce new products on Sept 7th so may wait and see what's coming. The new remotes are so much better on the new Apple TV's. I've replaced all of mine except the one on the outdoor TV.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0933D3SN6/?tag=rvf01-20

Edit: As the new TV is much thinner, there may need to be washers/bushings applied to get the new TV plumb. I found a TV mounting hardware kit, perfect! Just to be safe ordering this too:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087LXK6V9/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[Neal]

I think I just bought tires for my RV, nope, all new TV's - yowwwchhhhhhh! On the way, arriving Pagosa Springs in a week.

 

[Gizmo]

I was doing so research on the HDMI connection in my overhead compartment in my Ventana. I don't believe the HDMI splitter nor the cables running from the drivers overhead to the TV are 4K certified. I use the Shield for primary and Apple 4K as backup installed in my cabinet over the driver seat.
Another subject, I just found a neat tool on the Sheild that will show DB on APs and also show graph on 2.5 thru 6 WIFI signals plus more. Here a snap shot of the speed test.

 

[Neal]

I replaced my splitter and HDMI cables and when the time comes to do this job I'll also run a new 8K cable to the front TV. Obviously stuck with what's in the coach going to Televator, and that's fine. A 4K TV even watching 1080p is night and day different from a 6 year old TV.

This effort is now on hold due to a break down.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

We go camping to enjoy what is around us, the area, and meet and greet new folks. If I want to watch TV, I stay home. And where we camp, the quiet hours are 8PM to 6AM. There's a reason for that. There is already enough disrespect for others in the campground area without adding the annoyance of a dang TV or sound system blaring away with flashing lights to disturb the night. So take your 1/2 million dollar rolling TV elsewhere.

 

[Neal]

We go camping to enjoy what is around us, the area, and meet and greet new folks. If I want to watch TV, I stay home. And where we camp, the quiet hours are 8PM to 6AM. There's a reason for that. There is already enough disrespect for others in the campground area without adding the annoyance of a dang TV or sound system blaring away with flashing lights to disturb the night. So take your 1/2 million dollar rolling TV elsewhere.

Not everyone uses their RV the same way you do. Some that still work are fortunate to be able to travel, have new scenes out their office windows, and work from amazing destinations. Blend it with some outdoor activities, some like to watch sports, or whatever. The uses for RV's are very diverse, be respectful of how others uses theirs as people should respect how you intend to use yours. Camping requires balance at campgrounds as there are some that cater to children, some that are 55 and over, for a reason, and some boondock for a reason. Go to the places that cater to your RVing desires.

Let's keep the thread on topic (and respectful) for those that are interested in improving the tech/etc. that's a part of their RV.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

With all due respect, for those who travel and work out of their RVs, that's great! And I certainly have no issue with that. What one does inside their RV is also their business. However, when their outdoor TV, their sound system, their children, or their pets invade my privacy in a campground, I do get a bit concerned. In your words, "the speakers and bass on the system are amazing". That tends to amplify your intentions. Pun intended. As a retired Nashville recording and broadcast engineer, that's great. But please, not around me! Be respectful of others, and keep it to yourself and not share it with your neighbors is all I'm asking. Thusly, we all should respect the space of others. FYI - as I understand, they aren't making any more space these days. In fact, the size of the earth is actually shrinking.

I wouldn't dare set foot in your campsite area unless invited, nor let my dog or cat or child or grandchild do the same. It is your space, use it as you wish. I've no bone to pick there. In my case, I believe I am entitled to my space and any prolonged objectional noise (broad definition) or person or animal coming into my space is, therefore one that becomes my business. This is the primary reason we do not use commercial campgrounds. We prefer the quietness and solitude of National Park campgrounds, State campgrounds, or Corps of Engineers campgrounds. After all, we do live on 5 acres and on a small hill on the Cumberland Plateau in TN. Looking to the NW, the nearest thing we see at our elevation is Short Mountain, some 38 miles distant as the crow flies. There is nothing between us and Short Mountain but air. Now that's a view!

Further, you'd be amazed at the technology I've installed in our travel trailer. That's the advantage of being an EE. Most of the hardware systems are custom designed and built by me, along with me writing the code to make them do the job as intended. As to a sound system, me being a retired Nashville recording studio engineer, you likely won't believe what we have. A simple satellite radio receiver and a factory-installed Bose system. And with me having worked in radio and TV Broadcasts for years, the cheering crowd, both local and in the stadium, I feel it should stay at your house and not drift over to mine. On more than one occasion I felt it necessary to step over to a neighbor's campsite and ask them to turn the TV sound or the music down. Most of the time they complied, agreed it was too loud for the present environment, and offered an apology.

I feel that we should stop and smell the roses along the way, for we may not pass this way again. I'd hate to spend my time in front of a TV, while the world passes me by.

Bob

 

[AbdRahim]

We go camping to enjoy what is around us, the area, and meet and greet new folks. If I want to watch TV, I stay home. And where we camp, the quiet hours are 8PM to 6AM. There's a reason for that. There is already enough disrespect for others in the campground area without adding the annoyance of a dang TV or sound system blaring away with flashing lights to disturb the night. So take your 1/2 million dollar rolling TV elsewhere.

What and miss an episode of Big City Greens? Unthinkable!!

 

[Ernie Ekberg]

Right on the mark with your first paragraph, Bob.

 

[Neal]

Okay, staying off topic then...

I'm outside enjoying fresh air the other day, watching my new TV, not loudly, and the site next to me is a jeep service convention it seems. Impact wrenches, working on a group of jeeps for hours. Sounded like you were in a car repair facility. It happens, we deal with it, people do their things and that's the nature of "RV parking lot" campgrounds.

 

[Gizmo]

When I was younger and we went on a two week camping trip we watched very little TV and was busy doing hikes, 4-wheeling, site seeing, fishing and etc. Seem like there was never enough time to do everything we wanted to do. Now, we snowbird down south for 4 to 5 months and the motorhome becomes our home and not just camper. There just isn't enough to keep us keep busy every day for 150+ days nor would I want to. Just like at home we do spend time watching TVs.
One day while we are snowbird we get little loud and watch outside TV with consume adult beverages...... It's call Super Bowl Sunday.

 

[Neal]

Nice discovery in that if you use Apple TV (hardware) you can get the audio in AirPods. I'm watching my outdoor TV and using my AirPods so there is no sound coming from the TV to bother anyone AND I can hear the audio much better this way.

 

[Neal]

I'll probably start a new thread when mods are done outlining how to replace the other tv's inside the coach. 2 of the 3 TV's are in, I had to cancel and reorder due to my engine issue thinking I may not be getting here to Pagosa Springs. Today I removed the rear grills to the front TV and started investigating the level of effort it's going to require. Just like with the original outdoor TV mount Newmar crafted their own, stupidly. The outdoor TV mount was an epic fail, the front TV mount is just a custom setup with a rail width for this TV which does not match the new TV (it's wider). I ordered a slim mount that I'm hoping I can attach to their mount and make it work otherwise as usual per Newmar design creativity is required. Stay tuned...but as usual, it's never easy!