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MOD Replacing the Televator TV in my 2017 Newmar Ventana

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Neal

Staff member
RVF Administrator
Joined
Jul 27, 2019
Messages
11,586
Location
Midlothian, VA
RV Year
2017
RV Make
Newmar
RV Model
Ventana 4037
RV Length
40' 10"
Chassis
Freightliner XCR
Engine
Cummins 400 HP
TOW/TOAD
2017 Chevy Colorado
Fulltimer
No
TV installed: LG 48inch 4K

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

The televator TV is IN! Was it fun? No. Was it easy? No. Did I do it myself? Yes - it is doable. Did I have to remove windows or screens? No.

Removal involves a short screwdriver and remove all of the phillips head screws Newmar used, I think it was 6. Cut the zip ties and then remove cables so as not to let them drop into the televator cabinet, not that you couldn't get them back out. Remove the power brick adhesive attached to the wall and remove the power supply brick to remain with the old TV.

The top corian piece is surprisingly floating on top of the TV and held centered by two springs attached by two phillips screws. There is also a top bracket that supports the corian, it remains in place.

Removal is not hard.

I then was happy to see the Newmar bracket is wide enough to support the hole pattern (300x200mm) for the new TV. I measured from the top bracket (hard to see in the photo) for the corian support to the top mount holes and then measured 150mm out from center left and right and drilled two holes. I then drilled two holes 200mm below those and made the lower holes large to give some wiggle room. I'll attach another picture of the mount below and you can probably see the additional holes drilled.

Getting the TV in place to get the first M6 screw inserted was not easy. I tried various supports as the TV had to be 3 inches off the bottom level. After a bit of a fight I got the M6 screw in and used a spacer about 5mm thick just for good measure. Putting the screw in the hole, adding the spacer, and then using the screw driver one handed was a treat. Tie a hand behind your back to practice!

Getting the top corian doofer put back on is a treat but there is a trick. First off for the right side you just slide the shelf towards the screw position and install the phillips head screw that attaches the spring. The other side is special...I finally figured out what Newmar did as the spring loop is wider. Install the phillips screw first and then push the corian towards it which stretches the spring on the opposite side and allows you to loop the spring end over the screw. Tighten the screw to secure the spring.

Secure wires as needed with cable ties. The HDMI cables Newmar used are very thick and the HDMI ports are on the edge so I'll have to see how that works out. I cabled tied them best I could to the televator vertical arm. The 3.5mm audio cable connected to the appropriate port, the coax was connected without the 90 degree elbow Newmar uses to improve signal. I'll also be securing cables/wires to the back of the TV using zip tie anchors:


I was going to use a slim mount which would work as Newmar pushes the TV out about the same or more than this mount would use. It may be an easier option but you still have to get your vertical orientation right for the corian shelf at the top so I elected to do some math and drill mount holes.

The pictures is AMAZING, the cable TV reception is superior to the ancient Sony Bravia, this is the same TV I installed to the exterior cabinet and you've probably heard already how much I love it including the sound. A great interior refresh at the 5 year point swapping out 6 year old TV's as the Sony's Newmar used were 2016 model year TV's.

3 down and 1 to go - the front center TV - maybe tomorrow!!

Note: LG does a great job in putting a screen protector on their screen. Samsung does not do this. I probably would screw up the TV without these screen protectors!! Still be careful but I'm glad LG does this.

IMG_4306.JPG

IMG_4307.JPG

IMG_4308.JPG
 
Last edited:
We're you able to remove TV without removing window screens and attacking from outside??
 
I was thinking of doing the same swap last year, but the tight working space stopped me. Hope you show us how to do it 👍
 
Stay tuned, I may be asking a friend to put me in a straight-jacket and escort me to a place for professional help. The old TV is off/out, for now I'm hoping I can wake up and this project will be complete. "What have I got myself into" seems to be the common question of late.

New TV on couch, hoping it morphs its way up to a mounting solution. I think I have a plan, for now I just want to go to sleep.

To be continued...

View attachment 14501
Hey Neal, hate to be nosey, but is that tablet display at bottom right a camera feed from outside?? I have been playing with the idea of some security cameras exterior on the RV for when we are away. Curious to hear what you have done there.
 
Bill Hader Popcorn GIF by Saturday Night Live
 
The televator TV replacement is complete. The original post is updated.
 
Neal, how wide is the opening at the base? Mine is 44.75 inches.
Looks like my old TV is bigger?
 

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