Powered by Blogger.


RV Television Swap

My husband and I are total "newbies" and my question will probably sound stupid to veteran RVers. The two TVs in our fifth wheel (probably original equipment) are dual voltage, (12/120). I know that means they can work when hooked up at a campground or on battery power from the "house" batteries if not connected to "shore" power. We'd like to replace them. Can we just use an ordinary TV or is there something different about the electric outlets/wiring/breakers in the RV that could ruin a new TV? Or does it just mean that the new TVs won't work unless we're connected to a campground power source?  Sue L. (Ludlow, VT)

Never a stupid question Sue! But you nailed it; a 120-volt AC (only) television will only operate whenever the shore cord is plugged in. Unless, of course, you have a generator or an inverter on your 5th wheel. Both of which can be installed at any reputable RV service facility, by the way. All the receptacles and circuit breakers in the coach are 120-volt AC, similar to what you are accustomed to in a residential home. By swapping out the TVs, you lose the ability to watch while dry camping without hookups. But you can always add an inverter if that's too much of a burden.




More RV Doctor Resources

e DVD: Do It Yourself RV Care The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer, shows you how to maintain and care for your RV. This 63-minute DVD was produced in cooperation with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. The small price you pay for this will come back to you in all the money you save on your RV maintenance and repairs. Learn more & buy here.

e The RV Owner's Handbook Learn how to perform preventative maintenance and repairs on your RV from RV technical guru Gary Bunzer. Learn about towing with a motorhome, winterizing your RV, holding tank systems, heating systems, water pumps, trailer towing, spring shakedown, water systems and much more. Easy to understand, even for mechanical novices. Learn more & buy here.

Disclaimer:

In all instances, every effort is made to ensure the correctness of all content on the RV Doctor Website. It is imperative that if you choose to follow any instructions or procedures outlined on any page of this website, you must first satisfy yourself thoroughly that neither personal nor product safety will be compromised or jeopardized.

All rights reserved.

If you are in doubt or do not feel comfortable about a procedure, do not continue. Simply call your local RV service facility and make an appointment with them. The advice, recommendations and procedures offered by the RV Doctor are solely those of Gary. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, procedures and recommendations of our sponsors or advertisers.