How to Mount an RV TV

One of the best ways to save space is to mount items to the wall of your RV, including your TV.

Mounting an RV TV will keep it out of the way when not in use. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about packing up when you hit the road.

Today we’ll share how to get the job done easily and quickly.

Let’s get started!

Can You Use Any TV Mount in Your RV?

Many standard TV mounts will work in your RV. However, you may need to replace the mounting screws for the wall. Many TV mount kits aren’t constructed with RVs in mind. Some RVers have found that the included hardware screws are much too long and can puncture your RV’s outside wall.

Make sure you get a mount that’s rated for the size and weight of your TV. Think about how you want to position the TV while using it and whether or not you have sufficient room. Double-check that you’ll have space to open and close the mount.

Our TV Mount Suggestions 

Let’s take a look at a few of our top TV mount suggestions. If you think one of these could be what you’re looking for, make sure to add it to your shopping cart.

Mount-It! RV TV Mount

They designed this full-motion TV mount specifically for RVs. The single-arm design also includes options for tilting and swiveling. A unique gear structure helps this mount absorb the bumps and vibrations from traveling down the highway. With a 33-pound weight limit, this is an excellent mount for TVs that are 22 to 42 inches.

You’ll also find an in-arm cable clip that helps with guiding and hiding cables. There’s even a built-in level to help you with installation. For $40 to $50, it’s hard to beat this high-quality TV mount.

Mounting Dream Lockable RV TV Mount 

The Mounting Dream RV TV mount can lock in place to avoid movement during transport. It can hold TVs up to 44 pounds and 17 to 43 inches. The tilt on this mount varies from up 5 degrees to down 15 degrees. You can also extend the TV 18.4 inches from the wall or retract it to a measly 2.8 inches.

You’ll love the flexibility when it comes to viewing angles and storage. This is another mount in the $40 to $50 range and is a great option for RVers.

VideoSecu ML12B TV LCD Monitor Wall Mount

The VideoSecu ML12B is a full-motion TV mount for TVs 19 to 31 inches in size and up to 44 pounds. It can fit 32-inch TVs, except for some Samsungs. You’ll get peace of mind knowing you can adjust this mount after installing it. And you should be able to install it yourself.

You’ll have 5 degrees of adjustment, forward and backward tilting, 180 degrees of swivel, and 360 degrees of rotating. The mount itself retracts to 2.4 inches for space-saving and can extend up to 15 inches. Despite the inexpensive $15 to $20 price tag, this is a quality TV mount that gets the job done.

Pro Tip: Once you have your TV mounted to your liking, cozy up for movie night with HBO Max. Read more to find out How To Stream HBO Max When You’re Camping.

Tools You’ll Need to Mount an RV TV 

In addition to an extra set of hands, you’re going to need a handful of tools to get the job done. Let’s take a look at what tools you should have on hand.

Power Drill and Bits

Using a power drill is one of the most efficient and best ways to ensure your TV is mounted appropriately. The drill will help tighten screws to the mounting surface. Make sure not to over tighten them, or you could split or crack the wood.

If you have a drill bit kit, make sure to bring the whole kit with you. This will save you multiple trips back and forth between your RV and your tool bag. 

Screws and Anchors (If Needed) 

Depending on the surface, you’ll likely need screws and anchors. Screws can hold a tremendous amount of weight. Using anchors is a great idea as well, especially in soft surfaces like drywall and lower-quality wood. When you choose to use an anchor, you’re protecting the screws from stripping the hole and coming loose.

Stud Finder

Having a stud finder on hand can help you find the nearest stud accurately. A stud finder will also help you hit the middle of the stud consistently. This helps create the strongest and most secure connection possible when mounting heavy items.

Level 

Many TV mount kits will include a level, but if your kit doesn’t, make sure to have one on hand. You want to ensure your TV is as level as possible. The size of the level you choose won’t matter in this instance, but in general, the bigger the level, the better.

How to Mount an RV TV

Now that you’ve selected your mount and acquired the necessary tools let’s walk through how you can mount your TV. Let’s get started.

Choose the Location

Before putting any holes in your RV walls, select the right spot. Consider the viewing angle to the TV as well as what’s behind that part of the wall. If there’s a shower or faucet on the other side of the wall, you risk drilling into a plumbing line.

You’ll also need a power source. Make sure there’s an outlet nearby and a place for wires. Keep an eye on whether there’s room for your mount to swivel. A full-motion mount will be wasted in a space where it can’t twist and turn.

Locate Wall Studs

One of the most critical tasks when mounting a TV in your RV is to find the wall studs. The wall paneling in an RV may hold the weight of mounting hardware and brackets. However, the weight of even a small TV could rip the hardware out of the wall. 

Use a stud finder to locate the nearest studs. You may be able to peek into a cabinet to help locate a stud. It’s sometimes better to double and even triple-check the location of a stud to ensure you’re getting a secure connection between your mount and the wall.

Attach the Mounting Bracket to the Wall 

Once you’ve located the studs, you can attach the mounting bracket to the wall. Use a pencil to mark the holes where you want the mounting bracket to sit. You can then use a slightly smaller drill bit than the mounting screws to create a solid connection between the mounting bracket and the wall.

Tighten the mounting bracket, but don’t overtighten. Over tightening will strip the holes and increase the chances of your mounting bracket failing.

Mount the TV

With the mounting bracket in place, you can mount the TV to the mounting bracket. Based on the model and style of your mounting bracket, this process will vary. This often requires running a long bolt through the mounting bracket to connect the TV and mounting bracket. 

Hook Up the TV

With the TV secured to the wall, you can now hook up the TV. You’ll need to plug the TV into the wall and connect any accessories or cables. Whether you plan to use a DVD player or your RV’s antenna, this is your chance to hook them up. Make sure all the connections and cables are working properly.

Hide the Wires (Optional) 

It’s easy to install a DVD player or other electronics, but it’s more challenging to make it look good. Hiding the wires from mounting a TV in your RV can be rather tricky. You want your entertainment cables to be out of sight to create a clean look. It may take some time to figure out how to run the wires to hide them from view.

The Benefits of Mounting an RV TV

You no longer have to worry about setting up your TV before and after you reach your campsite. Mounting an RV saves space, which is also a plus in an RV. Mounting an RV TV on the wall helps use space you probably can’t use for anything else.

Many RVers who mount their TVs love how they now have many more viewing angles. You can adjust the TV for optimal viewing and then push the TV out of the way when finished. It not only saves space but enhances the viewing experience.

Finally, mounting your TV creates a much safer environment in your RV. While it may be easier or more convenient to place a TV on a stand or countertop, it can be dangerous. More than 11,000 children are injured every year from TVs and other furniture tipping over. Securing heavy furniture, like TVs, can help avoid a serious accident, especially if you have small children.

Pro Tip: Keep your TV and other valuables safe by upgrading the locks on your RV. Read more to discover Are RV Door Locks Keyed the Same?

The Downsides to Mounting an RV TV 

It’s important to consider the downsides when mounting your RV TV. One of the major downsides is that you lose the ability to move the TV around. If you enjoy taking your TV outside to watch a movie or show, removing the TV from the mount will be inconvenient each time. It would be substantially easier to purchase an additional TV designated for outdoor use.

Mounting your TV also means drilling into your RV. If done incorrectly, you can cause serious damage to your RV that could mean a costly repair. You’ll also create permanent holes in the walls of your RV. While the TV will hide them, you’ll be left with several large holes to patch if you ever change your mind about having a mounted TV. It can be incredibly difficult to patch these holes well enough to hide them.

Should You DIY or Hire Out? 

Mounting a TV is an incredibly easy DIY project that requires very few tools and little skill. However, making an error when mounting can be a costly mistake. Make sure you do this job right to avoid damaging your RV, TV, or someone in your RV.

If you’re relatively handy and have an extra set of hands to help with lifting the TV onto the mount, you can easily do this job yourself. However, if you’re not confident in your skills or not able to lift the TV, it’s worth hiring out. While it could cost you $100 or more to have your TV mounted, it’s cheaper than a repair from sub-par installation. Have you ever mounted a TV in your RV?

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