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RV TV Mount Installation Ideas and Resources

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

After several recent requests for information on how to install a new LCD or LED TV inside an RV it was decided that a consolidation of ideas and options would be put together to aid those embarking on this do it yourself project.

RV-TV-Mount

We have compiled some of the common installation techniques used for various RV TV Mounts. This is the type of project where you can get extremely creative and certainly there are other ways to accomplish each of these tasks. This guide should serve as bank of ideas to get you familiar with strategies used when taking on this kind of project and perhaps point you in the right direction for getting the most use out of your new TV purchase.

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The trouble with a TV inside a RV is that it could be mounted in any area as each manufacturer has their own location, size and weight of television specifications. This means that in nearly every case this type of project will be custom from top to bottom.

General Guidelines for Installing a TV in a RV

  1. Choose your RV TV Mount (We have a guide available here)
  2. Remove Old TV (impressed yet?)
  3. Remove any unnecessary mounting equipment from the older tube TV
  4. Using the pictures below get an idea of how you want to connect your RV TV Mount
  5. Fabricate (if necessary) an area to secure the RV TV Mount to (typically from 3/4″ plywood). Its always a good idea to do this even if you think the area is rigid enough to secure a TV to. The weight of the TV and the movement of your RV will take its toll on the area where the mount is secured.
  6. Whatever type of fastener you decide to use to secure the RV TV Mount, go a little heavier in toughness just in case. (Preference is Carriage Bolts with a washer and nut).
  7. If using an Articulating Mount be sure to test the length of all your cables or buy extension if necessary.
  8. If using any mount besides the Wall/ Tilt mounts you will need to find a way to secure the mount while in transit(Velcro or straps are a common choice).

rv-tv-1RV TV MOUNT TIP: If you have specific questions about installing your TV please post a comment at the bottom of the page or submit a question in our forums under “Ask Danny D”. He is our resident contractor and can assist you based on your particular situation.

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Ideas and Pictures for RV TV Mount Installation

1. Fixed or Tilted Wall Mount  on Plywood Surface

In Dash

This method typically requires a hinged piece of plywood and some woodworking skills. Most tend to go with the hinged method to retain access to the cabling and cabinet behind the TV. This method uses a Fixed Wall or Tilted Wall Mount.  Great for storing items now that the big tube TV went the way of the dodo. Be sure to install some type of cabinet door locking system so it doesn’t shift during transit.

In Dash Wall Mount In Dash Wall Mount 2

Overhead

This method is much like the dash installation as it uses plywood and hinges to accomplish the same task only overhead. Like the dash it offers access to the cabinet behind. Be sure to install some type of cabinet door locking system so it doesn’t shift during transit.

Cabinet Door install RV TV MOUNT Cabinet Door Mount 2 RV TV MOUNT

[asa]B000WYVBR0[/asa]

2.  Mount with Arm

In Dash (Plywood Fabrication Required)

This option uses the same idea from the dash installation with plywood only this time the use of an Articulating Arm Mount is used and a permanent non hinged piece of plywood installed. You still get the access to the cabinet (not as much room) and the mount is permanently fastened to the dash.

Articulating Mount In Dash RV TV MOUNT

On Cabinet

This method is very popular as its the most simple to install and there are typically many areas of an RV in which to secure the mount. The downside is usually it doesn’t come out as pleasing to the eyes as many cables and wires show. This method can be made more rigid through the use of plywood on the other side of the mount surface to add rigidity to the cabinet.

Articulating Mount Side of Cabinet RV TV MountArticulating ARM Connected to Cabinet
[asa]0972683275[/asa]

Wall Surface

This option is not common as many people are unwilling to make holes in the side of their RV, which is understandable. If your walls are rigid enough and you can find a stud in the right place it may be a perfectly acceptable way to mount your TV.

Wall Surface Mounting

Wall Surface with Plywood

This is the preferred method when connecting to a wall or cabinet. either put a plywood cutout on the outside or inside(if possible) of the mounting surface to add rigidity to the mounting surface.

Articulating Mount Plywood




41 thoughts on “RV TV Mount Installation Ideas and Resources”

  1. Need help. Want to install a tilt tv bracket to the ceiling of my rv. Can someone offer some suggestions.

  2. I’m planning on mounting a 24″ led tv to my 2016 Cherokee 274DBH. The area is marked for tv mounting. What length of lag bolt do you recommend using to prevent me going through roof membrane? I see a lot of replies that say to also use 1/2″ plywood, if this area is marked, is it necessary?

  3. we have a 2010 Cedar Creek 5th wheel. The tv is in a cabinet on a up and down mount behind the fireplace. You can hide the tv behind the fireplace if your not using it and you can have full use of the top of thecabinet. Screw holes in the back of the tv but not what you mount it on

  4. We have a 2008 Keystone Montana 5th wheel 37′ with fireplace under the tv. IT is an old style tv and we would like to replace it with a flat screen. We found the screw on top holding it in place but do not know how to access whatever is holding the bottom of the tv in. Is it behind the fireplace controls? Thank you for your assistance.

  5. i have just bought an older pull behind camper and we want TO MOUNT A FLAT SCREEN T V INSIDE . the CAMPER IS A 1992 cobra industries Salem TRAVEL TRAILER 20 ‘. I know nothing about campers yet and i am sure they didn’t even make flat screens in 1992 so i am not sure where we can mount the bracket to ,and whats on the other side of the interior walls . Are campers made with studs etc . sorry for being such a newbie thanks tom

    THANKS TOM

  6. I have a 1993 Fleetwood Southwind 35 ft. motorhome. I would like to ceiling mount a TV mount in the front just behind the passenger seat. I would hang the TV only when not traveling and then remove it from the mount when on the road and the mount is moveable 90 degrees so I could secure it to the ceiling. I am just concerned if the ceiling could support the weight of a 40″ flat screen. It is about 30 lbs. I was thinking of securing a 3/4 inch piece of plywood to 2 studs, then securing the mounting brackets using toggle bolts. Or, would it work better to just secure the mounting bracket to one of the studs? This is the mount I have…. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V8VW6W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01

    The layout is very similar to this with the slanted ceiling in the front.
    http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/classa/1993-Southwind-By-Fleetwood-25427.htm

  7. I am trying to find the same answer that you are. Also where to place the tv in the bedroom on the wildwood 27rkss

  8. We want to mount a 32″ tv in our 2015 Puma 28dsbs travel trailer. These have the rotating wall section so the tv can be viewed from the bedroom or living area. Have you had any experience/suggestions for mounting a tv in this situation?

  9. I would like to put a larger TV in my 2007 Fourwinds Windsport. In the middle and above the front seats is the old Tube TV. I want a larger one there. What’s the best way to do it? I could use the storage behind the TV if it works out right.

  10. Though I don’t have any experience with your particular trailer. Typically that sticker is used to show you where the RV was designed for a TV to be mounted. Try using a stud finder to see if there is anything in that wall that would be rigid. We know many folks that just decided to call the manufacturer and ask what they recommend. Which might be your best bet. You can reach Keystone RV Company at (866) 425-4369.

  11. I have a Cougar Xlite, 29RES. In the bedroom, there is a sticker on the wall that says TV mount here. It does not seem to be on a stud. The wall right where the sticker is does not feel as solid as the wall does across a stud. What is the wall made of here? How thick is it? What material would I be connecting a TV mount too? And what model of mount is recommended?

  12. Hi Andrew,

    You are not alone. We wanted the same type of setup. You can have a look HERE to see all the different options. For your particular case I would have a look at this tv mount model: http://diyrv.co/1pxCgmd

    It isnt cheap but provides the functionality to move the viewing angle left to right and up and down at will. You will just have to devise a way to keep it stationary when you travel.

  13. I have a standard tv over the cab in a 2008 Winnebago Voyage. I would like to be able to lower it at will for better eye level viewing, any ideas?

  14. We have a built in spot for our tv in our 5th wheel. It will only hold a small tv. We would like to maybe hang a larger tv maybe outside of the designated spot. One that we would take down when traveling. We need help and Ideas.

    Thanks Di

  15. What is the size of the plywood behind the tv backer sticker in the 2014 wildwood 27rks in living area and how thick is the walls? Trying to install a tv mount.

  16. Seems reasonable. Though we have not done any work in your RV model it should work fine. The only concern would be connecting to an exterior wall. Have to be careful not to puncture through when fastening the plywood backing. Luckily that is a farily lightweight TV so it should not take an excessive amount of reinforcement. See if you can locate studs in the wall to secure it to. If not you can try using molly bolts to fasten the plywood. I would feel much more comfortable going with the stud route though.

    Hope that helps!

  17. Any thoughts on mounting an articulating arm tv mount to the back exterior wall of a 2012 Fourwinds 31A class C motorhome. I am looking at the back corner right next to were the slide goes out. I was going to add in a piece of plywood to give some additional support. The tv is only a 20″ that weighs 14 lbs total.

    For the mount that I am looking at there would be enough clearance between the slide and the wall to have everything fit with a few inches to spare.

    Thanks

  18. Hi Zeke,
    Tough to say without seeing a few photos. If you havent seen any obvious screws, try looking for screws that hold the wood frame in place that are accessed from the cabinets on either side of the TV cubby. We have seen a few like that in the past. We havent heard of those pieces being glued but you never really know with RV’s!

  19. I have a TV mounted in a wood cabinet above the dash. There looks like there are 4 trim pieces around the exterior of the TV. I don’t see any screws to mount the pieces. Are they glued in place? I want to start to replace the old TV but am not sure how to start without messing everything up.
    Thanks.

  20. Long story short YES. But, be sure to double check what “locking” means when deciding which to buy. There are two seperate functions for locking mounts. 1.Locking Arm Function which is what you want. 2. Locking the Arm to the Base Lock which is ti prevent theft of the TV. This of course you do not need most likely. For example this TV mount here has a locking function built in that keeps it from moving while in transit.You can clearly see it in the photo if you zoom in. If you dont want to spend the extra dollars for that functionality, you can easily create some way to restrain it using a strap with velcro or 3M Command Strips. Some folks have even used C clamps to hold it on the move. Hope that helps!

  21. We want to install a 32″ LCD TV with an articulating arm to the cabinet in our trailer. Do we need a “locking ” tv mount?

  22. Most LCD TV’s are ok to leave in a RV during winter. LCD typically do not freeze and crack. Many of the concerns usually stem from OPERATION in cold temperatures not storage. That being said you may want to check the manual for your TV to see if they have any recommended temperature ranges.
    These types of TV’s are shipped during the frigid winter in regular trucks with no insulation and arrive in your living room working great.

  23. I dont see why not. Since it is an ultralite, you may want to place the mount in a spot you know is secured to something solid such as cabinetry or an interior wall. Be aware that when you make a hole on the exterior you create a potential way to let water in.

    We prefer removable mounts for exterior applications. This is one option below. It is removable and also locking. It can be taken down as well as locked into place in windy situations or if you are moving a short distance. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00149RVK8?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393185&creativeASIN=B00149RVK8&linkCode=shr&tag=3b2h5o-20&qid=1377655127&sr=8-3&keywords=outdoor+tv+mount

  24. Sylvia,

    There are just too many floor plan variations for me to sort it out. I am sorry I couldnt be of more help. I think my advice to contact Jayco is the best bet. Good Luck!

  25. I want to mount an LCD TV with built-in DVD player to the exterior of my 19 ft. Jay Feather. Would it work on that unit? What kind of mount would I need?

  26. The primary concern is puncturing through the otherside of the wall. In this case to the exterior. If spot is intended for a TV, I assume that it should not be a problem. I would probably build out the area with plywood and secure the mount to the plywood to be sure I didnt have an issue. A better option is contacting the maker of the RV and asking what is appropriate to be sure. Some newer RV’s have special kits to secure TV’s as well.

    If you want to supply your RV make and model I may be able to get better information for you.

  27. The other side of the wall is just the outside of the rv. We bought the mount and its just the basic wall mount. The tv is small as its in the bedroom, about 22″ diagonal and is very light. So probably 1″ or 1 1/2″ would do?

  28. Hi Sylvia,

    That long of a lag bolt is probably excessive and could possibly puncture through the otherside of the wall depending on the thickness of the wall in your RV and the layout. Are you using a mount you bought or did this mount come with the RV? Can you tell us what is located on the otherside of the wall?

  29. Our new rv has a place for installing a tv on the wall in the bedroom. What size lag bolts should we use? 2 1/2″ came with it

  30. Hi There!

    The need for a converter box is tied to the age of the TV not to the local channels. If you have an older TV then you may need a converter, otherwise you can connect the antenna directly to your television or audio/video switchbox.

  31. Another option is using a piece of plywood fastened with wood screws and wood glue to the area your looking to mount to. Being careful not to hit wires or other components in the wall itself. Then use traditional lag bolts to fasten the mount to the 3/4″ plywood base.

    If you want to share a little more about your RV and where your trying install it, we may be able to come up with a better solution.

    Thanks for your question!

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