Television and radio questions

[Maury&Julie]

We are trying to get all set up to pick up our trailer at the end of March. We have some questions about the television and radio. Does the latest radio have Bluetooth? Will it play DVDs and hook into the television?

It sounds like a 22 inch TV is the largest that will work with the arm. Do any of you think a 19 inch is a better choice since it is lighter and more compact? We have been told that if we want them to install the arm at our orientation we must have our television with us so we have to choose before we get there.

Thanks for your help!

[C&G in FL]

Can't speak about the "latest" radio because I don't know if ETI HAS changed models, but the one installed in mine (May 2015) will play DVDs. It is NOT Bluetooth compatible, but I made it so with a $25 module from Amazon. You bring the TV if you want them to install the arm. I find a 19-inch TV adequate for watching from any point in my 5.0TA. No matter the dimensions, it can get "in the way" requiring it to have to be swung out of the way. 19-inches vs. 22, I guess the determining factor would be whether or not you think size matters.

[cpaharley2008]

I have a 19" 12v model and it also plays dvd, just right.

[Bill and Earline]

The TVs are so light and inexpensive now, we bought Samsung 22 and a 24 to try out. I can't remember which we put in our 21, but the other went in the kitchen at home. The bigger decision is whether you want a standard 120volt or a 12volt. You could always buy two sizes and return the one you don't install. We actually used a non-ETI swing arm that gave more swing-out, compared to the one they were using in fall of 2014. You can go to Samsung's site, or whatever brand you like, and read about weights and actual dimensions.

[Bobbito]

We picked up our Escape in May 2015 just as ETI was about to switch to Bluetooth Boss stereos and managed to get one as Tammy had promised us one earlier. It has video out I believe. We were going to install a Bluetooth stereo I had already purchased for the Escape, unaware that the savings were negated by ETI's custom install charge. The Bluetooth works fine. Haven't tried TV.
Bob K

[Loren & Cathy]

We have a 19" Samsung TV and feel that it is the perfect size for our 21. We gave them the TV when we went to pick up the trailer and they installed it but we pack it back in the box for traveling. I would say that the choice of an antenna is a more important decision and for that we got the Jack. Thanks to the advice of members of this forum, it ended up being the perfect choice. And I'm just glad we got the stereo with the trailer but right now I couldn't even say what it is. Loren

[emers382]

We have a 22 inch which just clears the light above the counter. But I really need to get a check list to make sure we have packed everything we need. Got down here to NM to discover the TV remote is not in the trailer so off I had to go to Best Buy to get a universal remote which of course I had to fiddle around with a lot before it would work. At least the weather is finally warm here in Las Cruces, it hit 70 for the first time in two months yesterday. Love the sunny days though despite the cool nights. On to AZ tomorrow.

Adrian

[sturski]

I use a 22" Skyworth that is designed for 12v & trucks and use
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
to mount it to a reinforced wall.

While the arm is a bit overpriced, the locking pin keeps it against the wall when we are traveling. I secure it with a bungee cord, as well. So far, so good.

[Maury&Julie]

Super helpful. Thanks!

[Maury&Julie]

Here's the stereo model# in the Feb 2016: Boss BV6654B.

I'm curious how you guys watch DVD's. Looks like you could put the DVD into this unit and use video out (RCA) to your TV. That way you would automatically have good sound.

Or you could buy a television with a built in DVD player and run the audio through the stereo.

Seems like either way would work. Any preferences?

http://www.amazon.com/BOSS-BV6654B-S...ywords=BV6654B

[gbaglo]

I have a tiny 7" DVD player and connect it to the TV.
Have to admit, I've only ever used it once.

[AK snowbiker]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I have a tiny 7" DVD player and connect it to the TV.
Have to admit, I've only ever used it once.

This, we carry an old Mac book with a dozen or so DVD’s. Two years of camping and we have not even pulled it out of the cabinet. It seems I don’t even have time to read the books that I bring along. Scott

Scott and Lori
Fat bikes are fun!

[JMTHKR]

Our 2015 5.0 TA came with the Boss 6654B. Reception seems weak compared to the stock radios in our cars and truck so I am going to first try upgrading the antenna.

I installed a Master Mounts 403L TV swing arm in our truck camper and have installed the same in our trailer. Since I could not get a backing block in our trailer between the reinforced wall and the frig I follow ETI's advice and dismount the TV when we travel.

I installed a 110V Samsung 24 (23.6") TV. The fit on the driver side works for us. We spend less than half our time off the grid, but we do have solar, the 1500W inverter, dual 6 volts, and a small inverter when we want to use it boondocking.

Cliff

[gbaglo]

Slightly off topic, I just suspended my Sirius satellite radio until May. I only use it while camping or driving in the boonies.
Instead of paying $191 for a year, I'm paying $80 for six months, and then it will shut down for the winter.

[padlin]

Being a firm believer in smaller is better when it comes to outfitting our small campers, I found my 14" monitor fine for tv the one time I tried it. I' d get the 19" you mentioned unless your eye sight requires bigger.

[LDRay]

We Have a 22 inch insignia with a DVD player from Best Buy. We bought a 12v cord on amazon so we can use it either 120 or 12v.

[tractors1]

We use the tele earphone jack output over to the stereo aux input for sound. Only a foot away and simple to dress the wires up the back of the tele mounting.

[Bobbito]

Cliff, I am thinking of getting a better antenna as well. We rely on FM broadcasts on the mountains as we dry camp and fish. The little rubber antenna is far too short to have any decent range.
Bob K

[cpaharley2008]

Mountains and dry camp means poor FM reception which is normally far less than AM reception, particularly in mountains, even satellite reception fades in the mountains.

[gbaglo]

Satellite doesn't fade in the mountains, but it will often drop entirely for brief moments.
Mountains and where I camp is why I subscribe to Sirius satellite radio.