There’s something appealing about the thought of settling back in front of the best motorhome TV and enjoying our favourite shows after a day spent exploring. Some ‘vans may come with TVs fitted, particularly in the case of used ‘vans, but not every motorhome will – and even if it does, you may want to upgrade your model.
For ‘van owners who are only staying at one of the best motorhome sites where they will always have access to mains hook-up, a 12V TV isn’t a requirement and a standard 240V domestic television will work. However, if you intend to go off-grid or don’t want to limit yourself, buying a 12v motorhome TV is the way to go.
A 12V TV has been made to work at a voltage of 12V – or close to it. Coming with a 12V adaptor, these rugged models are available in smaller sizes than their domestic counterparts, allowing motorhomers to enjoy watching their TVs without having the space dominated by an overlarge screen.
Nowadays, TVs for motorhomes are packed with features, allowing you to access a variety of streaming services. Combine this with the best motorhome TV aerial and you’ll be ready to achieve a good picture.
In this guide, we’re sharing our pick of the best motorhome TVs on the market, featuring models from Avtex, Cello, Sharp and more. They are all 12V options, so you can watch them wherever you pitch up.
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What is the best TV for a motorhome?
Avtex W320TS 32-inch
Sharp 1T-C24EE2KF2UBM
Cello 12 Volt 24-inch Traveller Smart TV
Avtex L219DRS Pro 21.5”
Avtex W195TS 19.5″
Sniper 19-inch Smart LED Camping TV
Cello C1920FMTR
The best motorhome TVs:
Avtex W320TS 32-inch
- Screen size: 32-inch
- Voltage: 12v / 24v DC or 240v AC
- Weight: 5.8kg (with stand)
- Dimensions: 721 x 422 x 42 (in mm, without stand)
Reason to buy:
- Android and iOS compatible for wireless casting, smart TV with plenty of streaming services available
Reason to avoid:
- Premium price, heaviest TV in our guide
If you have the space and the budget for this 32-inch television in your ‘van, we think the Avtex model could be the best motorhome TV for you.
With the option of being wall-mounted, the smart television can be connected to the internet to access your favourite streaming services, including Disney+, Netflix, Now TV, iPlayer and more.
This is a model that is ideal for fans of Freesat too, as it comes with a built-in HD Freesat Satellite decoder, along with a DVB-T and DVB-T2 digital tuner. Its edge-to-edge display will allow you to make the most of its 1080p Full HD picture too. Another feature we like is that you can wirelessly cast photos, films and more from both Apple and Android phones.
The Bluetooth-compatible motorhome TV also presents the option of connecting speakers or, if you want to enjoy your favourite programmes without disturbing the rest of the ‘van, wireless headphones. If you’d prefer it in a smaller size, it’s also available as a 21.5-inch model.
Sharp 1T-C24EE2KF2UBM
- Screen size: 24-inch
- Dimensions: 552.1 x 353.6 x 141.6 (W x H x D in mm)
- Weight: 3.2kg
Reason to buy:
- Good selection of HDMI / USB ports, lightweight for its size
Reason to avoid:
- No built-in DVD player
We reckon this 24-inch model from Sharp makes a great motorhome TV. Providing a 720p screen resolution, we like how it gives you a clear HD picture, ideal for enjoying your favourite shows when you’re on tour. We also think it’s a nice touch that the smart TV has three HDMI and two USB ports, giving you the option of connecting several other devices without needing to keep unplugging them.
Thanks to Aquos Net+, you can easily access the internet and streaming platforms such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer at the click of a button as well.
We also like the inclusion of Active Motion 200 LCD Display, which should prevent any blurriness.
As well as this, the lightweight TV only weighs 3.2kg, and is both 12V/24V compatible.
Cello 12 Volt 24-inch Traveller Smart TV
- Screen size: 24-inch
- Voltage: 12V
- Dimensons: 55 x 37 x 14 (W x H x D in cm)
- Weight: 2kg
Reason to buy:
- Offers good connectivity thanks to three HDMI and two USB sockets, comes with WebOS, fairly lightweight
Reason to avoid:
- Other models offer 1080p resolution
Allowing motorhome owners to access a wide range of apps, including Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and more, we like how this Cello will ensure everyone can keep up to date with their favourite shows. Something we’re particularly fans of is that it comes with WebOS by LG built into it – this useful feature means the TV’s performance is both fast and smooth.
One thing we would point out is its resolution of 720p is surpassed by other models such as the 32-inch Avtex, which provides 1080p resolution.
However, there is a good range of ports, including three HDMI and two USB slots, so you can connect other devices to it. We appreciate its Bluetooth connectivity too, allowing you to watch television with compatible headphones without disturbing the rest of the ‘van. Alternatively, elevate the audio experience by using a soundbar.
The TV also comes with Freeview Play, letting you access over 70 TV channels, and a built-in satellite tuner with Freesat (although you’ll need a satellite dish for the latter).
Combine that with its light weight of only 2kg and it gives you a model that we think is ideal for those who want a TV that’s a decent size but not one that’s as big as the 32-inch Avtex.
Avtex L219DRS Pro 21.5”
- Screen size: 21.5-inch
- Voltage: 12v / 24v DC, 240v AC
- Dimensions: 492 x 308 x 46 (W x H x D in mm)
- Weight: 3.1kg
Reasons to buy:
- Edge-to-edge display, lightweight
Reasons to avoid:
- One of the more expensive options on the list
This 21.5-inch Avtex model is a compact and lightweight product, two essentials for any motorhome television. Clear sound and a full HD LED panel provide a great viewing experience, while two HDMI and USB sockets are handy, should you want to bring any extra accessories with you.
The ability to pause and play back live TV is also a very useful addition, while further flexibility is provided thanks to the 240v AC, 12v DC and 24v DC options.
The built-in twin DVB-T/T2 and DVB-S/S2 tuners are practical features, allowing you to simultaneously watch TV or a DVD while recording either terrestrial or satellite television.
Avtex W195TS 19.5″
- Screen size: 19.5-inch
- Voltage: 12v / 24v / 240v
- Dimension: 448mm x 257mm x 46mm (W x H x D in mm, without stand)
- Weight: 2.5kg
Reason to buy:
- Compatible with Apple and Android for wireless casting, hood selection of streaming apps
Reason to avoid:
- One of the most expensive options on the list
We like how this smart motorhome TV from Avtex is such a lightweight model, coming in at only 2.5kg. Providing easy viewing of the most popular streaming services, including iPlayer, Now TV, Sky Store, Netflix and more, the 19.5-inch motorhome TV has a compact design.
We also like how you can wirelessly cast from both Android and Apple devices to the TV. Offering both DVBT / DVBT2 and DVB-S/DVB-S2 compatibility, the Avtex product gives you the flexibility of using either 12v/24v DC or 240v AC. You can then sit back and enjoy your favourite TV show or movie.
Sniper 19-inch Smart LED Camping TV
- Screen size: 19-inch
- Voltage: 12v, 24v, 240v
- Weight: 2.6kg
- Dimensions: 437 x 311 x 145 (W x H x D in mm)
Reason to buy:
- Compact option with plenty of connectivity
Reason to avoid:
- Perhaps too small for those with bigger motorhomes
Providing an impressive array of ports and a resolution of 1080p, this Sniper TV is a great choice for ‘van owners who want a smaller screen in their motorhome.
Like some of the Cello TVs in our guide, it comes with WebOS by LG, meaning it can be used to access a wide range of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube. Offering a 12V/24V lead and a 100-240V mains adaptor, we like how it provides great connectivity, with options including three HDMI and two USB ports.
There is also the opportunity of connecting a soundbar or compatible headphones to the Sniper model, thanks to its Bluetooth V5.0. As well as this, there’s the Freeview tuner and Freesat tuner.
Its 19-inch screen means it’s probably not an ideal model for those with a bigger motorhome, but for those with a smaller ‘van, we think it could be among the best motorhome TVs for you.
Cello C1920FMTR
- Screen size: 19-inch
- Voltage: 12v / 240v
- Dimension: 446 x 323 x 160 (W x H x D with stand in mm)
- Weight: 2.9kg
Reasons to buy:
- Compact
Reasons to avoid:
- Only one HDMI and USB
If you have a DVD box set you’ve been meaning to binge watch, we think this Cello will be ideal, thanks to the built-in DVD player. Only having one HDMI and one USB input may put some people off, but it’s a model that can still provide versatility. The built-in satellite tuner is ideal should you be in an area with poor signal, simply by attaching a satellite dish. It’s also compact, ideal if you don’t have the room for one of the bigger TVs to appear on this list.
How to choose the best TV for a motorhome
The most important consideration when you’re looking for the best motorhome TV will be knowing what type of tour you’re likely to embark on. If you’re visiting sites with mains hook-up, you can use a typical domestic set. However, if you want to take your motorhome off-grid, a 12V TV is the solution.
Think about the size that will suit your motorhome too – opting for a smaller set will provide a better viewing experience if you have a more compact ‘van, for example. Another important factor will be how you can store it – a more compact model is easier to stow away.
Consider how you’ll transport it without making it bounce around too. Covering the screen with blankets and ensuring it can’t fall over will help it reach the campsite safely – you can find out more about watching TV in your motorhome in our guide to television on tour.
Some ‘vans come with a mounting bracket, in which case you can measure to check if your planned TV will fit the standard VESA mounting on the back.
Lastly, certain motorhome TVs come with built-in DVD players too – is this something you would want yours to have? If so, we have included a couple of 12V TVs in our guide that offer that feature.
Do I need a special TV for my motorhome?
The TV you choose for your motorhome is very much going to come down to your touring habits. If you think you’re always pitching up at a site with hook-up, you will most likely be fine using a standard domestic TV. However, a 12V TV is the ideal motorhome TV for anyone who is thinking of touring off-grid or is unable to guarantee that they will always have access to hook-up. These are built to deal with the fluctuations that can occur when you’re relying on battery power.
A small plug-in inverter would offer a work around but these not only drain the 12V battery faster than a 12V TV would, but don’t offer a 100% efficient conversion either. You’ll also have to factor in the cost of buying one.
Another consideration is that while every TV can run on DC voltage, as it is stepped down from the mains, it doesn’t mean every TV can be plugged into a 12V socket, with a compatible adaptor required – these can be purchased online. A 12V TV makes life easier for you, coming with its own 12V adaptor.
Modern 12V TVs also come packed full of features for an enjoyable viewing experience, including access to a wide range of streaming services. They also have the added benefit of generally being available in smaller sizes, which can make a big difference to your viewing experience when you are pitched up.
Written with contributions from Peter Rosenthal.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of practicalmotorhome.com, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. You should check that any van warranty will not be affected before proceeding with DIY projects.
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