How I Installed An LCD TV

We didn't buy the RV so that we could watch television, but found out quickly that a television is indispensable when camping with children.  It really helps to keep the kids occupied on those rainy days that don't allow for much outdoor activity.  Let's not forget emergencies (bad weather mainly).

We started out with an old 13" TV from our bedroom.  Only problem is that we have to set it up and take it down for each trip.  I know that seems lazy, but it's just one more task that has to be completed before we're finished setting up at the campground.  I thought about permanently  fastening it to the shelf, but wanted a more attractive solution.

The only solution that I knew I'd be happy with was a flat panel TV (LCD or Plasma).  With one of these I can save weight, space and especially time.  I waited for the right price and when it came, I purchased.  Only $250.00 (after rebates) for a Samsung 15" LCD with tuner.  This TV will also double as a computer monitor if I add a PC in the future.

Now I had the LCD, but no mounting solution.  Most flat panel TVs are VESA mount compliant, meaning that any mount meeting the VESA specification will work with the LCD.  I looked around for a mount that would give the most maneuverability and found that a cantilever mount was what I needed.  I found one from OmniMount that would work (~$75 with shipping on Ebay).  I didn't think about it when I bought the mount, but this type of mount puts a lot of stress onto what it is mounted. It's 18" when extended fully from the wall.  The LCD is approximately 9 lbs.  The strain that 9 lbs will put on the wall when extended 18" is significant (can somebody do the math :-), especially when you consider that the walls are framed with 2x2s.

I knew that I would have to distribute the weight across two or more 2x2s.  I decided to distribute across the whole wall (three 2x2s) using a piece 1x8 Red Oak. The Red Oak matched the rest of the wood grain in our trailer and it is strong.

I got lucky and bought the wood the correct size so I did not need to cut it (Lowes ~$8.50).  I did have to route it with a roundover bit so that it would match the rest of the trim.

I didn't get any photos of showing how I marked the hole locations, but I think everyone knows how to use a stud finder.  I the case of this mounting solution, I felt that it was extremely important that the holes be drilled in the 2x2 studs as close to center as possible.  I was very meticulous while making the marks.  I checked and rechecked the studs with the stud finder.  I didn't want the screws to split out the studs and make my TV fall in the floor.

Once I had my holes drilled and countersunk, I started sanding.  I wanted a nice finish so I used a 220 grit sandpaper before completing the task.  I then brushed the wood dust away and applied a Golder Oak stain.  It made the wood a bit darker than I wanted, but this was the lightest stain that I could find.  I waited the recommend time for the stain to set then applied polyurethane.

Instructions recommend two coats of polyurethane with high-grit sanding and a 4 hour wait before applying the second coat.

 Don't forget to stain and polyurethane the buttons. (Right)

I had to cut the RV's trim to accommodate the wood.  The trim on both ends of the wall made the wood bow a little bit and left a gap behind.  It may have not been necessary to cut away the trim, but I felt it needed to be done. (Below)

With the plaque mounted flush to the wall, it was time to test fit the flat panel.  I wanted to ensure that it could be maneuvered to a position that would be visible in our bed room.  To do this, I had to attach the mount off center.  It doesn't look good without the TV, but once the TV is attached and the mound is collapsed, the TV itself is centered (almost) on the wall..

Make sure to get the mount plumb before drilling. (left)

Tighten screws firmly so that they don't come loose due to vibration during travel.  I suspect that I will have check the periodically just like any other screw or bolt on the trailer. (left)

Connect appropriate wiring making sure that it is clear of the cantilever and will not be pinched. (below)

I am pleased with the final product.  There is lots of versatility in this kind of setup.  Just about every viewing angle can be covered by orienting the flat panel appropriately.  When the unit is collapsed, it sits nicely against the wall and out of the way.  The shelf our old TV sat on, is now free for other junk. 

 
Below is a picture of the view from the bedroom (sorry for poor lighting).  While the view is good, I wish that we could close the door to keep the sound from disturbing the kids when they are sleeping.