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Whether watching your favorite shows or keeping yourself updated with the news and weather, a TV adds a touch of comfort and practicality to any RV.
However, in a constantly mobile environment, you need a properly secured mount to keep your TV fixed in position.
In this quick guide, we show you step-by-step how to attach a TV mount to an RV wall to keep it safe and secure.
What You Will Need For A TV Mount Installment
Below is everything you need to attach a TV mount to an RV wall. Some items are needed, and some are optional but recommended to make the job easier.
RV TV Mount
RV TV mounts are specially designed for RV use, which is recommended if you plan to leave your TV mounted on the wall while traveling. They feature lockable swivel arms to hold the TV in place during transit, and they minimize vibration damage.
Perlesmith RV Lockable TV Wall Mount for Most 23-43″ Flat Screen TVs
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Can you use a regular TV mount in an RV? Yes, but keep in mind that if it has an adjustable arm that doesn’t lock, you should remove the TV from the mount during travel.
Power Drill
How do you screw into an RV wall? A regular screwdriver will work, but it can be laborious and time-consuming. I recommend a power drill for a much more straightforward process.
Various Drill Bits
You will need masonry bits and a Phillips head bit to create pilot holes and drive the mounting screws.
Level
Trusting your eyes alone is a disaster waiting to happen. With a level, you can avoid making unnecessary holes in your RV wall and a crooked TV.
Stud Finder
A quality, deep-scanning stud finder will help you locate the spots in your RV wall that provide the best support. Without a stud, your RV’s wall surface alone won’t be able to handle the weight of your TV, and you can potentially create an expensive mess.
Stud Finder Sensor Wall Scanner – 4 in 1
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However, sometimes a stud finder may not work as intended in certain RVs, so we cover alternative methods for finding a stud below.
A Friend (Optional)
Having an extra pair of hands to hold things in place or help you carry the TV will make this project much faster and infinitely more manageable.
Screw Adhesives (Optional)
You can apply industrial adhesive to your screws for stability. In a regularly-moving environment like an RV, a little bit of extra support goes a long way.
Painters Tape (Optional):
Once you’ve located your wall studs, mark them with painter’s tape. It’s easier to see, and you don’t have to leave a mark on your wall!
Cable Covers (Optional)
For a neater look, route your cables through the RV wall, tie them neatly together, and tuck them behind a table, stand, or other decor. If your RV layout makes these options impossible, don’t worry.
You can buy paintable cable covers to match your wall’s color – a simple and cost-effective solution.
Cord Cover Kit – Paintable Cord Concealer System
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TV Mount Installation Process
Below we detail exactly how to install a TV mount to an RV wall. If you want to install a new flat-screen TV in your existing TV box (where the old tube TV sits) or under a cabinet, check out our guide on how to install a flat screen TV in an RV.
1. Position Your TV Mount
Unless you bought an adjustable mount, changing your TV’s height and the viewing angle can be challenging once installed. And even with adjustable mounts, the amount you can raise, lower, and change the viewing angle of your TV is limited. So, take your time when positioning your TV.
Tip: Sit down in the chair or bed you plan to watch TV in and have someone hold the TV where you plan on mounting it to ensure it’s in the spot you want.
2. Locate The Wall Studs
Once you know exactly where to mount your TV, it’s time to find the wall studs to mount it to.
Some RV manufacturers will place a sticker on the wall that identifies the TV backer location. In our experience, that sticker is not always a good guide. And it may not be in the location you want to mount your TV.
So, hover your stud finder across the general area of your chosen location until you find a stud. Use a pencil or painter’s tape to mark its position.
Tip: If your stud finder supports it, look for any electrical wiring or plumbing behind the wall, as well – basically, anything you do NOT want to drill a hole into.
Can’t Find A Stud?
Unfortunately, finding a stud in RV walls can sometimes be difficult. So, here are a few other ways to locate those hard-to-find studs:
- Knock along the wall until you find a stud.
- Contact the manufacturer for a print of where the studs are.
- Use an infrared thermometer. This works well if there’s a big temperature difference between the interior and the exterior. You will see a difference in temperature as you scan the surface since there is no insulation at the studs. Infrared thermometers have many other uses around the RV, for example, checking brake and tire temperature.
Etekcity Lasergrip Non-Contact Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer
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3. Drill The Pilot Holes
Hold the mount up to the RV wall where you plan to attach it, and use a level to keep it straight. Mark the places where you’ll drill the holes. Using the appropriate masonry bit, drill the pilot holes where you made the marks.
Important: Do not skip this step. Pre-drilling holes can help prevent the screw from cracking the wall as it goes in.
4. Install The Mounting Bracket To Your Wall
Hold the mount against the wall and drill the mounting screws into the pilot holes.
5. Connect The TV And The Mounting Plate
Find the mounting plate attachment holes in your TV and remove any packaging (if your TV has a stand, now is the time to remove it). Then, attach the plate to the back of your TV using the included hardware.
6. Mount Your TV To The Wall
For the last step, lift your TV, line the TV plate with the wall bracket, and connect them.
Important: TV mount designs can vary widely, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this step.
You are now ready to hook up your TV to the RV antenna and/or satellite TV in your RV! And if you have a smart TV, it’s ready to connect to your wifi. If you don’t have an antenna or want to upgrade your existing one, check out our guide to the best over-the-air RV TV antennas for the top choices!