One of the simplest ways of streaming TV in our homes will be with a smart TV – but will one work in a caravan?
Before you go out and buy the best caravan TV, it makes sense to ensure you can achieve the setup you want, so you can enjoy watching your favourite shows in the comfort of your tourer.
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The good news for fans of streaming services such as Netflix and Prime Video, as well as catch-up apps like BBC iPlayer and ITV X is it can be relatively straightforward to enjoy them via a smart TV in your tourer, so long as you have access to two things.
The first thing you’re going to need is good internet in a caravan – in the same way you rely on WiFi or mobile data to watch shows indoors, the same will apply in your tourer. This can be done in a number of ways, be it through a MiFi unit, using campsite WiFi, or via your phone’s mobile data plan (this can eat into your data though, and also relies on having good signal).
Secondly, you’re going to need to be able to power your smart TV. When you’re looking at the smart televisions on the market, you may be wondering “do you need a special TV in a caravan” or can you just take a normal 230V domestic model? We’d suggest taking a 12V option, which is more rugged and durable than a domestic television, comes with a 12V adaptor, and gives you the freedom to tour wherever you want, without worrying about needing access to mains-hookup. They also have the advantage of coming in at more tourer-friendly sizes, typically ranging from 19-inches to 32-inches, so you can have an enjoyable viewing experience.
There are some excellent smart TVs for tourers on the market from brands such as Avtex and Cello. One of our favourites is the Avtex AV215TS, a 21.5-inch television which comes with a wide range of features including an on-screen battery meter and the option to connect to Bluetooth, as well as access to all of our favourite streaming apps.
The verdict on will a smart TV work in a caravan
A smart TV in a caravan can make a big difference to your touring experience if you want to watch your favourite shows from the comfort of your tourer. So long as you have access to a good internet connection and have the means to power your smart television, you’ll be able to enjoy access to Netflix, Disney Plus and other streaming services – just don’t forget to pack the best caravan TV aerial if you want to utilise the built-in Freeview tuner!
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of practicalcaravan.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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