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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: JohnEd on August 18, 2009, 06:41:15 PM

Title: Flat Panel TV mounting
Post by: JohnEd on August 18, 2009, 06:41:15 PM
This topic was done in Jan of 09.  Lots of responses to Paul's question there.  A lot of water has gone under the bumper since then......I bought my first FP HD TV.  I bought a 32 inch Pioneer Viera LCD.  I want to install the thing in the overhead of my old Winnie.  I think the TV might be worth more than the coach....no, I know it is.  Plan is to use the Winnie for MY travels for the next 12 months or so and then look into a Pre if my eye is still holding up.  My ceiling is about 6'1" high and I can only mount this thing over the center of the front.  I have to mount it horizontal and let it down for viewing.  I intend to do a reasonable job on the mounting so I can take the TV and mount/enclosure with me when I junk Wendy.

Has anyone had any experience mounting a FP HD LCD in the horizontal for a stowed or travel position?  I could use any info, pro or con, you might want to share.  Either on the TV or on the mounting.

Thanks all,

John
Title: Re: Flat Panel TV mounting
Post by: Dreamscape on August 18, 2009, 07:16:26 PM
Somebody on this board had a ceiling mount for sale at one time, wish I could remember who it was. I'll check my sent folder and see if anything pops up.

I do know they are pretty expensive if new. Have you thought of making one yourself using a heavy duty hinge system with 12v actuator with pulley's?

Just a thought,

Paul
Title: Re: Flat Panel TV mounting
Post by: luvrbus on August 18, 2009, 07:53:52 PM
JohnEd, what are you going to mount the bracket too all the steel tubing I have saw in one was small and light weight. good luck on this one
Title: Re: Flat Panel TV mounting
Post by: paul102a3 on August 18, 2009, 08:50:17 PM
Before you get too far into the project, make sure the mounts on the back of the TV go into the chassis. I just finished mounting a 32" FP and found out real quick that the 4 mounting lugs on the back of the TV were molded into the plastic case and not attached to the TV chassis.

After I had mounted the TV to a removable panel using the factory mounting lugs, I angled the completed unit to simulate it's position in the bus and the back of the TV bowed under the weight.

The wall mounts in my particular TV were not designed for mounting on a ceiling or mounting at an angle.

I ended up removing the back and fabricating some additional mounting points at the top and bottom of the actual chassis so my TV will stay in place when I hit some rough patches of roadway. The TV has been in place now for about 1000 miles and hasn't moved one bit so I am good to go.

Hope you have better luck with your TV

Paul
Title: Re: Flat Panel TV mounting
Post by: JohnEd on August 18, 2009, 09:52:26 PM
Luvr,

Ain't no steel, fat or thin, in the overhead of a 74 Winnie.  All wood and a sheet of foam board sandwiched.  Now that stuff is unreasonably tough and my 260 pounds doesn't even flex it.  I have a watertight storage locker on the overhead across the front of the leading edge.  My foundation mounts I will secure thru the roof to a 2X4 that runs across the roof inside the locker.

Paul,

I am looking at the rear of the set now and my mounting points are conspicuously shiny metal.  I pressed on them and the rear panel depressed in and out.  Guess I got the kind that won't hold the TV up in a horizontal position.  Good that you brought that up.

Paul Dream,...

I have had concern that shock and vibration will damage the innards.  I have been thinking, always risky, that I want to make a frame out of AL that is an inch larger than the TV in all dimensions.  I can line the frame with sponge rubber and lay the TV in the rubber and then use brackets to hold it in place.  Rubber under all metal so the TV will be shock mounted in every direction.  I wanted to use a piano hinge across the rear of the frame to allow the TV to swing down into position  Still pondering the swivel angles.

Thanks for the good wishes.  How can I miss?  I will be standing on your shoulders per your generosity.

Thanks,

John
Title: Re: Flat Panel TV mounting
Post by: Dreamscape on August 19, 2009, 03:30:00 AM
John,

We mounted our Vizio 32" FS to a full motion articulated mount, attached to a cabinet that is anchored to a roof brace. I remove the TV when traveling, don't want any crashes. It is strong enough by itself, just being proactive. We can move the TV from the side infront of the electronics to center. The problem with center is you have to duck when going in and out, great position for viewing though.

Links for ceiling mount rv

http://www.rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/2008/01/big-screen-tv-in-small-rv-no-problem.html (http://www.rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/2008/01/big-screen-tv-in-small-rv-no-problem.html)

http://www.rbwstore.com/1245471-P-7030-TV-BracketCeiling-Mount_p_36.html (http://www.rbwstore.com/1245471-P-7030-TV-BracketCeiling-Mount_p_36.html)

http://www.modmyrv.com/2008/06/20/rv-flat-panel-lcd-tv-mount (http://www.modmyrv.com/2008/06/20/rv-flat-panel-lcd-tv-mount)

http://www.hdtvrvsolutions.com/files/HD%20Locker%20Press%20Release%20January%2016%202008-2.pdf (http://www.hdtvrvsolutions.com/files/HD%20Locker%20Press%20Release%20January%2016%202008-2.pdf)

These will give you some ideas. I know nothing about these products, so use at your own risk! ;)

My next system will have the FS TV in a cabinet, push a button and it will deploy up. Then gravity will not be my enemy!

Paul


Title: Re: Flat Panel TV mounting
Post by: RickB on August 19, 2009, 06:22:01 AM
JohnEd,

Not sure if you have the Midwest version of home depot which is a chain called Menards but if you do they have a closeout section and they were selling the heaviest duty fully articulating tv mounts for $20. The origianl price on the box was $250!!The articulating hardware alone in this kit has to be worth well over a $100. hey were just too heavy dute for home use I think. I have not mounted mine in the back bedroom yet but I hope to get it put in soon.


If you would like I could send a pic of the one I have and see if they have any left at the store near me.

Let me know

It would allow for storage against the roof to get it out of the way if that's what you want.

Rick