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Today’s RV models all come equipped with one or more flat-screen TVs and one of the most common questions new RV campers ask us is how to access TV while traveling.
Full-time RVers like us and weekend campers want TV so they never have to miss a big game. This comprehensive guide describes the pros and cons of the five reliable ways to watch TV in an RV. Keep reading for all the ways to watch TV in an RV with or without Wi-Fi or cable.
Contents
Watch Antenna TV in an RV
The simplest way to watch TV in an RV is to use an antenna to access over-the-air channels. Most new RV models come with built in HDTV antennas, so the only setup required is to turn on the TV and scan for channels from the main menu.
If your rig did not come equipped with an antenna, you can buy this one for under $40 on Amazon.
Some RVs may have a raisable antenna. If your RV does, there will be a rotating handle built into the ceiling of your RV. Just turn the handle to lift the RV. You do not have to raise the antenna to access channels, but lifting it increases picture quality. Always remember to put the antenna down before hitching up and driving to a new location.
The number of channels varies greatly depending on the area. Most locations offer at least a couple of the main networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX) and other channels like PBS and ION. You will never find cable-only channels like ESPN or Discovery.
In most locations, we are able to watch twenty to fifty channels just using the antenna. You can view the available channels at an RV park by going to TV Guide Listings.
On the guide, you can enter the zip code and select antenna to see the full list of channels available. TV Guide is useful for finding programs since the on-screen guide is limited when watching over-the-air TV.
How to Setup RV Antenna TV
Follow these simple steps to connect to get over-the-air TV in your RV.
- If applicable, raise the antenna on your RV.
- If your RV has a built-in antenna booster, turn it ON.
- Turn on your TV and switch the input to the Air or Antenna setting.
- Open the menu on your TV and select the option to scan for channels.
- Start watching.
Pros
- Over-the-air TV is free.
- Local news channels are available so you can keep up with current events in the area you are currently located
- Limited channels and no on-demand options.
Cons
- Channels are limited.
- Quality varies by location.
Streaming TV for RV Travel
Streaming TV is the main way we currently watch TV in our RV. Of course, you have to have access to high-speed internet to regularly stream TV in an RV.
When we first moved into our RV in 2016, we rarely found parks with reliable Wi-Fi but over the last year, we have found that the majority of private campgrounds are now offering improved internet connections, so we are streaming TV more often.
The simplest way to stream TV in your RV is to use a Roku.
The Roku Express costs less than $35 and the installation process is super easy. You just plug it into the HDMI port on your TV and it is ready to go. It is also easy to move if you have multiple TVs.
You can also use Apple TV, Google Chromecast, or an Amazon Fire Cube, but the Roku is the best value. The difficult part of streaming is choosing which service or services are the best fit for your traveling family.
Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu all offer a mix of cable TV series, movies, and original content. You can browse the offerings on each service to choose the one that has the best selection for you.
If you are not on a tight budget, you can easily subscribe to all three for way less than the cost of a typical sticks and bricks cable service. My preferred choice is Amazon Video because it is included with your Prime membership.
The two-day shipping offered with Amazon Prime is also great for RVers because you can guarantee your online purchases will arrive at the RV park before you move on. Use this link to sign-up for a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime and Prime Video.
Sling TV is a streaming platform that lets you watch live TV. The best part of Sling is that you get to customize a package with only the channels you want. The service starts at $45 per month and is a great option if you want access to certain cable channels like ESPN.
If you are not a full-time RVer, you can also download Roku apps for most network and cable TV channels. These apps allow you to stream on-demand shows and sports for free with the login information for your home cable or satellite service.
Pros
- Streaming TV provides access to a wide selection of movies and TV shows.
- Streaming TV also provides flexibility. You can cancel and re-subscribe as often as you like.
Cons
- Access will be limited by your internet connection.
- The price can add up. While the individual services are affordable, your monthly bill can add up if you subscribe to multiple services.
Satellite TV for RVers
Satellite is the only way to reliably watch TV in an RV with all of the bells and whistles of a TV subscription. In the US, you have two choices for satellite TV: Dish and DirecTV.
You can use the KING portable tailgater satellite dish with both companies (here are links to buy the Dish version and the DirecTV version).
The offerings and prices are similar for both companies, so just check which company is offering a better sign-up promotion.
One difference is that Dish offers a Pay As You Go option that allows you to turn off service during months when you are not using your RV TV. This is a great option for RVers who only travel half the year or are not full-timers.
Pros
- Satellite RV is just like TV in your sticks and bricks. You can get all the TV channels and include features like a DVR.
- Sports packages are available.
Cons
- Satellite is the most expensive RV TV option. I
- The satellite will not work if it is obstructed by trees or bad weather.
Watch Cable TV in an RV
If you have a cable input pre-installed on your RV, you can take advantage of free or paid cable that many RV parks offer. Most RV parks that offer cable have a hook-up in or near the electric box, so you just simply plug the cord into your RV and the park’s box.
Free cable at campgrounds typically includes between 10 and 30 channels. The advantage of cable over antenna TV is that you often get a better channel line-up including programming like ESPN.
How to Setup RV Cable TV
If your current RV park or campground offers cable TV, follow these simple steps to connect your RV TV.
- Locate the cable TV hookup on your RV. (This is typically a small, round input labeled “CABLE” or something similar)
- Connect one end of a coaxial cable to the campground’s cable TV outlet.
- Connect the other end to the cable TV input on your RV.
- If your RV has a built-in antenna booster, turn it OFF.
- Turn on your TV and switch the input to the cable setting.
- Open the menu on your TV and select the option to scan for channels.
- Start watching.
Pros
- You can watch live cable channels, typically at no extra cost from the RV park.
- Since cable is from the local provider, you can access local news programs.
Cons
- This TV option is only available at a limited number of private RV campgrounds. If you make this a requirement for selecting RV parks, you will not have many places to choose from.
Watch DVDs in an RV
The final way to watch TV in an RV is to pack DVDs. Many travel trailers and motorhomes come equipped with DVD players. If you RV does not have one built-in, it is also very simple to connect a DVD player to your RV TV with a HDMI cord.
If you want to stock your RV with a DVD collection, browse the under $1 DVD section on Amazon for some awesome deals.
Pros
- Watch TV in your RV without cable of Wi-Fi.
- Watch exactly what you want, since you can choose your movies and shows in advance.
- No monthly fees for a TV subscription.
Cons
- Requires advanced planning to buy and pack DVDs for your RV road trip.
- If you only have DVDs, you will not have access to sports and other live TV events.
FAQs about RV TV
Is there a difference between RV TVs and regular TVs?
Not necessarily, some RVs come equipped with standard TVs while other RVs have 12-volt TVs that can be powered by the RV battery without an invertor.
How do I get free TV in my RV or Camper?
Using an antenna to access over-the-air channels is the best way to access free television in your RV. Most RVs are equipped with TV antennas, so campers just need to turn on the TV and scan for channels.
Can I use a Roku or Fire Stick in my RV?
Yes. As long as you have internet access, a Fire Stick or Roku will work with your RV TV. Campers can use a mobile hotspot or a Starlink satellite to connect their RV TV streaming devices.
The final option for watching TV in an RV? Don’t!
Skip the TV and choose to focus more on being outdoors, reading and being productive. I am not ready to completely cut the cord yet, but I think it is an awesome thing to do.
Whichever option you select as your RV TV solution, don’t forget to turn it off, get outside, and enjoy your travels. Save TV for when you are sick or the weather is nasty!
Happy Camping!
Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book.
