The truck camper interior is small. To put a positive spin on the space, we say it is cozy. While watching TV or movies, we often play on our computers. The only place in the camper where we can watch TV together is in bed. Our behinds get sore if we spend too much time sitting up in bed.
To make our living space larger, we have been pitching a tent and using that for a living room while camping. We set up portable tables, get out our camp chairs and string an extension cord from camper to tent for electronics.
A TV in Every Living Room
We needed a portable TV and DVD player for use outside. We also didn’t have any idea how we would find a TV and DVD player combination that would work well in our tent when we had shore power as well as when we were boon-docking.
In early April, I had hours of unsupervised time in Austin and decided to visit one of my favorite electronics stores – Fry’s Electronics. When I have time, I like to wander through every single aisle and look at all of the cool electronics stuff.
I was surprised at how well the features on the 13.3″ LED TV and DVD/Media Player + Car Package (naxa NTD-1356) met our needs:
- TV/Cable Tuner
- 110 VAC and 12 V DC Power sources
- Built in DVD Player
- Stand, Small Size
- Remote Control
- HDMI, VGA, USB, Antenna Inputs
Only $108 at Fry’s Electronics in Austin, TX. I texted Linda. She concurred and I added it to my shopping cart. After getting home I wanted to see if I got a good price. $118 on Amazon. This past week I stopped at a truck stop. They had this TV for sale. Only $180.
Some years ago, after realizing that broadcast (over-the-air) television had completely changed with the advent of digital television, I got a super high-tech antenna to see if I could get those channels at home.
I dug through my attic boxes and pulled out my Leaf® 30 Indoor HDTV Antenna and connected it to the TV. Worked like a champ and pulled in all my local stations. Walmart sells these antennas. I bought mine at Sam’s Club.
These antennas have a USB power supply and are powered by a standard mobile phone USB charging cable. Since the TV has a USB port, you can use the TV and its power supply to power the antenna.
The whole kit packaged for stowing is reasonably small.
Hope to see you on the road ahead.