Entertainment Options for Van Life: Which Screen Should You Choose?

In this post, I'm looking at off-grid entertainment, exploring various options for watching TV and movies while living in a motorhome full-time. Whether you're a seasoned 'van-lifer' or just starting out, finding the right screen to enjoy your favourite shows, movies and YouTube channels (hint hint) is essential.

Do You Need Off-Grid Entertainment In A Van?

Living life on the road in a van is about getting out and about and seeing amazing places. It offers freedom and adventure but that doesn't mean you can't also have a night in, in front of a good film. While not everyone craves traditional terrestrial TV to keep up with Eastenders, most of us enjoy screen-based entertainment. Whether it's watching movies, binge-watching Netflix, or staying connected to the digital world, screens are a crucial part of van life.

Options Galore

There are several ways to take digital entertainment on the road

• Aerial TV: Traditional television, requiring an aerial for broadcast signal reception. Does mean you need an aerial, sometimes even a large dish, on the roof of your van though.
• Internet TV: Accessing streaming services like Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime, requiring an internet connection.
• Media Files: Playing media from USB drives or SD cards. An option that doesn't take up space but is great for when the internet signal is poor.
• Blu-ray and DVDs: If you still love physical media. I genuinely carted around 13KG of DVDs and BluRays for the first couple of years and never watched them. Probably not the ideal solution but still a viable option for those with a collection they don't want to let go of.
• Projectors: Portable projectors turn your van into a mini cinema. The BenQ one I have is amazing for inside or outside of the motorhome. Just find you a friend that has a nice, blank rear end on their motorhome to project it on to like my mates Jon & Tash!

Each option has its pros and cons. You have to consider factors like power consumption, portability, weight and cost.

• Traditional TV:
  • Pros: Fixed and large screen, perfect for those who love big displays.
  • Cons: High power consumption, expensive, not suitable for off-grid living.
• Internet TV:
  • Pros: Portable and versatile.
  • Cons: Relies on a strong signal, limited screen size.
• Tablet:
  • Pros: Highly portable, versatile, and great for personal use.
  • Cons: Smaller screen size, may require offline media.
• Laptop:
  • Pros: Fast startup, long battery life, and internet access.
  • Cons: Smaller screen size for movies, limited capabilities for some applications.
• Projectors:
  • Pros: Great choice for creating a cinematic experience in your van
  • Cons: Depend on having a suitable surface to cast them on to. You may also need external accessories like speakers to get the full experience

Laptops and tablets offer a lot of versatility when it comes to entertainment options

Power Considerations

Power is a crucial factor to consider when watching TV or movies in your van, especially during rainy or overcast days and at night when solar power is limited. Here's a brief overview of the power requirements for each option:

• Traditional TV: High power consumption, rely on external aerial or dish that takes up valuable space on the roof and eat in to your payload.
• Tablet (or phone): Moderate power consumption, can be charged via power banks.
• Laptop: Depending on your model/brand, they have moderate power consumption and can be charged via power banks.
• Projector: May have high power consumption as most are mains operated.

The Verdict

The choice of entertainment screen ultimately depends on your preferences and power availability. Here's a quick summary:

• If you want a large screen and have ample power: Traditional TV could be your choice, but it's costly and not ideal for off-grid touring or living.
• For portability and minimal power consumption: Mobile devices offer convenience but depend on good signal strength.
• If you want versatility and portability: Tablets, phones and laptops are excellent options. Tablets and phones are highly portable and versatile, while Laptops offer a good compromise between screen size and functionality.
• Projectors: Projectors can be a great choice for creating a cinematic experience in your van but do depend on having a suitable surface to cast them on to. You may also need external accessories like speakers to get the full experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right screen for entertainment in your van is definitely a personal preference and factors such as power and budget will play a huge part. While traditional TV might offer the biggest screen, its power demands and cost can be limiting. Mobile devices are more budget-friendly but rely on signal availability.

Tablets and Laptops provide versatility and portability, making them suitable for various tasks beyond entertainment. The power consumption of these devices can be managed with the help of power banks, making them ideal for off-grid living.

Consider your individual needs and power constraints when making your decision. Experiment with different options to find the perfect setup that complements your motor-homing style.

Have any questions or insights about this post? Feel free to share them in the comments below. Your experiences and suggestions can be valuable to the van life community. Safe travels and happy viewing!