Finally got around to replacing the "clunker" TV in the front of our motorhome. The old "entertainment" style TV / 30" monitor overlapped the swing-down cabinet (probably made to fit the TV by the PO). I purchased a Visio 32" LED 1080P Smart TV which supported external speakers variably controlled by the TV volume thus maintaining compatibility with the DHS System in the coach.

The new TV is smaller than the cabinet opening. I found it easier to simply fill the opening with an additional inner wood frame as opposed to drastically modifying the cabinet or building a new cabinet (especially since my table saw is old and worn out!). I tried staining the added frame but couldn't get the stain to adequately match so I ended up painting it black satin to match the TV.

Here are the old TV components which were VERY heavy and the base unit would get so hot you could hardly touch it.


Here's the custom stand I built to hold the cabinet up to enable removal & installation of the cabinet.


The cabinet had to be repaired since it was coming apart from the weight of the monitor. I replaced the mounting screws with slightly larger versions to hold the piano hinge to the ceiling. The screws that lock it in place from each side cabinet were also replaced with larger versions. (I thought our last trip across California freeways was going to drop it for sure!?)

Here's the results:


It's not professionally done but looks decent enough for an old coach. The resolution should be much improved over that old "clunker" TV especially since we're still using the original Motosat dish with a Directv SD receiver. However, if & when the Motosat dish dies the TV will be ready for a new Winegard HD dish.

Now I'd like to replace all those mirrors in the kitchen with vinyl back-splash tile like Frank Krauland has done. However, we're reluctant to dump more money into the coach unless absolutely necessary. Replacing the front TV and fixing the cabinet had become a necessity for safety reasons.