Mr U-M and I have been browsing the new Swift Group vans, the ones with the fixed bed + end washroom layout (single axle) in particular. Since we bought our Challenger, Swift Group have introduced TV holders/brackets in some models, which allow you to stow your TV away and then drop it down (or flip it round) for viewing.
Does anyone on here have any useful advice about how practical these are in actual use? I believe they are designed to accommodate a flat screen TV up to 15" Has anyone had any issues or observations on models of TV that will/won't fit these holders?
Since the provision is for a maximum screen size of 15" - in a fixed bed model, where the TV is mid-van - is 15" a comfortable screen size when viewed from the lounge seating?
We have a Charisma based dealer special with the drop down TV cabinet and its excellent. The beauty of it is that it frees up worktop space which would otherwise be taken up with a TV, especially as in this design of van there is limited worktop space. We have had to make a few mods though as we wanted to use our 19inch Samsung which to be truthful was a bit on the big side. We did manage to fit it in but not without extending hole in the sliding bracket. Also if you use a TV of this size it won't swivel round so it can be used when in bed. I was concerned whether it would travel safely in place, we went to Spain and back without issue. However the locking catch did break as its only plastic. All credit to Swift you sent me a new one by return. I think now they also suggest have a second turnbuckle catch for extra support. Because we now need the Samsung at home we are thinking about buying a combination TV for the caravan and am quite interested in the new 16inch Avtex but waiting to se if John Lewis sell tham as they give a free 5 year warranty.
We have a Bailey California and the tv is mid van fixed by a bracket on the wall, this can be viewed either from the lounge or the bedroom just by turning the panel it is attached to.
Quote: Originally posted by oxfordboy on 23/1/2010
Hi.
We have a Bailey California and the tv is mid van fixed by a bracket on the wall, this can be viewed either from the lounge or the bedroom just by turning the panel it is attached to.
We have a 17 inch widescreen LCD T.V. in a Bailey Pageant Bordeaux (I suspect a similar size caravan to yours). We'd go one bigger but this one only just fits the cabinet.
It's certainly not too big. I personally think that 15 inch is on the small side
we had a look in a new swift today ( just out of interest) and the bracket wouldnt fully drop from its location.In the next van the handle thats on the flap to pull the bracket down fell off.
looks like a reasonable idea on paper but the ones we saw failed badly in practice.
we had a look in a new swift today ( just out of interest) and the bracket wouldnt fully drop from its location.In the next van the handle thats on the flap to pull the bracket down fell off.
looks like a reasonable idea on paper but the ones we saw failed badly in practice.
It's interesting that you should mention that. The one on the van that we were looking at today wouldn't pull down properly either! The Salesman eventually forced it down - however he did say it works better with the weight of a TV in it (but then he would say that, wouldn't he !!!!).
Quote: Originally posted by Ulti-Mates on 23/1/2010
Quote: Originally posted by bev+jon on 23/1/2010
we had a look in a new swift today ( just out of interest) and the bracket wouldnt fully drop from its location.In the next van the handle thats on the flap to pull the bracket down fell off.
looks like a reasonable idea on paper but the ones we saw failed badly in practice.
It's interesting that you should mention that. The one on the van that we were looking at today wouldn't pull down properly either! The Salesman eventually forced it down - however he did say it works better with the weight of a TV in it (but then he would say that, wouldn't he !!!!).
sounds like a common fault then.
another problem with that set up is you are stuck with the tv in the same place.
what happens on a club site with no reception and you need to use the booster system on the ehu bollards ? If you havent got an external socket or a nearby window you are going to have co-ax cable running through your van where you dont want it
There are a lot more 19inch sets available than the smaller ones. I think this is the most popular size for bedrooms etc. They seem to have a better picture with higher contrast, etc. We have a 19inch with buiolt in free view adn DVD. It's just right for us but we have a TV shelf. I measured cerefully before I bought it.
We have the Challenger 570 with the drop down TV cabinet and like David think it is a great idea. We have had no problems with the cabinet itself and use a 19" Samsung TV. It must be a different model to Davids though as we can swivel it round to watch it in bed. The max size we were given is 70mm (D) x 336mm (H) x 390mm (W) We then spent many an hour wandering round TV shops, tape measure in hand, as we tried to find a suitable set. We found that TV dimensions vary greatly, some 15" TVs are bigger than the 19" ones. In the end, after returning to the van and re-measuring the cabinet we realised that the width given was a bit on the small side and found that we could just squeeze in a TV width of 450mm. Very pleased with the picture and sound quality and have no problems watching from the lounge or the bed.
I'm sure I read somewhere that the Avtex wouldn't fit. Best to check with Swift first.
Mike
Mike
Do you mean the depth? The Avtex is quite 'thick' but have made some measurements I am pretty sure it would fit, just! I will take some final measurements before I buy as its a pretty expensive TV!
Quote: Originally posted by Ulti-Mates on 23/1/2010
It's interesting that you should mention that. The one on the van that we were looking at today wouldn't pull down properly either! The Salesman eventually forced it down - however he did say it works better with the weight of a TV in it (but then he would say that, wouldn't he !!!!).
It is a two stage action. When you open the catches it drops down so far but then there is a built in resistance so you have to pull it down the last few inches. Its never caused us a problem.
Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 23/1/2010
Quote: Originally posted by sbsuk on 23/1/2010
David
I'm sure I read somewhere that the Avtex wouldn't fit. Best to check with Swift first.
Mike
Mike
Do you mean the depth? The Avtex is quite 'thick' but have made some measurements I am pretty sure it would fit, just! I will take some final measurements before I buy as its a pretty expensive TV!
David
We have a 151 (non -DVB) and this has its own bespoke mounting system. I don't know if the latest versions have a VESA mount.
we forgot to notice whether the TV stations in the 2010 Swift Group range of vans have a Satellite aerial socket (like our 2007 Challenger does) or not?
From the brochures, it seems that the higher spec vans have them, but mention of it in the Europa 550 brochure, or the dealer special flyer that we have for the 'Coastline 550'. I guess, therefore, that they don't have them.
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Topic: TV holder/bracket in new vans
