Yes, well, so we finished up the TV saga. Almost. Knew you’d want details. Here they are.
Remember Chilliwack? I do. It was boiling hot. But while we were there we got a new refrigerator, and a tv mount installed, from the wonderful folk at Escape Trailer Industries. Just look at this articulating TV mount, and be amazed. Pay no attention to that little cord. It’s the end of the power cord that plugs into the back of the TV, but it’s not plugged in here. The other end will plug into the 12-volt receptacle waiting patiently below the TV.
Here is our proposed positioning for three TV-watchers (humans — the terriers can fit in anywhere). The new, two-door refrigerator (doesn’t have a name yet, but give us time) poses nearby. Look, more cords. Just don’t ask.
I’ve been working many, many, many, many hours, making actual income, since we got home from our British Columbia trip. But I’ve been sneaking out to Toto in the evenings to finish up this install. Yes, the ETI folk installed the TV mount (after reinforcing the wall behind it), but then, of course, there’s more to do.
Before we get to that, though, let’s have another look.
We can scoot the TV around to accommodate a complete watching-while-lounging arrangement. With the extended seating configuration we’ve been using, we humans can recline side-by-side, with terriers tucked here and there, and watch the TV in considerable comfort. And if there’s no DVD available and no Internet to get streamed content and no broadcast tower close enough to work with our antenna, we can always just stare at the blank screen. With all the fingerprints on it right now, it could probably work as some kind of Rorschach test. We could find out if I have a personality. Doubt it. Note that the cords are rabbitlike in their propensity to proliferate.
Let’s pause to consider: according to my Internet research, we will spend approximately three hours watching this TV during the next 12 months. But what a good time getting it installed!
Now. At first I opted for a removable mount. I got this gadget that let me pull the TV off the mount, leaving the mount on the wall, and the TV could rest on the bed while we are in transit. This quick-release gadget was pretty easy to use, but…
But it added 1/2 inch to the distance between the TV and the wall. And this made for a sloppy-looking situation, with the TV not quite perfectly parallel to the wall because of limited space between it (the TV) and the edge of the window shade. Argghhh.
We could remove the quick-release thingy, but then the TV would be there all the time, flopping and bashing around during the simulated-earthquake experience of trailer towage. Unless. UNLESS. Unless there was a way to secure the TV, and the mount, on the wall, while driving.
There is.
Behold, the TV Safety Strap, from the same Thumb Lock people who make almost everything for RV-housed TVs. Because of our space limitations, I ordered two of ’em. You’ll see. Also, there is no cord in this picture — there’s not even a strap. But there are strap images. Straps and cords. So many ways to go here.
We went through a couple of iterations getting the straps just so. First, I read and followed the instructions — sort of. The TV wouldn’t move too far, but it felt wobbly. Wobbliness is not what we were shooting for. So we added a few more grommets and screws and whatnot, and we got one very solid, secure, mounted TV.
The entire trailer will disintegrate before this TV comes loose (or even vibrates much).
So, enough already. But there is one thing. See the DVD player affixed to the underside of the cabinet there? It works flawlessly, and the install looks good, except that it clearly was designed to be resting on a shelf, not hanging by its thumbs from above. Poor thing. So we need some visually appealing trim to attach to the poor little player’s feet. We have been exploring our options, but no answer yet. Something in a black polycarbonate sounds good. Sooz wants it to Look Nice. I get that.
We have time. It’s almost two more weeks until our next trip, to a state park near the fish-challenged bitter end of the Hood Canal. Personally, I can’t wait.
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Thanks for sharing your excellent and creative work on the TV mount, along with your beautiful photos. We have been perplexed about the location and didn’t want it on the ‘end table’ wall so this works perfectly! Also out of view. Very, very nice job! Hope to visit with you two some day and see your work.
Thanks Carla Jean! We will get a chance to watch the darn thing next week at Scenic Beach or Grayland or maybe in the driveway at home. I just spent some time looking at how to reserve a site at Fort Worden SP…. will probably plan a trip up there next year. Your back yard!
Re: Fort Worden, just make sure your reservations are made well in advance. We would be glad to bike down to search out some of the ‘best’ sites for you. Lower campground best. Also, there is a new beer/wine garden next to the little store, and coming soon, hopefully, a restaurant in the old Guardhouse building on the fort.