Mounting A Dvd Player In Your Camper: Easy Steps

DVD players are a great way to keep entertained while camping, especially in places with no WiFi. While streaming services have replaced DVDs in many homes, they remain a fantastic way to keep kids entertained on a rainy day or to enjoy a quiet night in. Most campers come with some sort of entertainment system, and many older models have built-in DVD players. However, these often break and need to be replaced. There are plenty of options available to replace your old DVD player, and they come in all different sizes so you can find one that fits your camper.

Choosing the right DVD player for your camper

DVD players are a standard feature of most homes, and with good reason – they provide hours of entertainment for all the family. When it comes to choosing a DVD player for your camper, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, you'll want to determine your DVD needs. Do you want a Blu-ray player, which works well with high-definition televisions and can also play CDs? Or perhaps you're after a multi-disc player, which can hold more than one disc at a time and also eliminates the need for a separate CD player. If you still have a collection of VHS tapes, you might want to opt for a DVD/VHS combo player, though be aware that if one function breaks, you're likely to lose the use of both. For campers always on the move, a portable DVD player could be a good option, and for those with limited space, a vertical or super slim DVD player might be the best choice.

Next, you'll want to consider audio. DVD players can be hooked up directly to your TV or receiver, or you can purchase a separate audio receiver that's been made exclusively for Digital Theater Systems (DTS). Some DVD players even come with a DTS processor, and higher-end players often include built-in decoders, which are known to impress even the harshest sound critics.

When it comes to video connections, most DVD players have a composite, S-video, and component jack, and most modern televisions have an A/V input, which is what you'll need to connect the two. If you have an older television with an antenna, you'll need to purchase an RF modulator to connect it to your DVD player, or opt for a DVD/VHS combo player, which often has an RF output.

Finally, you'll want to consider the size of your DVD player. DVD players can be quite wide, so be sure to measure the space you have available. For odd-shaped spaces or very tight spots, there are vertical and super slim DVD players available, which can be found at most electronics stores.

With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect DVD player to suit your camper's needs.

Preparing the radio for removal

To prepare the radio for removal, you will need to identify the model of the radio. This will help you to find the user manual, which should include installation and removal instructions. If you are unable to find the manual, you can search online for instructions specific to your radio model.

Once you have located the manual or relevant instructions, carefully read through the removal process before beginning any work. This will help you to understand the steps involved and ensure you have the necessary tools and equipment.

In some cases, you may need to remove a plastic surround or trim ring from the front of the radio to access the mounting screws. This trim piece should snap off or pop out relatively easily, exposing the screws that hold the radio in place. Be careful not to force it, as you could damage the trim or the surrounding dashboard. If you're having trouble removing it, try searching for specific instructions or videos for your radio model.

After removing the trim, you should be able to see the mounting screws or other fasteners holding the radio in place. Make sure you have the appropriate tools to remove these fasteners, such as a screwdriver or socket set. If the fasteners are rusted or difficult to remove, you may need to apply a penetrating lubricant to help loosen them.

Before removing the radio, it is essential to disconnect any connected wires or cables. Label all wires to ensure proper reconnection during the installation of the new radio. Be gentle when handling the wires to avoid damage.

If your radio is a custom RV unit, you may need to cut and join wires during the removal process. This is because RV radios often have custom plugs and connections. Take your time to identify and label each wire to ensure a correct and safe installation of the new radio.

Disconnecting the car battery

Disconnecting a car battery is a relatively simple process and can be done without bringing your car to a mechanic or auto shop. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely:

Turn off the ignition and open the hood

Before disconnecting your car battery, make sure your car is turned off to reduce the risk of electrocution. Then, locate the lever to release the hood latch. This is usually found on the side panels near the floor around the driver's seat. If you can't find the battery in the engine bay, check the trunk or under the passenger seat.

Locate the battery and identify the terminals

The battery is a large block with cables coming out of it. Identify the positive and negative terminals—these are typically covered with red (positive) and black (negative) plastic caps. If the caps are missing, look for the "+" and "-" symbols.

Protect yourself with safety gear

It is important to wear safety goggles and utility work gloves to protect your eyes and hands. Remove any jewellery, and if you are wearing rings or bracelets, take them off too, to reduce the risk of electrocution.

Loosen the nut on the negative terminal

Use a socket wrench set or a small adjustable wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal. It usually takes about 2-3 counter-clockwise turns to loosen it enough to remove the terminal.

Remove the negative terminal cable

If there is corrosion, wiggle the connector to free it, then push the cable back and away from the battery tray. If the cable keeps springing back, cover the metal terminal connector with tape to prevent accidental contact.

Repeat the process with the positive terminal

Loosen the nut on the positive terminal, then remove the bracket. Push the cable back and away from the battery. Your battery is now officially disconnected!

Remove the battery

If you need to remove the battery for maintenance or replacement, locate the bracket or clamp holding it in place and remove it. Carefully lift the battery straight up and out of the tray, keeping it upright and level to avoid spilling the battery acid inside. Place it on a flat surface away from the car.

Clean the terminals

If you're performing maintenance or replacing the battery, it's a good idea to clean the terminals and cable contacts. Use a wire brush to clean the inner surface of the battery cable connectors and the battery terminals, removing any corrosion and debris. Apply a layer of petroleum jelly or anti-corrosion grease to prevent future corrosion.

Reconnecting the battery

To reconnect the battery, simply reverse the process. Make sure to reconnect the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal.

Locating and removing screws

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools, including a screwdriver with the appropriate head type (Phillips or flat-head) and size. It is also recommended to have a magnetic screw dish to place the screws in as you remove them, so they don't get lost.

First, carefully inspect the DVD player unit and the area in your camper where you plan to install it. Look for screws that are holding the unit together or attaching it to the camper. These screws will need to be removed. Take note of their locations, as you will need to put them back in later.

When removing screws, it is important to be gentle and use the appropriate amount of force. Place the screwdriver tip securely in the screw head and turn it counterclockwise. If the screws are tight, you may need to apply more force, but be careful not to strip the head of the screw.

Once a screw is loose, remove it by lifting it straight out. Do not tilt the screwdriver, as this can cause the screw to slip and damage surrounding components. Place the removed screws in a safe place, such as the magnetic screw dish.

If you encounter any screws that are rusted or difficult to turn, you can apply a penetrating lubricant, such as WD-40, to the screw head. Wait a few minutes for the lubricant to take effect, and then try again. You can also try using a screwdriver with a longer handle, as this will give you more leverage.

After you have successfully removed all the necessary screws, set them aside in a safe place. Keep them organised and easily accessible, as you will need to put them back in when securing the DVD player in place.

Remember to take your time and work carefully. Removing screws is a delicate process, and damaging the screw heads or losing screws can complicate the installation process.

Installing the DVD player

The first step is to decide where you want to place the DVD player. You may want to place it overhead, in the dashboard, or at the back of a headrest. If you are installing a pop-out DVD player in the dashboard, you will need to remove the radio unit. Disconnect the negative battery cable on the car battery and mask the area around the radio with painter's tape to prevent scratches. Cover the centre console with a towel to protect it and to have a safe place to set the radio and DVD player.

Next, locate and remove any screws holding the radio unit in place. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for this step as the locations of the screws will vary between models. Once the unit is unbolted, use a plastic pry bar to gently remove it. Most units are also held in place with clips. After the unit is removed, unplug any wiring connected to it.

Now, locate the wires that power the radio. You should find a conversion wiring harness with a rectangular plastic port and many different colours of wires. This harness will be plugged into the existing radio wiring and then plugged into the new DVD player.

Install the DVD player by clipping it into place and screwing it in with the screws you removed earlier. Check the fit of the DVD unit and refer to the manufacturer's instructions to see if any adapters or faceplates are needed.

Finally, test the unit by reconnecting the negative battery cable and checking that the DVD player turns on and functions correctly. Insert a DVD to make sure the video and audio playback work.

Frequently asked questions