Media Device For Travel Trailer

[craigster59]

I bought a Forest River R-Pod trailer. The older ones had DVD players in them but the newest have a Furrion entertainment system..... DV7100 Series Entertainment System - Furrion

Since I'll be in the boonies with no cell coverage/ internet, what is the best device to play back movies beside DVD player. Is there something I can "burn" my DVD's to and play them back on the system? Similar to storing and playing back music on an iPod.

I can get a DVD player but Im trying not to take it all with me when I'm trying to "get away from it all". Thanks!

[dad911]

Front HDMI. You could plug in a chromecast (AppleTV?) and cast music and videos from your laptop (ipad?) possibly Roku?? Do you use any of these currently?

Music from a usb stick (per manual) or bluetooth device.
HDMI cable as second screen from a laptop.

[scottmandue]

I regularly upload audio to a USB/thumb drive to listen to on my commute.

A quick scan of the owners manual looks like you can't run video off of USB.

Looks like you will have to run HDMI into the front and out the back.

[GWN7]

When I traveled in my motorhome I used a 12 volt VCR/TV combo. I believe they make 12 volt dvd/TV combos.

[Crowbob]

When trailering I take my iPhone and tether it to an iPad. If I can get a signal and set up a personal hotspot I'm good. If I can't I'm better.

The only way to get away from it all is to leave it all home.

[cantdrv55]

If there's no Wi-Fi or cell coverage, how's Roku, Chromecast or Apple TV going to help? I've been downloading Netflix and Amazon Prime movies into my iPhone and iPad then I connect to my Samsung TV in my travel trailer via HDMI.

[craigster59]

Thanks for the replys. I'm going to be a bit "off grid" most of the time and was wondering if there was something out there.

I think as far as video goes everyone is protecting their content, I can understand that after the way "burning" CD's cut into audio profits. I guess croaking frogs and chirping crickets won't be so bad. Heck, drinking and farting around the campfire could turn into "high end entertainment".

Wouldn't be the first time.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

If there's no Wi-Fi or cell coverage, how's Roku, Chromecast or Apple TV going to help? I've been downloading Netflix and Amazon Prime movies into my iPhone and iPad then I connect to my Samsung TV in my travel trailer via HDMI.

I didn't realize I can download netflix movies, thank you will look into it.
You can set up a wireless router and have a local network w/o internet connection. Then I believe you can stream from ipad to Atv.

[stealthn]

You could get an Apple Mini and use Handbrake to burn your DVD’s to the hard drive, then use Plex as the interface to them.

[plain fan]

There are plenty of sites and forums dedicated to what you are wanting to do. Ultimately you want to store your media (video and audio) on a local device for enjoying later. You don't mention if you use Apple, Android, or mix of the two but this will be important when you start looking at hardware and software formats. Netflix and Amazon allow you to download some items to your local storage for enjoying later, but it depends on the content and the playback device.

Ultimately it might be easiest to just take a laptop and a small set of external speakers. That would give you what you're looking for and keep it simple.

[Seahawk]

Tell me more about the trailer...I have been up their website and r-pod looks intriguing.

Why did you choose it...other trailers considered. etc.

I am looking for something I can comfortably tow with FJ.

Thanks!

[red-beard]

What are you doing for power for your RV?

[masraum]

If you've got a smart phone or tablet with lots of storage, you can rip DVDs and then with the right cable, play them back from the phone or tablet to a TV that has an input.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by dad911

I didn't realize I can download netflix movies, thank you will look into it.
You can set up a wireless router and have a local network w/o internet connection. Then I believe you can stream from ipad to Atv.

Netflix and Amazon Prime Video both have that option. And I think it's limited by the storage of the device, but I'm not positive, it may be that they only let you download a certain number of movies or shows.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Tell me more about the trailer...I have been up their website and r-pod looks intriguing.

Why did you choose it...other trailers considered. etc.

I am looking for something I can comfortably tow with FJ.

Thanks!

This is the actual trailer I bought:
2018 Forest River R-Pod r-pod Ultra Lite RP-178 RP1806 | Niel's RV

Being on the West Coast we get the Hood River Edition built in Oregon, East Coast gets the ones built in Indiana. Hood River has 1" more ground clearance, everything else is the same. Only 2600 lbs so easy to tow, I'm sure the FJ being on the 4 Runner platform has the same 5,000 lb tow capacity.

Lots of floor plans available, good price point ($24k MSR, you'll find them all day for $18k), has sleep, kitchen, bathroom so interest is tax deductible as second home. Outside shower for the pup, quick connect to propane for grill, outside speakers, digital antennae, 4 point stabilizer jacks, motorized tongue jack, lots of features.

If you're on FB there's an "R-Pod Owners" page that's very active, a closed group so you'll have to send a request, but lots of info if you are considering buying. You should take a look, it checked all the right boxes for me.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by red-beard

What are you doing for power for your RV?

It's already pre wired for Zamp Solar or similar. There's a port on the side that you plug right into. Do you have suggestions on panels?

[craigster59]

Paul (Seahawk) here's a quick video that explains some of the features. He doesn't go to the slide out side unfortunately that has all the hookup (Electric, water, sewer, cable, satellite, outside shower,etc). The other cool thing is that it has a "black tank flush" outlet so you can hook up a hose and it sprays and cleans the walls of your "poop tank".

[CurtEgerer]

You should have bought an Airstream. For only $80,000, you could get the same size trailer except it has no slideout, a cramped outdated floor plan from the 50s, small water tanks, a tiny bed, and no useful storage bay, but .... a really shiny exterior!

Lots of bang for the buck with your's. I like it.

[red-beard]

That solar setup looks like it is for battery charging only. Our system includes an inverter, control system and automatic generator.

[wayner]

Firefox has a video download plug in