Speakers Indoor/outdoor Speaker System

and if you go to bed and you're not sure if you turned off the stereo, you could just reach into the cabinet in the bedroom to access the "back" of the head unit, and just start pulling wires out.....

 

I could probably find a wall-plate that has "plug-ins" for various tyupes of plugs - i.e., one for minijack and one for iPod....maybe

Not sure I want to use that much space for the two plugs....

 

This weekend while camping, it hit me....Why not connect the TV/DVD audio to the Jensen Aux input (RCA connection)? I scooted underneath the tv, and after carefully studying the current system. It consists of some computer speakers and a small car amp. Its all connected with a mini jack on TV to an RCA connection at the amp. All i had to do was reroute that RCA cable into cabinet and unplug the amps 12v and computer speakers USB power from TV. Well, now you can hear whats on the tv in the kitchen and its like a movie theater in the cabin. A few zip ties and it looks perfect and sounds way way better. Ever notice it was not loud enough with the ac or fan on? Not anymore.

 

You opened up the TV cabinet? Why didn't I ever think of that?

 

I didn't have to disassemble anything. All the holes were already there. It was a 5 minute job on a rainy day camping. just had to snip about 6 zip ties under tv, reroute signal cable thru existing holes into the cabinet where the head unit is located. After the 'upgrade', i did actually remove the computer speakers and disconnect amplifier (which is still there because its attached really well). I would suggest it for you Evan, it looks like it would be really simple with your system also. Just for giggles, I tried the speakers built into the TV and totally understand why camp inn added the additional speakers and amp. It is terrible. worse than a laptop speaker.

 

Hi all,

My wife and I are planning options for a new 550 Ultra that we're hoping to order later this summer. One thing we'd eventually like to do is plug-in an iPod or smartphone to an audio jack somewhere in the teardrop, and play music through 2 pairs of speakers mounted in the teardrop: One pair inside the cabin, and one pair in the galley. I'm hoping that we can have the pre-wiring done in the factory, and then I can later acquire and install the audio components myself. (BTW: We're not planning to buy the built-in TV/DVD option; instead we'll use a portable DVD player.)

Are there specific locations that you suggest be prewired (and possibly pre-cut) in the factory, for the 4 speakers and for the audio jack(s) and power outlet(s)?

 

Nope! But then, we don't have AC...or a roof fan...or a tv...

Sorry, just couldn't resist! :grin:

Glad you found a way to make it all work.

 

I'm pretty sure Jeff has seen the photos of my setup (on the first page of this thread). However, I don't think Craig would do this again, so I've been keeping my mouth shut - no point in bragging about something that isn't available.

 

Actually I had something simpler in mind. I was thinking of just asking the CI folks to run 4 pairs of speaker wires, and leave the ends hanging out. Maybe I could just ask them to run the wires in the same places where they ran Evan's.

I'm just thinking that it would be a lot easier for the factory to install the wires during construction, rather than me trying to add them later. The factory could run the wires inside the walls, whereas I'd probably have to run them on the wall surfaces, where they'd be ugly and vulnerable to damage.

 

That sounds like a very good idea.

 

Hi Jeff,
I was thinking basically the same way when I ordered mine. I got a very effective and simple little setup but then decided I really wanted a radio, so I went that route. I ended up using the other little system in my computer room with some other speakers I had. I'm amazed at how good it sounds so you might want to look into it. I got one of these little "class T"
amps: It runs on 12V from your battery and could be installed in the galley or an interior cabinet.

I also got one of these cables.

Hooked up to the 12V supply in the trailer it will charge your Iphone with the right voltage.

I ended up getting a radio instead that will take Ipod inputs both inside and outside the cabin. I sent CI all the equipment and they did a great job on the installation, including those speaker grills in the galley that are shown in the pictures of trailer No. 500.

cabin speakers

These sound fantastic and look great in the cabin too.

In the galley I put the Boston Acoustics SE45 speakers that Cary recommended. That amp will take up little space and could be suspended from the top of a rear cabinet or built in to the galley, I should think.

 

I dont know that home speakers are appropriate for inside a TD. I would go for car speakers or boat speakers, as they likely can handle hotter environments.

The speakers in my TD were designed to be installed in a steam room or sauna. (seriously - thankfully I got a good deal)

Electronics are NOT all the same.

-Al

 

something to keep in mind, for folks who have installed stereos:

it is possible that when you connect your TD to your Tow Vehicle (and start the engine), that your stereo in your TD will turn ON (even if you had turned it off)

This isn't a big deal, of course, while you are runnign the car and charging your TD battery, but this could drain your battery if you stop the car and don't turn off your stereo.

It happens on mine, so I am guessing it could happen on yours.

-Al

 

What may be of interest.
We have a 16GB Sony Walkman which also has FM radio.
I curently have just under 1300 songs on it and just under 9 GB of space left. Then we have a Logitech S715i speaker (also has a direct hookup for ipod)to hook it too that has a remote, rechargable battery as well as runs off AC power. It sounds great, it is portable and you don't have to do any wiring. Speaker will also plug into your computer if you want to watch a movie for better sound.

 

We just went thru our second solution for the indoor/outdoor speaker problem. Our first try was with a Sentry wireless speaker we got thru Camping World, problem was the transmitter died due to bad transmitter after three years. Our second wireless environment is a Sony Bluetooth Wireless Adapter which can be a bluetooth transmitter or a receiver. This allows our XM radio and our IPod to connect via Bluetooth to a Bose SoundLink rechargeable speaker system. Limitation is the distance of Bluetooth 10 meters. The speaker stores behind the TV when not in use and the Sony unit is so small it can go almost anywhere. Sound quality is very good.

 

Oly and JimH: I find your "portable / non-installed" sound system solutions to be very interesting. I like the ability to move from bedroom to kitchen to even picnic table as needed. I also like how this solution allows for the upgrading of components as technology advances - no permanent holes in the Tear to regret when the next unforeseen technology comes upon us.

Here is what I see as the potential downside, however - and I would love to get both of your inputs on this piece. I worry about lots of dangling power cords, connecting cables, and the need to constantly hook and unhook things as I switch from XM, FM, iPod music, even audio for a DVD. The permanently installed systems are clean looking and out of the way. They are ready to power up and enjoy which ever audio source one wants whenever you are. Have you found ways to manage all of the cords, and to minimize the plugging and un-plugging when switching from one audio source to another? I guess I want the best of both permanent install and portable worlds - not sure if it exists.

 

Managing cords is why I had an audio head and 4 speakers installed by Camp Inn last week.

Sounds great.

 

Rick,
We haven't actually got our CI yet. But I don't see a problem with cords or cables. There is one small cord that plugs the Walkman into the speakers (speakers also have a rechargeable battery inside) and a cord to plug into the outlet if needed. The speaker also plugs into the laptop so I we want to watch a movie we can enhance the sound with the added speaker. The unit won't be set but a few inches from the power source if connected to the CI. I just know if I want to listen to music that the Logitech speakers sound great for their size. The Walkman is very small matched with the speakers is very protable and somewhat inexpensive. I'm not looking to entertain the whole campground just my camp area. Just my oppinion.