Getting an outdoor movie projector for your RV can provide you and your travel buddies a great spot for movie nights! I Line up some chairs, grab some warm blankets for the chilly night air, and spend an evening escaping outdoors with a great movie.
In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about purchasing an RV movie projector. We’ll discuss what to look for in a projector, how to host an awesome movie night, and what kinds of movies you may want to watch. We’ll also look at some of our favorite projectors and explain why we like them so much.
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Finding the Perfect Movie Projector
There are a few attributes to consider when you’re searching for the perfect movie projector. You may decide that some are less important than others, but you’ll want to think about:
Resolution
You will want whatever projector you purchase to offer decent resolution. Watch out for projectors that use a technology known as “downsampling,” which can cause images to look pixelated and not as sharp. Instead, look for a unit that can produce an HD image.
Throw Distance
In most cases, if you’re looking for an RV projector you’ll want a “short throw” unit. This means the projector can display a larger image from a shorter distance, making it ideal for smaller spaces.
Brightness
Light pollution is a big problem when viewing a show or movie using a projector. A brighter projector that can overcome light pollution is the best option. This is especially true if you plan to use the projector during the daytime.
Weight
One major reason benefit of RV projectors is that they are lightweight. It’s a good idea to shop for a smaller, lighter unit so it’s easy to store, transport, and set up.
Ports
While a smaller and lighter projector is usually the better option for RVers, it is important to note that many of these particular units do not have space for ports that would allow you to connect phones, game consoles, or other electronics. Keep this in mind as you shop.
Speakers
You will need some way to hear what you’re watching. While it is certainly possible to use a pair of separate speakers, it’s much easier to purchase a projector with built-in speakers for portability and space-saving.
Battery Life
Most portable projectors are battery-operated. If you’re going to choose one of those smaller units, you’ll need to keep battery life in mind. In general, you should expect to get one to two movies out of a full charge.
With all this in mind, here are a few projectors to look at.
Native 1080P Projector with WiFi
This Bluetooth projector has screen mirroring, allowing you to play a movie on your phone that is transmitted to the projector. It has a good image quality and reduced fan noise. It also has ports that allow you to connect headphones, video game consoles, phones, and other devices.
Price: $189.98
TMY Mini Projector
This small projector is a great option for RVs and campervans. It produces intricate color details and has a built-in speaker. It also includes a projection screen.
The latest 3LCD color calibrating and adjusting technology works to reproduce more intricate color details than other mini projectors, which presents our customers a dynamic and color vibrant 1080P HD projected image quality.
Price: $69.49
ELEPHAS Outdoor Movie Projector
This 4K movie projector has WiFi and Bluetooth, and has Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube built-in to the projector. More than 100,000 apps are also supported. It’s known for its excellent image quality and works both indoors and outdoors. It has built-in stereo speakers with Dolby.
Price: $297.49
KODAK Luma 150 Portable Projector
Using DLP technology, this projector has smooth video playback and amazing contrast. Additionally, this unit offers an incredible 150 minutes of playback time, so you can make it through an entire movie before needing to recharge. Built-in speakers and a USB port provide convenience in a small, light projector.
Outdoor Projector Screen and Accessories
Once you have your projector, there are a few accessories you may want to go with it.
Projector Screen
Projector screens are often made of cloth like this one, and they can be folded up and stored easily. They don’t take up much more room than a bedsheet. You can attach your screen to any flat surface, like the side of your RV.
There are also inflatable projector screens. These are much larger, and require an air blower which is usually included. They take up more room when they’re stored, and more room when they’re up as well. You also have to consider wind conditions when using inflatable projectors. But they’re a good option for a very large group.
Screen Stand
If you can’t, or don’t want to, attach your screen to your rig, you can get a screen stand as well. Attach your cloth screen to the tripod-like stands on either side, and you’ll have a free-standing screen on which to watch movies. Some kits include both the screen and stand together. A stand allows for more flexibility on where you set up your viewing area.
Projector Stand Tripod
The area where you project your movie is dependent on where you set your projector. A projector stand allows you to set up your viewing area exactly where you want – no perching it on top of a pile of books on a table to make sure you can see your movie.
Setting Up For Your RV Movie Night
Along with some projector accessories, you may want some camp accessories to create the perfect movie night!
You’ll definitely want camp chairs and warm blankets for an outdoor evening. If you have a group of kids, you could consider alternative seating as well – inflatable float tubes make fun movie seats! You could also use inflatable mattresses.
You’ll may also want an outdoor area rug, so people can kick off their shoes or sit on the ground.
If you don’t already have a portable table set up outside your RV, nab one for setting up movie snacks and drinks.
And speaking of snacks, stock up on a variety of movie-style candy boxes and popcorn. You can even grab some popcorn boxes so each person can get their own serving (and feel a little like they’re in a theater!).
You could do a theme for your movie night as well! Since you’re camping, consider a vacation or camp-themed movie, and serve up classic camp desserts like s’mores or hot chocolate. For a spooky movie night, you could serve snacks in a coffin-shaped tray. Bake up some mummy dogs for a night when you screen the 90s classic starring Brendan Fraser, or serve up ghost cookies while watching a supernatural thriller.
Choosing the Film
Of course, if you’re on a family camping trip, you may want to watch a classic road trip movie to fit with the theme. But there are plenty of other options for movie night as well.
Family Friendly Viewing
If you’ve got a big family gathering, you’ll want a movie that’s suitable for all ages. Disney movie are always a great choice, of course! E.T. The Extraterrestrial is a great choice, and one that many kids in this generation haven’t yet seen. The Parent Trap – both the original version and the Lindsay Lohan version – is another great option, and the summer camp opening is right on-theme for a campout. Other good choices include Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, The Princess Bride, and The Karate Kid.
Spooky Favorites
Spooky movies can mean different things to different people. As a certified scaredy-cat, I like frights to be very mild. But I know plenty of people who like a good jump-scare. Here’s my suggestion if you’re out with them. Wait until a pivotal point in the movie. Sneak up behind their camp chair. And pounce.
You might be sleeping outside that night, but it will be worth it.
Spooky favorites for the family
Some not-too-scary family movies include Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, and Gremlins (although I’ll admit, that one scares me).
Spooky favorites for real scares
If you want something scarier for the adults, consider classic Alfred Hitchcock films, especially Psycho. It’s been freaking out several generations of movie-watchers. Also, try A Quiet Place, Alien, or a supernatural scary movie like Poltergeist.
Holiday Classics
Since many families get together – sometimes in RVs – for the holidays, this is the perfect time for a classic holiday movie. It’s A Wonderful Life and White Christmas are definite crowd-pleasers, along with more recent movies like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, and Elf. If everyone’s together for Thanksgiving, the Steve Martin/John Candy comedy Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a great option!
Comedies for the Grown-Ups
Once the kids are asleep, you can put on a hilarious movie for the adults to enjoy! Bridesmaids and The Hangover are outrageous, and outrageously funny wedding-related comedies. When Harry Met Sally is a comedy classic, and Good Morning, Vietnam showcases Robin Williams’ genius comedic and acting abilities.
Whether you want to trade your RV TV for a projector or just have an option for outdoor movie nights, you’re sure to enjoy this RV upgrade. Hopefully, this article has been helpful in sharing some awesome entertainment options for the next time you hit the road.
