9 Best Tailgating Mounts for Attaching Screens to RVs
Upgrade your outdoor entertainment setup with our list of the 9 best tailgating mounts for attaching screens to RVs. Find the perfect secure bracket and shop now.
Picture the ultimate tailgate: crisp autumn air, the smell of grilling, and a group gathered around your rig. But balancing a flat-screen on a flimsy camp table is a recipe for a shattered screen and a ruined weekend. Getting the right RV-specific screen mount ensures your TV stays secure, visible, and safe from the chaotic elements of a game-day parking lot.
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Key Factors for Choosing an RV Tailgate Mount
Selecting the right mount is not just about matching screen size; it requires understanding your RV’s structural realities and your tailgating style. Unlike residential mounts, mobile TV brackets must withstand constant road vibrations, wind loads, and quick setup and tear-down cycles. Using a cheap home mount on an RV will eventually result in a broken TV or damaged walls.
Pay close attention to weight capacities, VESA patterns (the standardized bolt hole spacing on the back of your TV), and mounting locations. Fiberglass sidewalls, steel chassis frames, and aluminum ladders all require different attachment strategies to prevent structural damage to the coach. Always check what lies directly behind your mounting surface before drilling a single hole.
Finally, consider exposure to weather and road grime. Hardware exposed to the elements must feature robust powder coatings or stainless-steel construction to prevent rust from seizing the adjustment joints. If a mount is difficult to adjust or remove, you will eventually stop using it.
Suction Cup Mount – SeaSucker Naked Flex Mount
Suction cup mounts solve the ultimate RV dilemma: how to mount a screen on a fiberglass sidewall without drilling permanent holes. They allow for temporary, highly adjustable placement anywhere on a smooth, non-porous surface. This makes them perfect for rental rigs, leased campers, or temporary tailgating setups where you want to change your viewing angle throughout the day.
The SeaSucker Naked Flex Mount stands out because it utilizes industrial-grade vacuum mounts rather than cheap lever-action suction cups. Rated with a 120-pound pull strength, the 6-inch vacuum cup features a built-in pump with a safety indicator band that warns you if vacuum pressure is dropping. The flexible, heavy-duty arm allows you to bend and rotate the screen to get the perfect angle.
- Load Capacity: Up to 15 lbs
- Attachment Type: Single 6-inch vacuum cup
- Flexibility: 7-inch flexible arm for multi-angle viewing
- Compatibility: Standard VESA 75×75 and 100×100 patterns
Keep in mind that suction performance depends entirely on surface preparation. The RV gelcoat or glass must be completely clean, free of wax, and non-textured, or the vacuum seal will slowly degrade over several hours. It is critical to check the safety band on the pump periodically during long tailgates.
This mount is ideal for owners of newer, high-gloss fiberglass trailers or motorized rigs who want zero-drill setups. It is not suitable for older rigs with textured siding, faded decals, or matte finishes where a vacuum seal cannot form.
Hitch Receiver Mount – SAA TV Hitch Mount
Utilizing your RV’s rear hitch receiver is one of the sturdiest ways to anchor an exterior screen. It bypasses the delicate sidewalls of your rig entirely, anchoring the screen directly to the steel chassis for unmatched stability. This approach keeps the TV away from high-traffic doorways while creating a natural gathering spot at the back of the camper.
The SAA TV Hitch Mount is built for this exact heavy-duty task, fitting standard 2-inch hitch receivers. Made from heavy-gauge, powder-coated steel, it holds large screens securely even when winds pick up in the open parking lot. The arm features a clever pivoting design, letting you swing the TV out of the way to access rear cargo doors.
- Receiver Compatibility: Fits standard 2-inch receivers
- Weight Capacity: Up to 80 lbs
- TV Size Compatibility: 32 to 55 inches
- Adjustability: 360-degree rotation and height adjustments
While highly stable, this mount occupies your hitch, meaning you cannot use it while towing a vehicle or carrying a hitch-mounted bike rack. Setup requires inserting a hitch pin, which can be heavy work, and the mount must be completely disassembled and stored before driving.
Choose this setup if you want to mount a massive, residential-sized TV at the back of your rig and have a vacant 2-inch receiver. Avoid this option if you rely on your hitch for towing or cargo platforms during tailgating trips.
Exterior Ladder Mount – Stromberg Carlson LA-104
RV exterior ladders are underutilized structural assets when parked. A ladder-mounted bracket uses this existing vertical aluminum tubing to position your television at eye level without taking up valuable floor or table space. It keeps your screen safe from spilled drinks and tripping hazards on the ground.
The Stromberg Carlson LA-104 is a top choice for ladder mounts because of its simple, robust clamping mechanism. It securely wraps around standard 1-inch exterior ladder rungs using heavy-duty hardware that prevents the bracket from slipping or twisting. The aluminum construction ensures it will not rust when exposed to rain or road salt.
- Weight Capacity: Up to 25 lbs
- Material: Rust-resistant aluminum and zinc-plated hardware
- TV Size: Best for 19 to 32-inch screens
- Storage: Quick-release pins for fast storage of the arm and TV
Be mindful of the torque forces exerted on your ladder. While the mount can support a decent-sized screen, strong wind gusts can act as a sail, putting leverage on your ladder’s factory wall anchors. Always remove the TV and the mounting arm before hitches are hooked up and the RV hits the highway.
This is the perfect match for travel trailers or fifth wheels with sturdy factory rear ladders and mid-sized screens. It is not recommended for ultra-lightweight ladders or rigs where the ladder is already loose or showing signs of wear.
Articulating Wall Mount – Mount-It! Lockable RV TV Mount
Interior walls or exterior compartment bays often require a mount that can extend, tilt, and swivel to combat glare from the sun. An articulating mount provides this dynamic range of motion, letting you adjust the screen as the sun moves across the sky during long tailgates. It folds flat against the wall when you need to clear pathway space.
The Mount-It! Lockable RV TV Mount solves the biggest issue with articulating arms: road vibration. It features a spring-loaded locking pin that secures the arm firmly against the wall, preventing the TV from swinging wild and smashing into walls while you transit. This lock can be released with a simple pull-cord when you arrive at your destination.
- Weight Capacity: Up to 33 lbs
- VESA Compatibility: 75×75 up to 100×100
- Tilt/Swivel: 15 degrees tilt, 180 degrees swivel
- Locking System: Quick-pull lock pin for transit security
Installing this mount requires finding solid framing. You cannot simply screw this into thin RV luan plywood; you must locate a wall stud or back the installation with a solid wood block to prevent the screws from pulling out under load.
This mount is a must-have for installation inside dedicated exterior entertainment bays or on reinforced cabin walls near a window. It is not suitable for thin, unbacked interior partition walls that lack solid studs.
Quick Release Mount – Kebloc TV Mount Base
A quick-release system is the ultimate solution for sharing a single television between your RV interior and your outdoor tailgating space. By installing inexpensive base plates in multiple locations, you can slide the TV off its bracket and move it outdoors in seconds. This eliminates the need to buy and maintain multiple screens.
The Kebloc TV Mount Base is a highly engineered polymer bracket system that is incredibly low-profile and weather-resistant. The patented wedge design allows the matching TV bracket to slide in and lock securely without turning screws or manipulating complicated levers. The base plate is UV-stabilized, meaning it will not degrade or crack after years of sun exposure.
- Material: High-impact, UV-stabilized polymer
- Compatibility: Works with Kebloc-specific TV brackets
- Installation: Low profile, projects less than 1 inch from the wall
- Weight Capacity: Safely holds up to 40 lbs
Keep in mind that you must buy both the Kebloc wall base and the matching bracket that attaches to your TV. While the base is budget-friendly, the proprietary nature of the ecosystem means you cannot easily mix and match with standard VESA mounts from other brands.
This system is perfect for RVers who want to use their main bedroom or living room TV outside for tailgating without buying a second screen. It is less ideal if you prefer a permanent, dedicated outdoor entertainment center that never moves.
Pole Clamp Mount – Mount-It! Pole Mount TV Bracket
Canopy tents, pop-up shelters, and even some RV awning support arms provide sturdy vertical poles that are perfect for mounting screens. A pole clamp mount uses these temporary structures to keep your screen floating off the ground without drilling into your RV’s shell. It allows you to position the television right in the middle of your seating area.
The Mount-It! Pole Mount TV Bracket features a highly adjustable heavy-duty clamp designed to grab round pipes and poles. The clamp mechanism uses dual wingnuts for tool-free installation, allowing you to set it up or take it down in less than two minutes. The heavy-duty steel clamp provides high friction to keep your TV from sliding down the pole.
- Pole Diameter Fit: 1.18 inches to 2.36 inches
- Weight Capacity: Up to 17.6 lbs
- Screen Size: Up to 32 inches
- Movement: 360-degree rotation and 180-degree tilt
Because this mount relies on friction to stay in place, any moisture, grease, or dirt on the pole can cause the bracket to slide down. Make sure to wipe down the canopy or awning pole before clamping the bracket to guarantee a tight grip.
This bracket is ideal for tailgaters who set up 10×10 canopy tents or have robust, round exterior support poles. It is not suitable for square-tubed canopy frames or delicate, thin-walled awning arms that might bend under clamp pressure.
Dual-Arm Wall Mount – MORryde TV5-002H Wall Mount
High-wind environments and heavy screens demand a level of rigidity that single-arm mounts cannot provide. A dual-arm mount distributes the weight of the TV across a wider footprint, minimizing rotational flex and keeping your screen steady even in gusty parking lots. This extra stability is crucial for protecting the delicate internal components of larger TVs.
The MORryde TV5-002H Wall Mount is a heavy-duty, steel-constructed dual-arm mount engineered specifically for the rough-and-tumble environment of mobile living. It features a robust double-jointed arm that folds flat and locks tightly into place during transit, completely eliminating annoying rattles. This double-pivot design provides smooth extension and retraction.
- Weight Capacity: Up to 25 lbs
- Extension Range: Reaches up to 18 inches from the wall
- Swivel Range: 180 degrees of movement
- Mounting Footprint: Broad wall plate for superior load distribution
The heavy steel build means the mount itself adds noticeable weight to your wall. You must ensure your mounting surface is reinforced and that you use high-quality fasteners suitable for your specific RV’s construction.
This is the premier option for mounting larger, heavier screens inside deep storage bays or on reinforced exterior walls where structural strength is paramount. It is not suitable for ultra-lightweight walls or setups where weight savings is the primary goal.
Flip-Down Ceiling Mount – AP Products 013-487 TV Mount
Overhead space is often neglected, but it is one of the safest places to mount a screen. A flip-down mount allows you to tuck the TV flat against an overhanging cabinet, ceiling, or inside an exterior compartment when not in use. This keeps the television protected from weather, road dust, and stray footballs during the game.
The AP Products 013-487 TV Mount is designed specifically to optimize tight overhead spaces in RVs. It features a smooth, spring-loaded hinge system that securely locks the TV in the folded-up position, then releases with a simple pull to drop the screen down for viewing. It also swivels, allowing you to turn the screen toward your seating area once it is lowered.
- Screen Size: Fits 13 to 23-inch screens
- Weight Capacity: Up to 11 lbs
- Rotation: 360-degree swivel capability
- Design: Low-profile, space-saving layout
Because this mount hangs your TV upside down or horizontal during travel, you must ensure the TV’s internal bezel and VESA mounts are rated for horizontal stress. Additionally, overhead cabinet framing can be thin, so adding a wooden backing plate inside the cabinet is highly recommended.
This mount is perfect for compact campervans, overhanging bunk areas, or under-cabinet mounting in exterior kitchens. It is not suitable for large, heavy screens over 23 inches or heavy-duty residential flat screens.
Portable Tripod Mount – Vivo Stand-TV02 Tripod Mount
Sometimes the best place for your screen is away from the RV altogether—closer to the campfire, the grill, or the shade of a distant tree. A portable tripod mount gives you the ultimate freedom to position your screen anywhere within reach of an extension cord. It sets up in minutes and requires zero permanent modifications to your rig.
The Vivo Stand-TV02 Tripod Mount offers a highly stable, heavy-duty three-legged base that easily handles uneven ground. It features a secure locking pin system to prevent sudden height drops and folds down into a compact package that slides easily into an RV basement storage compartment. The steel construction ensures it remains anchored even when supporting larger screens.
- Screen Size Compatibility: 32 to 55 inches
- Weight Capacity: Up to 77 lbs
- Height Adjustment: 43.7 inches to 68.5 inches
- Tilt Range: -8 to +8 degrees for glare control
Because a tripod stands on the ground, it is susceptible to being bumped by excited fans or pets. You must be mindful of cable management to prevent trip hazards, and it is wise to anchor the feet with sandbags or tent stakes on windy days.
This is the absolute best choice for tailgaters who want maximum flexibility and zero installation hassle. It is not suitable for campers with extremely limited storage space, as the folded tripod still takes up more room than wall-mounted brackets.
How to Safely Wire Exterior Power for RV Screens
Running high-voltage power outdoors requires a careful approach to prevent short circuits and electrical shock. Never simply drape a standard indoor extension cord out of a window or door where the weather seals will pinch and damage the copper wiring. Over time, pinched cords can wear through their insulation, creating a severe fire hazard.
Always use a GFCI-protected outlet (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) for your exterior screen power supply. If your RV does not have a dedicated exterior GFCI outlet, you can plug into an indoor GFCI outlet and run an outdoor-rated, heavy-duty extension cord through a dedicated cable hatch or pass-through. This ensures the circuit will instantly trip if moisture enters the system.
Keep connections dry by using a weatherproof electrical cord connection box where your TV plug meets the extension cord. This prevents morning dew, spilled drinks, or unexpected rain showers from causing short circuits. Additionally, elevate your power strips and surge protectors off the wet grass or pavement by placing them on a small table or hanging them from your RV frame.
Protecting Your Outdoor TV Mount from High Winds
Wind is the single greatest enemy of an outdoor TV setup, capable of turning a large screen into a sail that can rip mounts clean off your RV walls. Even heavy-duty steel mounts will vibrate violently under high wind loads, putting immense stress on both the TV chassis and the RV structure. Protecting your gear requires a proactive approach to weather management.
If you expect breezy conditions, always choose a mount with locking mechanisms or dual-arm support to reduce vibration. For temporary setups like tripods or canopy clamps, use heavy-duty bungee cords, ratchet straps, or sandbags to anchor the support structure to the ground. This keeps the center of gravity low and prevents tipping.
The golden rule of outdoor tailgating entertainment is simple: never leave your screen unattended. If the wind speeds consistently exceed 20 mph, or if you plan to step away from your campsite for a prolonged period, take the screen down and store it safely inside your rig. It only takes one sudden gust to turn an expensive flat-screen into a piece of plastic junk.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tailgating mount transforms your RV into the ultimate game-day hub without compromising safety or space. By matching the mount to your rig’s specific layout and power capabilities, you ensure your entertainment setup survives the season. Pick your mount, secure your connections, and get ready for a worry-free tailgating season.