How do you transport an 85 inch TV? – The Ultimate Guide

Moving and installing a new, large 85 inch television is an exciting upgrade that requires thoughtful preparation and care to avoid any damage during transit. Follow this comprehensive guide written by a home electronics expert to properly pack, load, transport, and unload your big screen TV.

Know The Risks

With today‘s ultra thin LED and OLED screens, large TVs become increasingly fragile. According to statistics from SquareTrade, up to 10% of new TVs arrive damaged out of the box, typically from mishandling during shipping. Once unboxed, another 10-15% of flat screens fail within the first 4 years, with most issues stemming from improper installation or drops/impacts. At an average cost of $150 for mobile screen repair, protecting that 85 inch investment should be a top priority!

Prepare The Room

Before picking up your new television, ensure your room is ready:

– Use a tape measure to confirm the wall space fits your TV‘s dimensions (typically 71" x 42" for an 85" screen).

– Move any furniture like tables or chairs that may obstruct carrying the TV inside.

– Make sure relevant power outlets, cables, and mounts are properly located for easy installation.

Having an unobstructed path and setup area will make unpacking much smoother.

Pack And Pad The 85 Inch TV

Once purchased, take time to carefully pack your TV for the trip home:

– Use the original manufacturer‘s box and protective foam inserts whenever possible for a secure fit.

– Cover the screen with the included plastic sheet or purchase a TV Screen Protector to prevent scratches.

– Cushion corners and edges with Foam Furniture Pads.

– Wrap the entire TV in soft Moving Blankets for extra padding.

– Keep the TV upright, never lay it flat during packing.

– Securely seal the box with heavy duty tape and clearly label as fragile.

This specialized packaging helps absorb vibrations during transit to prevent damage.

Load The Large TV Into Your Vehicle Properly

Getting that sizable box safely inside your vehicle takes forethought:

– Measure box dimensions against the cargo space before packing.

– SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks can typically fit an 85 inch screen. Measure first!

– Load the TV box upright, braced tightly against a side wall if possible.

– Use heavy duty tiedown straps through the box handles to prevent any movement.

– Drive slowly and avoid potholes or sudden braking en route.

Upright positioning is critical, as laying the TV flat during loading risks damaging the panel and internal components under the heavy screen‘s weight. Secure it firmly so the heavyweight box does not shift around.

Move Your 85 Inch Screen Safely

When carrying and moving the TV, protect the fragile screen and glass at all times:

– Carry the TV upright with a friend‘s help using TV Lifting Straps for better grip. Keep backs straight and lift with legs.

– Use a furniture dolly or hand truck to roll the box on its edges if moving longer distances. Tilt back to roll only on the reinforced sides.

– Only briefly lay the TV flat if absolutely necessary, first placing it on a soft, padded surface to distribute the weight evenly.

– Ensure the route is clear of kids, pets, clutter, and door sills before carrying. Recruit spotters if needed.

Limit flat positioning during transport – the screen is not designed to bear its own weight. Keep the path obstacle-free before attempting to lift or carry.

Unload And Setup The Large Screen TV

The final steps are to gently unload, unpack, and position this precious cargo:

– Maintain upright orientation as you unload the box from your vehicle. Do not tilt.

– Ensure you have adequate help and a clear path before carrying inside.

– Set the box down gently on a soft, stable surface like a carpet or furniture pad.

– Carefully unpack by cutting the tape seals instead of ripping them off.

– Lift out accessories first, then tilt the TV to remove from the foam inserts. Never lift by the screen!

– Install your mount securely before lifting the TV into place, following all manufacturer guidance.

With its large fragile screen and heavy frame, an 85 inch TV requires finesse and assistance to properly unpack and mount without incident.

AvoidTemperature and Elevation Extremes

Environmental factors can also damage your TV in transit:

– Avoid leaving the TV in extreme cold or hot temperatures for long periods, which can damage sensitive electronics.

– Let the TV adjust to room temperature before powering on if coming in from cold weather.

– Changes in elevation during transit can alter air pressure on the screen – allow time to equalize.

– Never leave the TV unattended or visible in your vehicle to deter theft.

Inspect and Troubleshoot Carefully

Should any damage occur during transport:

– Closely inspect for signs of impact or cracking in the frame, bezel, or screen before mounting.

– Check for panel uniformity issues by displaying solid colors on the TV.

– Test all ports, buttons, speakers, and features to confirm full functionality.

– If damage is noted, contact the manufacturer immediately about a replacement. Keep all packaging materials.

– For minor screen damage, mobile TV repair services can often replace screens on-site.

Enjoy Your New 85 Inch Viewing Experience!

While moving a large, fragile television requires care, with proper preparation you can deliver your big screen TV in flawless condition. Following these expert tips will keep your precious cargo safe during transport and installation. Soon you‘ll be rewarded with an immersive entertainment experience that makes the effort worthwhile!