The Ultimate Guide to Transporting an 85 Inch TV

Moving a larger-than-life 85 inch TV requires some extra planning and care to keep it safe. With smart preparation and the right techniques, you can securely transport your prized extra-large television to its new home without a scratch. This comprehensive guide covers all the key steps for protecting your TV on the move.

Packing Properly

The first critical step is making sure your 85 inch TV is packed correctly before transit:

• Use the original box and protective foam pieces if you still have them. These are designed specifically for your model.
• If reusing the original box, cover the TV screen with the manufacturer‘s provided dust cover or plastic sheet. This prevents scratches.
• Wrap the TV in furniture pads or moving blankets for extra cushioning.
• Use thick tape to securely seal the bottom and edges of the box.
• Label the box clearly as "Fragile – This Side Up." Mark the top and bottom edges.

You want the TV immobilized so it doesn‘t shift during transport. Packing it snugly yet gently is the first line of defense.

Carrying and Loading

When moving your 85 inch TV, always keep it upright rather than laying it flat. Carrying the TV vertically prevents gravity from putting stress on the sensitive display panel.

Here are some tips for safe handling:

• Lift the TV with a friend – the large size makes it bulky and very heavy.
• Use lifting belts to avoid back strain.
• Hold the TV upright and walk slowly. Sudden motions can damage internal parts.
• Set it down gently on soft, level surfaces.

When loading into a vehicle:

• Place the TV box securely against a side wall if possible.
• Strap it down to prevent sliding and tipping during the drive.
• Consider renting a van or truck if you don‘t have a large enough vehicle.
• Avoid laying the TV at an angle – keep it fully upright or laying flat.

Padding and Securing

Use padding inside your vehicle to further cushion the packaged TV:

• Line the floor and lower sides with furniture pads, blankets, or foam.
• Brace the TV box on all sides with foam blocks or crumpled paper.
• Make sure the box cannot tip or slide when cornering or braking.

Drive carefully, avoiding potholes or sudden stops that could jostle the TV. Park on level ground when loading and unloading.

Unloading and Setup

Have an extra set of hands ready at your destination to help maneuver the 85 inch TV into the room. Here are some final reminders:

• Unload the boxed TV vertically, lifting from the bottom.
• Don‘t drop edges or corners – set it down gently.
• Unbox the TV carefully to avoid scratches.
• Allow time for the TV to reach room temperature before turning on power.
• Set up on a large, sturdy surface that can support the weight.

With smart preparation and careful transport, your extra-large TV will arrive safely. Just take it slow and steady. Now relax and enjoy picture-perfect viewing on your big beautiful 85 inch screen!Moving an extra-large 85 inch TV requires careful planning and preparation to keep it safe in transit. With the right techniques and materials, you can securely transport the big-screen TV to its destination without damage. This comprehensive guide covers all steps for protecting your investment during the move.

Choosing Proper Packing Materials

With an oversized 85” TV, having the right packing materials is crucial to absorb shock and immobilize the unit. Here are the recommended supplies:

• Original manufacturer’s box with fitted foam pieces or styrofoam – designed specifically for that TV model.
• If lacking the OEM box, use a double-walled heavy duty cardboard box with inner dimensions at least 2” larger than the TV.
• High-density foam padding rated for electronics – 1-2” thickness on all sides.
• Broad furniture pads or thick moving blankets – 3-5 layers wrapped around TV.
• Stretch wrap like polyethylene film to secure padding to TV.
• Packing tape or straps to seal box and keep TV upright.

TVs over 70” can weigh from 90 to over 175 lbs, so durable packaging is a must. According to LG, its 86” model with stand is 193 lbs – not one you want shifting around! Proper materials limit vibration and cushion against bumps.

Measuring Vehicle and TV Dimensions

Will that giant screen actually fit in your car or truck? Measure carefully before the move:

• Measure available cargo space in your vehicle – height, width, depth. Account for any protrusions.
• Note the TV‘s dimensions with stand attached from the manufacturer specs.
• Calculate the clearance between the packaged TV and your vehicle interior.
• An 85” TV requires a minimum of 89” length with protective padding.
• Measure both lying flat and upright positions.

Ensure you have at least 3-4 inches of padding clearance on all sides – tight fits lead to trouble. Better to know ahead than when urgently loading!

According to U-Haul, vans and pickups have between 79” and 87” cargo lengths. Measure any protruding wheel wells or side panels that may limit available space.

Weight Considerations

Larger LED and QLED TVs can weigh over 100 lbs without their wide stands. Older plasma models weigh even more.

TV Type	Average Weight Range
70-75" LED	55 – 70 lbs
75-85" LED	70 – 90 lbs
85"+ LED	90 – 120 lbs
70-85" OLED	60 – 105 lbs
80-85” Plasma (Discontinued)	130 – 175 lbs

Compare your TV model weight to your vehicle‘s payload capacity. According to Toyota, the Rav4 has an 800 lb limit and the Tacoma tops around 1200 lbs. An F-150 reaches 1900+ lbs. Know your true usable space and discuss any concerns with your moving company.

Ergonomic Carrying and Lifting

Have at least two able-bodied people lift and maneuver the packaged TV any time it‘s moved:

• Use lifting belts to avoid back strain.
• Lift together in one smooth, coordinated motion on a counted cue.
• Keep arms extended down, back straight, using leg power to lift.
• Pivot feet to change direction – avoid twisting the spine.
• Bring the TV just high enough to clear surfaces when carrying.
• Set down in a controlled manner, bending knees to absorb the weight.

The Sparta Health blog recommends having a third spotter assist for TVs over 100 lbs. Take care to avoid injuries – get help moving these heavyweights!

Securing Properly in Vehicle

Secure the packaged TV firmly so it stays upright and won‘t shift around:

• Place against a side wall if possible, not loose in open cargo area.
• Use furniture straps or ratchet straps at least 1/2" wide. Nylon straps stretch under load.
• Wrap straps tightly around the box in an "X" pattern from corners to opposing sides.
• Cinch straps very snugly – excess motion risks damage.
• Pad straps where they contact TV box to prevent cuts.
• Check straps during long drives and tighten further if needed.

Improper strapping leads to load shifting, increasing the chance of TV damage according to U-Haul. Take time to strap it tight!

Driving Conditions and Environment

Transporting a TV over long distances? Be aware of weather and road conditions along the route:

• Avoid exposing TV to temperature extremes inside a vehicle – heat and cold can damage screens.
• Park in shaded areas during hot weather. Run A/C to cool interior first if needed.
• Transport in climate-controlled moving truck if high or low temps expected.
• Drive gently over bumps, railroad tracks, potholes. Sudden jolts transfer through the packaging.
• Brake and accelerate smoothly. Necessary sudden stops risk load shifts.

Use common sense when picking transport days. According to Samsung, allow the TV temperature to stabilize to room levels before powering on at destination to prevent screen fogging.

Unloading and Final Setup

You‘re almost there, but don‘t get casual at the end:

• Have two helpers ready at destination to unload TV and carry inside.
• Lift TV box vertically from bottom corners, set down gently.
• Unbox carefully to avoid corner or screen scratches.
• Allow packaged TV to acclimate to indoor temperature before removing padding.
• Set on strong, stable surface with clearance for ventilation.

Ensure your TV stand or mounting location is rated to safely hold the large weight. Wall mounts require reinforced stud points and potentially professional installation.

Finally, enjoy the big-screen viewing experience! Just take care moving the precious cargo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to transport my TV laying flat?

LED and LCD TVs should always stay upright. Laying fully flat puts stress on the internal components. Plasma TVs can lay flat with adequate padding underneath.

What if my TV doesn‘t fit in my vehicle?

Consider renting a van or covered truck designed for oversized loads. If only going a short distance, a TV dolly can allow you to roll it standing upright.

Can I lay the TV at an angle if it doesn‘t fit upright?

No – only keep fully vertical or completely flat. Angled places twisting force on the screen and internal connections.

My friend is offering to carry the TV in their hatchback. Should I allow it?

Politely refuse unless they have ample interior room. Unsecured TVs in small cars risk catastrophic damage from shifting.

What if I don‘t have the original box anymore?

Use a rigid double-walled moving box with 3-4" foam padding clearance on all sides. Securely seal and label box as "Fragile."

Key Packing Supplies Checklist

• TV manufacturer‘s original box and inserts
• Double-walled cardboard moving box (large enough for TV plus padding)
• High-density foam sheets or blocks
• Furniture pads and/or moving blankets
• Stretch wrap/shrink wrap
• Furniture straps or ratchet straps, 1/2" wide or greater
• Packing tape and heavy duty shipping tape
• Label or marker to write "Fragile – This Side Up"

With the right setup and supplies, you can feel confident your prized big-screen TV will arrive safe and sound! Just take it slow and focus on careful handling.