Can A 65-Inch TV Fit In A Car? Here's What You Need To Know

Wondering if that big new 65-inch TV will actually fit inside your car? We cover measurements, how to transport safely, and tips to fit any size TV.

With TV screens getting progressively larger, 65-inch models are becoming one of the most popular sizes for home entertainment. The immersive viewing experience of a 65-inch 4K TV can make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action while watching movies and sports.

But with their large size, an obvious question arises – can you actually fit one of these modern massive TVs into a standard car when bringing it home from the store?

The short answer is yes, with some careful measurement and preparation, you can successfully fit a 65-inch television set into most cars for transportation. While minivans, SUVs, and trucks will have an easier time accommodating the larger dimensions, even standard sedans can work in many cases.

It definitely takes some planning and problem solving to make sure you can safely and securely transport a TV that size, without damaging your car or the TV itself. But with the right techniques, you can pull it off and get your exciting new big-screen home in one piece.

Below we will cover everything you need to know about fitting a 65-inch TV into a car. We’ll include:

Typical dimensions of 65-inch TVs and average car cargo capacities
Measuring your car interior and the TV box to see if it will fit
Tips and tricks for fitting any size TV in your vehicle
How to safely secure the television during transport
Options for delivery or renting a van if it just won’t fit

Follow our guide and you’ll have the peace of mind that your brand new television will make it home soundly and give you years of top-notch viewing. Let’s take a look at the details!

What Are the Typical Dimensions of a 65-Inch TV?

The first key factor in determining if your 65-inch television will fit inside a car is understanding the actual dimensions and size of the TV itself.

With any flat panel television, the advertised screen size is always the diagonal measurement from corner to corner. So the height and width of the TV will actually be a bit smaller than 65 inches.

For a standard 65-inch TV, typical exterior dimensions are:

Width: 57.5 inches
Height: 33 inches
Depth: 2-4 inches for just the panel, 12-16 inches including the attached stand

Always keep in mind those depth measurements are without the required base or stand. With the stand for placing on a TV table or mounted on a wall, the depth will increase to 12-16 inches for most models depending on the design.

The overall weight of a 65-inch LCD or LED TV is typically in the 45 to 70 pound range with the stand. Heavier high-end models packed with advanced technology can be over 80 pounds.

To find the exact measurements for the specific 65-inch television you purchased, always check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for the specifications of your model. There is some variety in dimensions between brands and even between different series that the same manufacturer offers.

Having the precise height, width, depth, and weight will assist greatly in determining if your TV will fit in your vehicle.

How Much Cargo Space Does Your Car Have?

With the size of your 65-inch TV figured out, now it’s time to assess how much room you have available in your car.

While sedans and coupes will pose more of a challenge when accommodating larger items, modern crossovers, SUVs, minivans, hatchbacks, and pickup trucks can typically handle a TV of this size.

Here are some key measurements of your vehicle’s cargo area to check:

Interior width – Measure the width between the inner edges of the rear wheel wells, near where the back seat cushions are. This is often the limiting dimension for fitting a large flatscreen sideways.
Ceiling height – Measure from the floor to ceiling in the back, without items like headrests in the way. This matters most when trying to stand the TV upright.
Cargo floor length – With the rear seats folded down in wagons and hatchbacks, measure the maximum length from the back of the front seats to the inside of the rear door/hatch.
Total cargo cubic feet – Your owner’s manual will list the overall cargo volume with seats folded down. Sedans average around 30 cubic feet, while SUVs often have over 60 cubic feet.

Those with hatchbacks, wagons, minivans, and pickup trucks will generally have the easiest experience fitting a 65-inch TV. Depending on the specific car, the cargo space can often accommodate the television laying flat either widthwise behind the rear seats or lengthwise with seats folded down.

With sedans, the trunk pass-through opening to the back seat is often a limitation, so you’ll need to measure carefully. Either way, taking precise interior cargo measurements is crucial to knowing if your vehicle can handle the size.

Will a 65-Inch TV Actually Fit in Your Car?

Now comes the moment of truth – it’s time to take your TV and car measurements and see if your new 65-inch screen will realistically fit for transportation.

Follow these steps when test fitting:

Carefully lay the TV box flat on the floor and measure the exterior width, height, and depth. Recheck the manufacturer specs listed on the box as well.
Compare those dimensions to the cargo space measurements you took of your vehicle’s interior.
For most sedans, fitting the TV lengthwise is out of the question unless you have a wagon or hatchback. Measure if placing widthwise will work.
With crossovers, SUVs. trucks, and vans, you likely have more options for positioning it either flat or vertically if you have the height.
Don’t forget to account for the added depth/space needed with the TV stand attached.
Have a friend help by test placing the box in different positions while you check for fit.

If you determine there is simply no way your measurements work in any placement, then a roof cargo carrier, trailer, or rental vehicle may be your only options short of having it delivered. We’ll cover more alternatives later if the TV conclusively won’t fit inside your car.

But with some clever puzzle solving, the right packing techniques, and taking precautions during transport, you can make just about any TV model fit in most standard vehicles. Let’s look at some tips and tricks to assist with that.

Tips and Tricks for Fitting Any Size TV in Your Car

Getting a 65-inch TV into your car may seem impossible at first glance, but where there is a will, there is a way. Follow these tips and tricks to create more interior cargo room and find the right positioning:

Remove from Box When Possible

Carefully unpacking the television can significantly reduce the size. This avoids dealing with the bulky outer packaging taking up precious space.

Just make sure to keep all manuals, stands, remotes, cables, and other components together. Securely wrap/pad the bare TV if needed.

Place Vertically If Height Allows

Most rear cargo areas will have more available height than width. So standing the TV up vertically can work well if you have adequate clearance to the ceiling.

You’ll need to ensure it’s braced very securely in place and padded to avoid tipping over or damage. Measure if the stand base will fit as well when placed this way.

Position Diagonally If Necessary

If uniformly flat or vertical doesn’t work, try placing the television at an angle diagonally across the cargo space. This takes advantage of some width and some length in cars like hatchbacks.

Use Passenger Space If Needed

In a real pinch, the backseat passenger space can be utilized for part of the TV, like the stand or accessories. Just be sure to secure them in place and avoid interfering with the driver’s visibility and controls.

Leave Room for Passengers If Necessary

If you need to transport any passengers as well, make sure to leave legroom by sliding the TV as far back as possible against the rear door or hatch.

Secure it firmly in place so it doesn’t shift around and impact drivers. This may require moving seats forward slightly.

Pad and Brace TV Securely

However you position the TV, make sure to use suitable padding like blankets, foam, or cardboard protectors around the screen. Secure it snugly in place with cargo straps, moving blankets, or improvised supports so it doesn’t shift.

Drive slowly and steadily, taking great care with bumps or hard braking. A little creativity goes a long way for both fitting and safely transporting.

With some clever arranging and the above preparation tips, you can create a workable solution for fitting pretty much any TV in most vehicles. Just take your time and be very careful during loading, padding, and driving.

Safely Securing and Protecting the TV

Of course simply cramming a 65-inch television set into your backseat isn’t going to cut it. You’ll need to take steps to properly secure and protect the TV so no damage occurs during the drive home.

Follow these best practices for safely transporting your large flatscreen:

Pad the entire TV and stand with moving blankets, foam blocks, or thick cardboard on all sides. Avoid pressure on the screen itself.
Use cargo straps, bungee cords, or other ties to firmly brace the TV against vehicle walls. Wrap and anchor to supports if placed vertically.
Drive slowly and steadily, avoiding sudden acceleration, braking, and bumps or potholes. Take turns gently.
Consider having a friend carefully hold the TV upright and steady during the trip if necessary.
Never place a TV unsecured or allow it to tip or move during sudden stops. This can damage the unit or your vehicle.
When carrying in a truck bed, CAREFULLY place on its side or vertically, embed/brace in padding, and tie down extensively. Only drive locally and slowly.

The goal is keeping the television completely still and protected from shifting, sliding, or sudden impacts. Take it slow and enlist help wrangling it if you can.

Other Transport Options if It Won’t Fit

Despite your best efforts, some large TVs simply won’t squeeze into certain vehicles, at least not in a safe and secure manner.

If you just can’t make the measurements work after trying all the tips above, consider these alternatives for getting your new television home:

Rent a Van or Truck

Larger vans, cargo vans, and pickup trucks will easily accommodate a 65-inch TV with room to spare. Rent one for the day from a home improvement or rental company.

Pay for Store Delivery

Many retailers offer affordable same-day delivery right to your door, saving you both space trouble and time.

Ask Friends to Help

Recruit some friends with bigger vehicles to pick up the TV and drop it off for you. Offer pizza and drinks in return!

For extremely large TVs over 70 inches or heavy high end models, delivery or rental vehicles are likely the simplest and safest solutions anyway to avoid transport risks. But don’t give up without trying – you might be surprised what fits.

Transport Your TV with Confidence

We hope this guide has taken some of the stress and guesswork out of figuring out if you can actually fit a 65-inch television in your car.

With smart planning, careful loading, secure bracing, and conscientious driving, you can successfully bring your exciting new big screen TV home safely in most vehicles.

Just take measurements seriously, use padding generously, drive slowly, and ask friends for help wrangling if you can. Before you know it, you’ll be all set up and enjoying movie theater-sized entertainment from the comfort of your living room. Happy viewing!