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Topic: Upgrading in-dash stereo receiver with radio (Read 1304 times) previous topic - next topic
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Upgrading in-dash stereo receiver with radio
I am thinking of upgrading the in dash stereo receiver in my 2006 LD. The current one is a Sony, and there is a separate multi-CD deck located in the overhead cabinet that I would like to keep. I am looking for recommendations on brand and model that anyone here has installed in their RV. Bluetooth, Airplay, Sirius and of course an Aux connection would be nice to have. I would not do the work myself. Suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Ted
2006 RB
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #1 –
It's been many years since I've done a car stereo upgrade, but I imagine the challenge will be finding a new (non-Sony) unit that fully integrates with that changer.  Finding one that fully integrates with a bunch of music on your phone is a piece of cake, though.

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #2 –
That's a good point. I would be fine with a new unit with a multi disc capability.
2006 RB
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #3 –
I'm with Chip. If it were me, I'd forget the changer. It's mechanically complex, failure-prone, and limited to just a few CDs. Nowadays there are much better ways to have access to lots of music. Even cheap (under $100) dashboard stereos or "media receivers" can play music from your phone, tablet, or just an ordinary USB stick, any of which can hold thousands of tracks.

"I would be fine with a new unit with a multi disc capability."

I doubt you'll find any, outside of a junkyard. I don't think they make 'em any more. Again, your best bet is to migrate your CDs to digital files (very easy to do with any computer) and go that route.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #4 –
My 2010 Acura MDX has a CD player that automatically downloads the songs into a drive when the disc is inserted and can store up 3500 songs. Something like that would be good. Obviously I am not up to speed on the latest tech.
2006 RB
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #5 –
The Sony multi-CD players have been off the market for years. Most of them that I have run into to do not work anymore, ours included. Since every CD we own was converted and loaded onto our iPhones, a bluetooth connection to the radio is the simplest way to play our music today. Most every new radio has bluetooth so this shouldn't be a problem.
A front panel mount USB port is also very handy

A great source of information, plus a good place to buy a radio is Crutchfield.
Crutchfield: Car Stereo, Speakers, Home Theater, Pro Audio, 4k TV
Great customer service and a complete line of installation kits.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #6 –

I changed the radio in our 2005 MB last year. I replaced it with a double din Sony unit  Sony WX900BT CD Receiver with Bluetooth This was the same unit the factory was installing at that time and has all the features you mentioned in your post. You can even select custom colors of the display lighting to your taste. It took a little grinding with a Dremel to fit on the edges, but not much and it looks like it was designed to fit when installed. It was an inexpensive upgrade and I am very happy with the functionality, Bluetooth, front panel mount usb port and don't miss the CD changer a bit. I think you will have a challenge finding a unit with CD changer control as they went away with the vcr. Here are the before and after photos...

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2005 MB
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #7 –
in an ocean of probably thousands of possibilities... i just put this kenwood in mine, although i got it on ebay refurbished for $60. wound up being shipped directly from kenwood from some third party seller. has all the good digital media stuff, bluetooth w/ phone mic, an app you can control with from you phone (so i can play in the lounge without getting up), no CD though.  cheap and moderately powerful. installed it in about 10 minutes, granted it replaced an old kenwood single din...


oops, sorry, you were looking for a sirius tuner built in? it says "compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio tuner", but no built in....


***i've has XM for probably 10 years, and then had been playing personal media via mp3, but i've since gotten on board with spotify. that's pretty much the only thing i use as of the last year or so.
1999 MB
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #8 –
About 2 1/2 years ago I had an Alpine (not sure model but likely they have moved on)  With satellite radio module that plugs in to stereo installed. They put the satellite antenna on the fender-wheel well. This does not work nearly as well as on the roof, where I eventually moved it, especially when you are heading north.
Jay Carlson
2003  LD RB
2005 Bigfoot 40MH35LX
rvingjaygwynne.wordpress.com
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #9 –
A big heads up to Lazy Bones 2...

I know how much you like your music and so you will be facing this same problem very soon. Once the old man relinquishes control of the LD you will be stuck with that old 10 disc Sony changer that folks are talking about on this thread. Better start doing your homework now because you will need it 'down d road'.   ;)   ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #10 –
Thanks Dad, I’ll start my homework now. 🎼🚐😜
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #11 –
There are accessories for higher-volume mfg's dash units that will accept bluetooth or plug-in phone connections, and convert front-panel CD select/track/skip/pause/play commands into phone media player commands.  So you basically attach the adaptor in place of the changer, pair or plug your phone to the adaptor, and then the dash unit thinks your phone is a huge CD changer.  Not a solution for the OP, but may work for others...

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #12 –
I still have the crappy (okay, that may be a little harsh) OEM Sony radio placed in 2004 rigs. I simply bought one of those Bluetooth, attach to the visor, items that “throws” your IPhone tunes to a frequency on the radio through the device. I recall spending about twenty bucks or so. This is a lot cheaper and easier fix than a complete replacement. The sound quality is fine.

Found the device. There are probably updated versions. I’ve had this for about 10 years.

Jabra Cruiser2 | Support
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #13 –

I know it's a dated thread, but thought I'd share my experience...I completed this enhancement this weekend using the aforementioned Bluetooth & USB Double-Din Car Receiver | WX-900BT | Sony US. It also required a double DIN installation kit, I used Amazon.com: Metra 95-5817 Double DIN Installation Dash Kit for Select....  There was a copious amount of caulk and replacing a single DIN unit with DDIN head unit is not for the faint of heart (was not simply plug-n-play).

In hindsight I should've used this kit Amazon.com: Scosche FD1428B Double DIN Installation Dash Kit for Select... as it has the much needed support bracket. Additionally, the Sony WX-900BT has been replaced by the WX-920BT variant http://www.bestbuy.com/site/reviews/sony-built-in-bluetooth-in-dash-cd-dm-receiver-black/6196728 and Best Buy will even install. This would've been the smarter way to go, but I like to tinker and know exactly what has been done.

Hope this helps someone who may be contemplating replacement of an older unit...by the way if anyone wants a fully functional, free of charge Panasonic 1000 AM/FM cassette player (with wiring harness) let me know! haha

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Ray
Now doing without...
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #14 –
Bought mine on sale at Amazon and had local stereo shop install this April. I’m happy with mine 🚐
Daughter of the first Lazy Bones
Hitting the road on my own and with a friend 🚐 while reporting back to the Lazy Bones at home 🛋

2 Lazy Bones - Home
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #15 –
Quote from: igoslow  - 
I know it's a dated thread, but thought I'd share my experience...I completed this enhancement this weekend using the aforementioned Bluetooth & USB Double-Din Car Receiver | WX-900BT | Sony US.

Ray

Thanks for getting back with the conclusion of your radio replacement. Too many times we never hear how a project turns out.
Good to know about the double DIN adaptor brackets.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones 2  - 
Bought mine on sale at Amazon and had local stereo shop install this April. I’m happy with mine 🚐

A wise decision!

Quote from: Larry W  - 
Good to know about the double DIN adaptor brackets.

I hope that it can help someone in the future!
Ray
Now doing without...
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #17 –
I replaced the factory radio with a double din unit early this past spring.  Fortunately Crutchfield has a storefront in Charlottesville VA near their HQ. I was very happy with the help I got from the sales staff and the installation.  The dash had to be trimmed and it did require the adaptor that others talked about.  After looking at the work I’m very glad I did not do this myself.  There is no way I could have done as clean a job.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
 
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #18 –
I also want to replace the factory radio in my 2001 MB with one that has Bluetooth and a front auxiliary port and can be connected to a Sirius tuner (if I ever want one).

The factory radio is a Panasonic CQ-R145U - and I don't get it out of the dash. I remember that I read somewhere that it might have been glued in by Lazy Daze. Is that really possible, or is there just some trick needed? If it's glued in, how do I get it out?
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #19 –
Nick, I can't answer your question.  I asked the tech and it seemed that my 07 was not glued in or foamed like others have reported. What you may want to know is about the Bluetooth.  I have to be careful with my Subie toad.  It has bluetooth and the RV's radio, and the Subie fight over who is going to control my iPhone.  Not so much an issue after I knew what was going on but it some contemplation to resolve.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #20 –
Quote from: Nick R.  - 
I also want to replace the factory radio in my 2001 MB with one that has Bluetooth and a front auxiliary port and can be connected to a Sirius tuner (if I ever want one).

The factory radio is a Panasonic CQ-R145U - and I don't get it out of the dash. I remember that I read somewhere that it might have been glued in by Lazy Daze. Is that really possible, or is there just some trick needed? If it's glued in, how do I get it out?
Hello Nick - Having just done this I can tell you that it seems as though the mothership's answer to a vibration, any vibration, was caulk (poly or otherwise) usually in abundant amounts. The fix for a rattling radio was no different. A large glob of poly was used to help secure the radio onto it's "rail". If you are unable to remove the radio from the front (as I was), then you will need to pull the doghouse in order to access the offending gob of caulk from underneath. Either way, it's just caulk and is easily dispatched.

Don't worry about trying to separate the radio from the bezel in situ as the bezel must be removed anyway. Once the caulk is dealt with, remove the bezel (remove the two 7 mm bolts above the instrument cluster & headlight knob, then just "pop" it out) and radio as one, then deal with divorcing the radio & it's metal framework from the bezel.

The fun begins, once you have the existing radio removed, with dash modification. Attempts to test fit a DDIN head unit will provide the indications needed as to what and where. In addition to the previous recommendations, I would also advise purchasing a mini-hacksaw such as this http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-10-in-Mini-Hack-Saw-15-809/100026795 found just nearly anywhere hacksaws are sold. A 24 or 32 tpi blade will help the needed alterations go much smoother. I found the dremel to be ill suited where thermoplastic polymers are concerned. Both the bezel and sub-dash will require modification. It is important to note that only the top and/or bottom of each should be altered as the sides of the bezel are to be left untouched. They will be needed to affix the new dash kit.

I am quite pleased with the WX-900BT and have no doubt that it's successor, the -920BT will perform equally, if not better. In retrospect, and as several have already noted, the wise decision would be to simply take her to an automotive stereo installation facility and let them deal with the problems. Hope this helps!
Ray
Now doing without...
Some In-Dash Stereo Questions
Reply #21 –
Since I started looking for a new radio for my 2001 MB Lazy Daze I also started to feel pretty stupid. So many options, so many things that I do not really understand! I'm very good with computers, cell phones, tablets, and all kinds of electronics - but apparently I know nothing about nowadays car radios. I need help again.

I currently have a Panasonic CQ-R145U radio installed. It has a "normal" height what probably means that it is a "Single DIN" radio. It is connected to the CD changer that is in the dinette seat behind the passenger seat. I'm quite sure that this is the original setup as the LD came from the factory (I got the manuals with the vehicle).

The main reason that I want a new radio is that I want to be able to connect my cell phone to it - via cable and via Bluetooth - and to listen to audio books and sometimes music. Right now I do this with a Bluetooth transmitter which is kind of ok but kind of also not ok - I want this to be better.

The only radio station that I'm really interested in is NPR. I don't need a CD player or changer. I also think that HD Radio technology and SiriusXM tuner compatibility are good and desirable features. And - the radio should display the time, if possible also when it is switched off (I don't understand how such a vehicle can come without a clock in the dashboard).

Does this so far make sense?

I don't know whether I would want to use the radio for phone calls. Is that a good thing? I'm also not using Spotify or similar services.

It seems that although my current radio is a single DIN radio also a double DIN radio would fit into my dash. But I'm not sure whether I need that. What are the big advantages of a double DIN radio?

The general question is whether I can expect that it is possible to simply swap the existing radio with a new radio. Do modern radios have still the same connections in the back as old radios (like mine)? Should a new single DIN radio fit into the same slot as the old radio, or do I need all kinds of additional new hardware?

I also saw on the Best Buy website that they include "free installation" with basically all radios that they sell. Did anybody ever use that? Could it be worth the extra $30 that radios cost more at Best Buy (compared to Amazon and Crutchfield)? I don't even know how to get the old radio out of its slot. That seems to require special tools that I don't have. I also saw that they sell SiriusXM tuners for $36 - for so little money I would probably buy it right away (together with a $100 radio), especially if I get it also right away installed, even if I would not right away subscribe to Sirius.

OK, that's enough for now. I hope to get some tips from you soon. Thanks.

Nick
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #22 –
Hi Nick; I spent 3 months refurbishing a 2001 MB in 2017, but didn't have time to replace the radio. I did immediately replace the radio in my '99TK when new in 2000, so it has been awhile.
    That is a single DIN slot for the radio, but the space isn't quite big enough for a double DIN. A little modification of the steel framework surrounding the opening is necessary. Most installers can probably cope with it, but it may cost some extra. If you can get it installed for $30, that is a bargain. The wiring in your LD  is good. Problems arise if the speakers rely on a ground as a return for the signal. LD has two wires going to each speaker. Most installers won't expect a motorhome. Make sure the new radio is connected to the house battery. My radio in the '99 was secured with a big glob of latex caulk. A bare hacksaw blade cuts through that easily, just don't hit the wires. An installer may want to take the engine cover off. Best to avoid that if you can, but you should know how to do that anyway. Getting it back on correctly can be a challenge.
    Many new radios don't have a CD player any longer, and rely on a 'thumb' drive (USB) port. I have a HD AM radio with thumb drive single DIN waiting in the wings for my '99. The only advantage I see for a double DIN size is a bigger screen size, and easier to operate larger buttons. If you want a really big display, want to run GPS, or a rear camera, then the double DIN with an extending display is necessary.  I haven't seen any without a clock. Having a clock that stays lit when the radio is off may be harder to find. Most people with cars want the radio to appear to be off when they turn off the car. My 18 year old Alpine can't be convinced to keep the clock display on if I turn it off.  Of course if it were really off, then the remote wouldn't be able to turn it on. My radio for the last 18 years is always on, supplied by the house battery. The display is florescent, not LCD, so it would use more power to keep a clock visible. The big market is autos, and they generally don't have solar.
    Bluetooth is so easy to do, I think all new radios have that capability.  SiriusXM is nice. The problem here is running the wire somewhere for the extra (much different technology) antenna. That is a satellite receiver. I mounted mine on the roof, and ran the wire down the refrigerator vent. You are in luck with a MB; the wire can go down just behind the driver seat, under the carpet, and up under the dash to the satellite radio tuner.
    I don't do phone calls while driving, and the only advantage is using the radio speakers, which mutes the audio source while the call is in progress. I prefer to keep those functions separate. Since the radio already has BT and speakers, most come with the phone feature. It can of course be used while you aren't driving.
  Here is a nice one available. (not endorsed, just picked one out of many). Kenwood Excelon KDC-X702 CD receiver at Crutchfield.com     I notice this one doesn't mention a non cell phone remote, or a clock display.
    Hoped this helped a bit. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #23 –
Quote from: Nick R.  - 
Since I started looking for a new radio for my 2001 MB Lazy Daze I also started to feel pretty stupid. So many options, so many things that I do not really understand! I'm very good with computers, cell phones, tablets, and all kinds of electronics - but apparently I know nothing about nowadays car radios. I need help again.

I currently have a Panasonic CQ-R145U radio installed. It has a "normal" height what probably means that it is a "Single DIN" radio. It is connected to the CD changer that is in the dinette seat behind the passenger seat. I'm quite sure that this is the original setup as the LD came from the factory (I got the manuals with the vehicle).

The main reason that I want a new radio is that I want to be able to connect my cell phone to it - via cable and via Bluetooth - and to listen to audio books and sometimes music. Right now I do this with a Bluetooth transmitter which is kind of ok but kind of also not ok - I want this to be better.

The only radio station that I'm really interested in is NPR. I don't need a CD player or changer. I also think that HD Radio technology and SiriusXM tuner compatibility are good and desirable features. And - the radio should display the time, if possible also when it is switched off (I don't understand how such a vehicle can come without a clock in the dashboard).

Does this so far make sense?

I don't know whether I would want to use the radio for phone calls. Is that a good thing? I'm also not using Spotify or similar services.

It seems that although my current radio is a single DIN radio also a double DIN radio would fit into my dash. But I'm not sure whether I need that. What are the big advantages of a double DIN radio?

The general question is whether I can expect that it is possible to simply swap the existing radio with a new radio. Do modern radios have still the same connections in the back as old radios (like mine)? Should a new single DIN radio fit into the same slot as the old radio, or do I need all kinds of additional new hardware?

I also saw on the Best Buy website that they include "free installation" with basically all radios that they sell. Did anybody ever use that? Could it be worth the extra $30 that radios cost more at Best Buy (compared to Amazon and Crutchfield)? I don't even know how to get the old radio out of its slot. That seems to require special tools that I don't have. I also saw that they sell SiriusXM tuners for $36 - for so little money I would probably buy it right away (together with a $100 radio), especially if I get it also right away installed, even if I would not right away subscribe to Sirius.

OK, that's enough for now. I hope to get some tips from you soon. Thanks.

Nick
Quote from: Nick R.  - 
Since I started looking for a new radio for my 2001 MB Lazy Daze I also started to feel pretty stupid. So many options, so many things that I do not really understand! I'm very good with computers, cell phones, tablets, and all kinds of electronics - but apparently I know nothing about nowadays car radios. I need help again.

I currently have a Panasonic CQ-R145U radio installed. It has a "normal" height what probably means that it is a "Single DIN" radio. It is connected to the CD changer that is in the dinette seat behind the passenger seat. I'm quite sure that this is the original setup as the LD came from the factory (I got the manuals with the vehicle).

The main reason that I want a new radio is that I want to be able to connect my cell phone to it - via cable and via Bluetooth - and to listen to audio books and sometimes music. Right now I do this with a Bluetooth transmitter which is kind of ok but kind of also not ok - I want this to be better.

The only radio station that I'm really interested in is NPR. I don't need a CD player or changer. I also think that HD Radio technology and SiriusXM tuner compatibility are good and desirable features. And - the radio should display the time, if possible also when it is switched off (I don't understand how such a vehicle can come without a clock in the dashboard).

Does this so far make sense?

I don't know whether I would want to use the radio for phone calls. Is that a good thing? I'm also not using Spotify or similar services.

It seems that although my current radio is a single DIN radio also a double DIN radio would fit into my dash. But I'm not sure whether I need that. What are the big advantages of a double DIN radio?

The general question is whether I can expect that it is possible to simply swap the existing radio with a new radio. Do modern radios have still the same connections in the back as old radios (like mine)? Should a new single DIN radio fit into the same slot as the old radio, or do I need all kinds of additional new hardware?

I also saw on the Best Buy website that they include "free installation" with basically all radios that they sell. Did anybody ever use that? Could it be worth the extra $30 that radios cost more at Best Buy (compared to Amazon and Crutchfield)? I don't even know how to get the old radio out of its slot. That seems to require special tools that I don't have. I also saw that they sell SiriusXM tuners for $36 - for so little money I would probably buy it right away (together with a $100 radio), especially if I get it also right away installed, even if I would not right away subscribe to Sirius.

OK, that's enough for now. I hope to get some tips from you soon. Thanks.

Nick
When you install your new radio, make sure you pull the radio fuse in the engine compartment FIRST.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Recommendations on upgrade to in dash stereo receiver?
Reply #24 –
Thanks for the answers. This is all very valuable information. I will get another single DIN radio, probably the Kenwood KMM-BT522HD which has aux and USB inputs in the front. Good to know that another 2001 MB had the old radio glued in (not so good that it will make it harder to get it out, but it is what it is). I chatted today with Crutchfield which was helpful, too. I will first get the old radio out and go on from there.

Are there somewhere instructions how to get the doghouse removed and put back on?
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath