Lazy Daze Owners' Group

01 radio replacement, double din or 1.5 din?

April 17, 2022, 07:43:19 pm

Our 01 has a Kenwood head unit and 10 disc cd changer in it. I'm thinking it's about time to replace it with something we can load up with all our mp3's and get bluetooth, gps, and all that fancy new features. I haven't pulled the old unit out, or removed any of the plastic to see exactly how much space is available yet. I'm hoping some have already done that to know if a double din head unit can fit or not. I know it's bigger then a single din, as there is a little pocket above the radio, but I'm sure if it's a full double din or not.

I'm open to any recommendations of what folks have replaced their stock radios with.

Re: 01 radio replacement, double din or 1.5 din?

Reply #2 – April 17, 2022, 10:11:50 pm

This doesn’t answer your question about fitting a double DIN, but I went back-and-forth on this very question, as Crutchfield showed some double DINs available for my ‘03. So maybe at least it will help someone else if they’re searching this topic like I was a few weeks ago.

Ultimately, we just decided to save some $$ this time around since we have a separate Garmin nav that we bought just for the RV, we just need BT and USB input. Hate to remove a perfectly-good stereo, and it goes with the “retro” theme, but we need to be able to stream music.

Incidentally, the original Sony has RCA inputs on the back, and I investigated accessing those (but would still need to wire something to charge the passenger’s phone), but the $15 EBAY part to make those inputs work was a gamble. (You apparently have to trick the Sony into thinking a CD changer is sending in that signal). Hope that made sense.

Here’s what I got: Cost me $109.00, single DIN, JVC KD-T710BT, on Crutchfield.

Since LD deleted (or tossed) the Ford wiring harness, I just got the included Metra harness Crutchfield bundles in (and added a crimping tool and some connectors). Crutchfield was kind enough to give me a chart comparing my particular original Sony wire colors with the JVC’s (I had to ask the rep for that specifically), and after it arrives on Tuesday, I’ll use that and WxToads write-up to do the job — following his method.

I’ve already had the Sony out to confirm the absence of the Ford harness, mine wasn’t glued in as others have found. I had it out of the dash in less than a minute by popping the entire trim out that surrounds the stereo.

When/if I get a rear-facing camera, I’ll either have a separate screen mounted in place of or near the rear view mirror, or upgrade at that point with a double DIN to integrate the camera. If we were full-timing in this thing, obviously double DIN and integrated rear camera would’ve been the ticket for us.

Re: 01 radio replacement, double din or 1.5 din?

Reply #4 – April 18, 2022, 02:03:52 am

Hi Henness:  A friend replaced his original radio with a double DIN radio. He had a 2001 MB. If I remember he had it done and it was a pain to get it to fit correctly, but eventually it did. A 1 1/2 DIN might be much easier.  It had a foldout, and retracting screen with a potential for a rear view camera. I don't think he ever put a camera in.  RonB

Re: 01 radio replacement, double din or 1.5 din?

Reply #6 – April 18, 2022, 09:17:43 am

Go to Crutchfield's web site and call their help line. I have used them in the past . Make sure to get direct fit wiring connector harnesses. Also look up reviews on Kenwood. Some models no longer have gps updates from Garmin.
Dont get the HD.....the radio portion has a hard time finding the HD station on the highway. And when it does find a station and music starts it can make you jump out of your seat. Hard to see screen and touch screen is complicated.
I would rarther have a stand alone gps. Or just use my phone.