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
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
That's a good point. I would be fine with a new unit with a multi disc capability.
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.
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.
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 (https://www.crutchfield.com)
Great customer service and a complete line of installation kits.
Larry
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 (https://www.amazon.com/Sony-WX900BT-2-DIN-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01BKC10OG) 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...
in an ocean of probably thousands of possibilities... i just put this kenwood (https://www.crutchfield.com/S-M2gd1VsfVcb/p_113KMBT318/Kenwood-KMM-BT318U.html?XVINQ=DST&XVVER=G09&awcp=1t1&awcr=164109964943&awdv=c&awkw=&awmt=b&awnw=g&awug=9031542) 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.
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.
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
Thanks Dad, I’ll start my homework now. 🎼🚐😜
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
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 (https://www.jabra.com/supportpages/jabra-cruiser2#/#100-47200000-02)
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 (http://www.sony.com/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/wx-900bt). It also required a double DIN installation kit, I used Amazon.com: Metra 95-5817 Double DIN Installation Dash Kit for Select... (http://www.amazon.com/Metra-95-5817-Installation-1995-2008-Vehicles/dp/B0024L8I02). 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... (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EOOU9E/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A3JV2WX8IXDD3A&psc=1) 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
Bought mine on sale at Amazon and had local stereo shop install this April. I’m happy with mine 🚐
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 (http://www.sony.com/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/wx-900bt).
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
Bought mine on sale at Amazon and had local stereo shop install this April. I’m happy with mine 🚐
A wise decision!
Good to know about the double DIN adaptor brackets.
I hope that it can help someone in the future!
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.
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?
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.
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!
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
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 (https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KDCX702/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X702.html) I notice this one doesn't mention a non cell phone remote, or a clock display.
Hoped this helped a bit. RonB
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
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
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?
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?
I replaced the radio in my '02 30 'with a Kenwood and didn't have to remove the doghouse.
Chris
Hi Nick. Like Chris, I didn't need to remove the engine cover to replace my '99 radio. Later on I needed to remove it for an engine problem, and when I did, I thought to myself that it would have simplified access. Especially if I had lost any screws, or needed to bundle extra wires or to tidy up things inside.
There might be generic instructions in the Ford manual, but the complications arise from the carpeting, or in some years, the shelves added by Lazy Daze. There are a bunch of 1/4" hex head short sheet metal screws buried in the carpeting. Don't remove those. They are there only to hold the carpet on. Replacing them is a long process to find the original holes. There is a flap of carpet at the base about 3" worth that is held to the floor with these same (a little bit longer maybe) screws. I don't remember the exact amount, maybe 10 or so. Remove these. The two clips, one on each side, at the upper sides snap open.Two more latches at the base next to the seats; the handles flip out and rotate to release. Before you do that, remove everything loose from storage in the engine cover compartment (if you have that compartment), and on any shelf above. Those compartments and shelves varied from year to year from Ford and LD.
Make sure floor mats are cleared away (good time to clean them out of the rig) and the seats are as far back as possible. If you are just working on the radio, you may be able to just move the cover back a few inches. Otherwise you need to wrestle the cover out of the door, passenger side to avoid the steering wheel. Take care not to ding up anything with the cover, or damage the foil liner in the cover.
To put it back in, reverse the process. Harder to put it in and get it aligned properly than it seems. You need to get the cover lined up on the rubber gasket, clear the carpet pieces (flap) along the sides. Push the cover forward and make sure it is in the right place, before trying to snap the clamping fasteners back. They should require some force, but if they won't clamp, the cover isn't in right. Good lighting and visibility are a must. Make sure you allow some time to get this right.
Before you put the bottom screws in, start the engine. If it sounds too noisy, you probably didn't get the cover in quite right. Some states require the cover come off for a smog check, and some charge you to remove/replace it. Often afterwards people complain that their feet get too hot, or water is coming in. That is a giveaway that the cover isn't in right. Once I had to use a 3# sledge hammer on a person's (in the caravan club) cover to seat it right. Evidently Alaska requires removal. They were very nervous about me approaching their rig with a big hammer! After you are confident that it is placed correctly, replace the screws around the periphery. I use a machinist scribe, through the hole in the carpet, to find the hole that the screw came out of, to replace the screw.
I bet Larry has this down to a science on his rig! RonB
Are there somewhere instructions how to get the doghouse removed and put back on?
The Companion The Lazy Daze Companion: Doghouse (http://lazydazearticles.blogspot.com/search/label/Doghouse), youtube and google are your friends. It's not as daunting as it may seem and Ron has given an excellent step-by-step description!
My radio seems to be glued in. I have now the tools that should release the radio and make it easy to pull it out but it does not work in my LD.
I also did not come far in my attempt to remove the engine cover. Neither the instructions here or elsewhere seem to fit my cover - something is different here. See also attached photo. It is also not explained in the Ford or the Lazy Daze manual how to get it off.
After releasing the two "clamp grips" at the bottom and pulling at them the cover moves at the bottom but is still fixed at the top (and maybe also in the middle). I only pulled a little here, just to see whether anything moves.
There are no screws at the bottom but it seems to me that the carpet on both sides of the cover is screwed (and maybe also glued) onto the cover. Is it to be expected that there will be more "clamp grips" at the upper sides of the cover once I get the carpet off and that releasing them will enable me to get the cover off?
Nothing unusual here.
Have you released the two clamps on the side of the doghouse?
LD glues carpeting to the doghouse, reducing the clearances around it and also making it a PIA to remove and replace.
Once all four clamps have been released, I alternate pulling at the top and bottom of the doghouse until it works loose, it can be very difficult so take it easy and don't throw your back out.
Larry
"...so take it easy and don't throw your back out."
----
Back atcha, bud! ;)
Have you released the two clamps on the side of the doghouse?
No, I did not. I did not see them and assumed that something like this would be only _under_ the carpet. Now I released them and the whole cover is now more or less loose. I did not remove it yet as I assume that I first have to remove the carpet from the sides - correct?
I would be lost without this forum. It's great to be here. Thanks.
No, I did not. I did not see them and assumed that something like this would be only _under_ the carpet. Now I released them and the whole cover is now more or less loose. I did not remove it yet as I assume that I first have to remove the carpet from the sides - correct?
I would be lost without this forum. It's great to be here. Thanks.
Nick, per previous comments: Why are you removing the doghouse to replace the radio?
Chris
Nick, per previous comments: Why are you removing the doghouse to replace the radio?
He appears to have a radio that is secured with a big dollop of polyurethane sealant.
Our 2003's radio has this extra added and required removing the doghouse to access and cut the blob.
Larry
No, I did not. I did not see them and assumed that something like this would be only _under_ the carpet. Now I released them and the whole cover is now more or less loose. I did not remove it yet as I assume that I first have to remove the carpet from the sides - correct?
While removing the doghouse, I have never needed to remove any carpeting, only the storage bin is removed.
You may need to arrange the loose carpeting at the base of the dog house to keep it from interfering with the removal.
On some LDs, I have trimmed some of the added carpeting to provide better clearances around the doghouse.
Some doghouses have so much added carpeting that there is very little wiggle room, needed to easily remove it.
Reinstalling the doghouse requires getting it exactly lined up before pushing it into position, use your hand to feel each side where the doghouse meets the metal opening, the rubber seals need to mesh correctly with the opening sides.
Larry
He appears to have a radio that is secured with a big dollop of polyurethane sealant.
Our 2003's radio has this extra added and required removing the doghouse to access and cut the blob.
Larry
Thanks for the explanation. I guess he'll just have to chisel it out.
Chris
... a couple of hours later and with only one wound on my hand I managed to get the monster doghouse (at least a little bit) out of the way. I sawed through two blobs of caulk and then managed to get the radio (including the larger double DIN bezel) out of the dash. I then saw that there were many more caulk blobs everywhere which fortunately did not stick anymore.
I did not disconnect the radio yet. Should I not first pull the fuse for it? According to the E-450 manual it is fuse #8 - a 30A fuse that is not only controlling the radio but also the ignition coil, PCM diode, and the PCM power relay.
I guess it's safe to pull that fuse - right?
However, something is wrong here. Attached are two pictures, one from the manual and one from the actual fuse box. The manual paints a completely different picture of the fuse box than the actual fuse box. How am I supposed to find out which of the fuses is for the radio? This kind of sucks (not just for the radio but also in general).
OK, I just found out that my picture is not from the fuse box but from the power distribution box (in the engine compartment).
I found the fuse box below the steering wheel but I have not opened it yet. To get its cover off seems to be another slightly tricky thing to do. It will have to wait till tomorrow as it's getting dark here (and I'm getting hungry).
OK, I just found out that my picture is not from the fuse box but from the power distribution box (in the engine compartment).
I found the fuse box below the steering wheel but I have not opened it yet. To get its cover off seems to be another slightly tricky thing to do. It will have to wait till tomorrow as it's getting dark here (and I'm getting hungry).
As mentioned earlier, the radio fuse in my '02 is in the engine compartment, marked with a label maker tape. Check there first.
Chris
Hi Nick,
I changed out the original stereo(sony) in my new to me 2003 T/K this past spring and did not pull any fuses. I disconnected the negative house battery terminal post. My stereo is powered off of the house batteries not the engine battery.
JohnF
2003 T/K
"... and did not pull any fuses."
The tech who removed and replaced the Sony radio in my '04 this spring did not pull any fuses nor did he remove the doghouse! He made it look quite simple but admitted he'd been doing that for 20 years. :D ;)
Hi Nick. You don't need to be pulling any of the engine/chassis fuses. In my rig, there was yellow wiring over to the far drivers side close to the firewall. It was clearly labeled, two fuses in-line with fuse holders and yellow wiring, one for the CB radio, and one for the 'car' radio. A 7.5 amp fuse for the radio, I believe. The separate wiring was because they both run on the coach battery. I increased the fuse size to a 10 Amp. Normally that can be a dangerous thing, but the wire size can handle it, and that isn't much of an increase. Current demand for a radio is usually much lower, and peaks are of short duration. (no subwoofers here right?). If you are blowing 10 A. fuses you are playing the radio too loud. RonB
Hi Nick. You don't need to be pulling any of the engine/chassis fuses. In my rig, there was yellow wiring over to the far drivers side close to the firewall. It was clearly labeled, two fuses in-line with fuse holders and yellow wiring, one for the CB radio, and one for the 'car' radio. A 7.5 amp fuse for the radio, I believe. The separate wiring was because they both run on the coach battery. I increased the fuse size to a 10 Amp. Normally that can be a dangerous thing, but the wire size can handle it, and that isn't much of an increase. Current demand for a radio is usually much lower, and peaks are of short duration. (no subwoofers here right?). If you are blowing 10 A. fuses you are playing the radio too loud. RonB
FWIW, the engine compartment radio fuse blew as soon as I started fiddling with the radio wiring when removing it. I was warned to pull the fuse and forgot to. Not a big deal. Fuses are cheap. YMMV
Chris
Auto shop 101
"When working on any of the electrical, it's never a bad idea to disconnect the batteries, both the coach and starting."
Larry
I just ordered a radio (Kenwood KMM-BT522HD) from Crutchfield. Paid together with installation parts and ready-made harness $135 - not much, I think. Crutchfield's customer service is - at least so far - really outstanding. I will see if the radio can be indeed install as easily as they say.
I am wondering whether I should install an antenna booster while the radio is still out. Is anybody having any experience with that? Is it necessary or worth it?
Bye the way, the in-line fuse is already a 10A fuse. And I will disconnected the batteries before installing the new radio.
I just ordered a radio (Kenwood KMM-BT522HD) from Crutchfield. Paid together with installation parts and ready-made harness $135 - not much, I think. Crutchfield's customer service is - at least so far - really outstanding. I will see if the radio can be indeed install as easily as they say.
I am wondering whether I should install an antenna booster while the radio is still out. Is anybody having any experience with that? Is it necessary or worth it?
Bye the way, the in-line fuse is already a 10A fuse. And I will disconnected the batteries before installing the new radio.
I installed a Kenwood some years back and have never felt the need for an antenna booster.
Chris
I installed a Kenwood Excelon stereo which I ordered online from Crutchfield. I also ordered it with the ready made bracket thinking it would save me some install time. Unfortunately the Sony stereo that was installed was not the Ford manufactured installed stereo so the new ready made bracket did not fit. I had to cut the wires and re-crimp it anyway.
I seem to be getting good station signal strength with the roof mounted antenna. Although when I drove the Lazy Daze back home across the country this spring at times I could not seem to get a lot of stations but that turned out be my programming of the stereo. The new stereo seems to have all sort of controls where you can program it to pick up only certain types of stations such as rock, country, hip-hop, etc and I did not have it set right. I am very happy with the Kenwood Excelon.
JohnF
2003 T/K & 1987 MP w/roof sleeper
I got the radio. However, although I told the Crutchfield sales person when I ordered that my vehicle is not an ordinary 2001 Ford E-450 Econoline Super Duty Van but an RV on the basis of an E-450 with a special radio (with a CD changer connected to it) and although I offered to send her pictures of everything she just said: "No problem, buy additionally the 'Crutchfield ReadyHarness' which I have chosen for you and it will be an easy swap without you having to wire anything."
Well, the harness does not fit and a call to Crutchfield's technical support made clear that their 'ReadyHarness' is always only for the factory installed radio (as listed in their documents). The tech guy said I should cut the harness in the vehicle and cut the harness they sent to me and connect the wires according to their colors. He further said they would refund the money for the harness.
He also said that usually the original harness in a vehicle would not be cut for an aftermarket radio but a plug-in harness like the one they sent me would be used. That makes sense to me but apparently it did not make sense to Lazy Daze - they liked cutting better than plugging.
What I now would like to hear from you guys and ladies is that I will be able to rewire myself. According to both radio manuals the wire colors match (the old radio had just one wire more for a motor antenna which I can probably ignore). I guess I just need bullet connectors and heat shrink tubing. Is that correct?
I'm a little bit disappointed because I was excited to to listen to my new radio today. But I guess I have to relax into the fact that most things in an RV are a little more complicated than anticipated or hoped for.
Nick, same thing happened to me. Thought I was going to save some time with the Crutchfield ReadyHarness only to find it did not match the Sony stereo that was installed in the Lazy Daze. What I did was I used a crimp tool and crimp caps. I cut the wires of the new stereo very close to the ReadyHarness with the wire cutting part of the crimp tool. I stripped the ends of the wires from the new stereo with the stripping part of the crimp tool. I cut the wiring harness off the originally installed stereo leaving a lot of wire on the harness. Stripped the ends of those wires. Connected the same colored wires of the new stereo with the original stereo harness first twisting the wires together then using the crimp caps and tool making sure no bare wires was exposed beyond the cap. I pulled on the wires a little once crimped together to make sure they were tight. I might have put electrical tape on the crimped wires/cap to help keep them together. Then all I had to do was plug the two harnesses together. It worked out well for me.
JohnF
2003 T/K & 1987 MP w/roof sleeper
I do like Crutchfield and bought our replacement radio for the LD there. However, I ran into a similar issue with our Subaru. I went back and forth with the rep online to be sure the radio would be plug and play only to have them finally tell me that I would have to cut the wires and re-wire. Don't recall why right now.
Jim
The radio project is 2/3 done. I cut the wires in the LD and on the (not fitting) harness from Crutchfield and connected the LD wires and the pigtail wires color by color. In the end this was very easy - and the radio works! I still have to put the radio into the dashboard (and to study the manual).
The chat with Crutchfield about the refund for the harness took about five minutes, and less than five minutes later I had already an email with a credit note from them.
In a way this was a valuable experience. The next time I have to do something with cutting and reconnecting wires I will be muss less, if at all, anxious about it.
Thanks again for all the help.