RT Aftermarket Nav Systems?????

I am new to to the ROC. I just bought a 2008 RT and my wife wants me to add an indash Nav-DVD system. What is the system with the most features, easiest to install and best price? I have noticed that some of you have D3s and I have seen some Kenwoods also.

I don't have a clue as to what works and what doesn't. I also am not real good at tearing into the dash to hunt for wires.

Any help woud be greatly appreciated! (And get my wife off my back!)

Congrat's on the truck, and Welcome to the ROC!!

I just have an external Garmin Nuvi 750... maybe you could talk her into a portable. :D

Difficult call! I really like the in dash GPS that came with my truck but one of the advantages is its integration with the radio and climate controls. I'm sure you would loose that integration by going with an aftermarket in dash GPS system. With that in mind, I agree with Voices, go with the portable.

Good Luck!

for in dash your just swapping wires with the old head unit and connecting wires go to Find Car Audio/Video Gear that Fits Your Vehicle at Crutchfield! (http://www.crutchfield.com/app/car/mycar.aspx?) they will hook you up with everything you need (wiring kits, covers) and for most things you buy its free, and they include a free set of instructions, you just need to put in your trucks details and it will tell you what fits, they even got a live chat so they can help you.

but portable it so much easier GARMIN IS THE BEST

Thanks for the input. I have to agree that a portable is easier, however, I am dealing with someone who has made up her mind that we need an in dash system that will also play DVDs. The OE radio just doesn't fill that requirement. I like the idea of going with a system that has Garmin mapping, because Garmin's headquarters is located around the corner from my house.

After checking out the Crutchfield site, I have found that the Kenwood DNX8120 uses Garmin mapping on internal memory so you can play music while you use the nav system. Does anyone have one of these installed????

If money isn't a factor, then go with the Kenwood. I've got a Kenwood DDX7017 DVD Player in my dash. It's also set up for navigation, but adding the equipment and necessary modules to make it work would have cost me over $600.00 and since it was two years old when I got the truck, it was already older tech that wouldn't work as well. I've gotta go with everyone else and go portable. I've got a Magellon Maestro 3250 set up with a floor mount, so it's out of the way and doesn't block the radio or windshield.

...however, I am dealing with someone who has made up her mind that we need an in dash system...

If the better half ain't happy... ain't nobody happy! :eek:

Quick search only produced 1 thread that mentions that model - Click Here (http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/problems-issues/21953-lost-backlighting-all-dash-switches.html)
and this was more of an after install issue - but you could send him a private message or email from his profile...

Good luck! :cool:

I have spent some time on this...as I couldn't stomach the Honda price for factory NAV + backup camera (and then still need something else for bluetooth)

I'm getting the Pioneer AVICF700BT that is being released in a couple of weeks. Plenty of info on Pioneer's website.

Flash based. Gives me Bluetooth, backup camera, XM. Installed for $1,400. Supposed to be really good voice rec too. If you have an iPod you can get an optional module as well. Also has an SD slot for upgrades, MP3's, etc. The installer indicates they will integrate it to the steering wheel controls as well.

There are two models above this if you need to play video.

Thanks for the input. I have to agree that a portable is easier, however, I am dealing with someone who has made up her mind that we need an in dash system that will also play DVDs.

WOW....a wife who acutally wants an in-dash DVD player. Sounds like a keeper. Mine threatened to remove mine with a ballpeen hammer until I explained putting back the stock head unit would be more expensive (if you won't tell her, I sure as hell won't):eek:

(if you won't tell her, I sure as hell won't):eek:

Soooo.... I guess that means you're buyin' on Saturday? MuWah ah ah ah ;)

I need to be buying ASAP so I can install on Saturday!!!!!!!!

I need to be buying ASAP so I can install on Saturday!!!!!!!!

Sounds like you should give these guys a call.

Kenwood- Amateur Radio and Land Mobile KollmanRadio.com - Kollman Radio Electronics- Kansas City's Everything Car Audio & more Store (http://kollmanradio.com/index.php?cPath=131)

Wow! You guys are good! The Kenwood boys are into CB and Short Wave. They don't have the GPS / DVD units. But I am impressed. I didn't even know they existed.

Use a map. Much better than nav. And cheaper too. Save your loot for rising gas prices and the guzzling RL! ;)

Thanks for the advice. I have a GPS unit for my cell phone because I travel to a lot of out of the way places. I have found that my GPS has been more acurate than some of the maps that I have purchased. It is also difficult and dangerous to try and find where you are going on a map while driving. (I usually don't have time to stop and read a map) I think I will continue my quest for the perfect in dash navigation system.

Thanks for the input!

P.S. I traded in a gas hog that burned premium, so I am saving a bundle!

I need to be buying ASAP so I can install on Saturday!!!!!!!!

I have the Pioneer AVIC-D3 for about a year now. It's not the greatest navi (Garmin 660 is better) but it does it's best to get to the places I go. You might want to read up on the by-pass mod as well. As in most in-dash Navi, they don't allow you to play with the unit once you're in motion. Check out crutchfield, I believe Pioneer just release a newer model out recently.

After checking out the Crutchfield site, I have found that the Kenwood DNX8120 uses Garmin mapping on internal memory so you can play music while you use the nav system. Does anyone have one of these installed????

I have the DDX8019/KNA-G510N combination which is the componentized version of the 8120. It works exceedingly well.

I am really happy with my Eclipse headunit. If you plan on upgrading speakers and adding some amps, I would check this unit out. ECLIPSE AVN6620 DVD Navigation System with 7inch Wide TFT Display and Dual DVD Multi-Source Receiver AVN6620 | Fujitsu Ten (http://www.eclipse-web.com/avn/avn6620acce.html)

Congrat's on the truck, and Welcome to the ROC!!

I just have an external Garmin Nuvi 750... maybe you could talk her into a portable. :D

I second the portable option, as you can move it from car to car or even use it in pedestrian or bicycle mode. I have the step up from yours with the Nuvi 760. I've had it for three days and I LOVE it. So easy to use, and so Garmin. Spot-on navigation.

However, one of the GREATEST benefits of a nice in-dash unit is you can add a backup camera to it which in a truck with a rear blind spot like the Ridgeline can be a Godsend.

I know the Pioneer AVIC series (especially the higher end ones) are some of the nicest overall systems you can get. Great navigation, satellite radio ready and all of the other bells and whistles.

I really appreciate all of the advice!!!! After spending the past 3 days researching and taking into consideration everything that I have been told, I think I have made up my mind. I think I am going to go with the Kenwood DNX 5120 and add to it the Boyo VTL400 rear view camera.

Thank you for all of your help.

I really appreciate all of the advice!!!! After spending the past 3 days researching and taking into consideration everything that I have been told, I think I have made up my mind. I think I am going to go with the Kenwood DNX 5120 and add to it the Boyo VTL400 rear view camera.

Thank you for all of your help.

Sounds like a nice setup. One of the best upgrades to go with the new head unit is to get some good speakers in the process. You'll notice an immediate upgrade in sound quality with the head unit alone, and with the speakers it will sound like an entirely different vehicle then before.

The Kenwood DNX (not sure what ##) is what one of my friends just put in his FJ cruiser. Loves it so far and sounds like a pretty average install (no bizarre connections to be made ;)).

I'm a die hard Garmin fan as well...glad to see you're sticking with them http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

Thanks for the positive feedback! I have one minor change. I am going with the Kenwood DNX7120 instead of the 5120. The wife wanted me to get the one with a bigger screen size. I said that I guess that would be alright as long as she is happy! :D

Thanks for the positive feedback! I have one minor change. I am going with the Kenwood DNX7120 instead of the 5120. The wife wanted me to get the one with a bigger screen size. I said that I guess that would be alright as long as she is happy! :D

As long as it fits into your dash with the provided kit or maybe another kit. Another thing to take into consideration is the Dead Reckoning (if available with the system) cable that requires a splice into your speedometer wire. What it does (when it is available) is it allows you to continue navigating with the loss of your GPS signal by gaging your location off of your current speed and using a gyroscopic type sensor in the unit to determine your turns. This isn't a common occurrence unless in a heavy storm or driving amongst tall buildings (like in NYC) and other dense areas.

The Kenwood/Garmin system does not use a VSS wire for dead reckoning. It uses a WAAS receiver that tries to sync to 12 satellites at once.

I have spent some time on this...as I couldn't stomach the Honda price for factory NAV + backup camera (and then still need something else for bluetooth)

I'm getting the Pioneer AVICF700BT that is being released in a couple of weeks. Plenty of info on Pioneer's website.

Flash based. Gives me Bluetooth, backup camera, XM. Installed for $1,400. Supposed to be really good voice rec too. If you have an iPod you can get an optional module as well. Also has an SD slot for upgrades, MP3's, etc. The installer indicates they will integrate it to the steering wheel controls as well.

There are two models above this if you need to play video.

My install is scheduled for this Thursday. I can't wait! I found a guy on another forum that can make a cable so that I can reuse the OEM XM antenna. I also opted to get the HD module for the unit.

I post some pics post install. I think this is the unit to beat.

My install is scheduled for this Thursday. I can't wait! I found a guy on another forum that can make a cable so that I can reuse the OEM XM antenna. I also opted to get the HD module for the unit.

I post some pics post install. I think this is the unit to beat.

I'm afraid to report that it only took a couple of hours to realize that it doesn't appear that the Pioneer AVICF700BT is ready for primetime.

Right off the bat, the bluetooth from my Blackberry 8330 to the Pio constantly resets. Now, this could be the BB but strike one.

The unit literally takes 60 to 90 seconds to fire up. While it's doing this you can listen to whatever source was on last but that's it. That's crazy. One of the appealing things to me about this unit was that it is flash based, shouldn't that be quicker?!

Speech recognition and playback is just awful. Maybe Acura spoiled me with theirs.

The positives - high resolution screen; commands appear to laid out pretty good;

My advice for now - stay away from this unit. I discovered a thread on Engadget with early adopters like me complaining about the same things... Too bad I didn't find it sooner.

So - I'm back to shopping for a different unit it appears.

My Kenwood takes about 8 seconds to start up audio and about 10 seconds to start up video. At that point it's completely up. It is a little slower than some factory systems, but factory systems don't have AM/FM, HD Radio, nav, CD/DVD, Sirius, TV, iPod, USB, outboard digital processor, etc. like mine.

Pioneer is too good a company to let a new product fail. They must have a firmware update in the works that fixes some of these problems. Whether it helps the startup time, though, who knows.

My Kenwood takes about 8 seconds to start up audio and about 10 seconds to start up video. At that point it's completely up. It is a little slower than some factory systems, but factory systems don't have AM/FM, HD Radio, nav, CD/DVD, Sirius, TV, iPod, USB, outboard digital processor, etc. like mine.

Pioneer is too good a company to let a new product fail. They must have a firmware update in the works that fixes some of these problems. Whether it helps the startup time, though, who knows.

Well the question would be when... I spoke to Pioneer directly and while they were aware of the issues, they had no prediction as to a release date. I'm not willing to wait months. The other issue that was very apparent yesterday for me was the screen completely washed out in some moderate sun. I couldn't see a thing.

I have gone as far as asking my dealer what sort of hit it would be to get into Factory NAV (which I think means a new vehicle). Likely pretty ugly.

I'm looking at an Eclipse unit as well.

I have finished with my install of the Kenwood DNX7120 system with the Boyo backup camera. Everything works great! I am very pleased with the system and the way it looks in the dash. My son helped me with the install and everything only took a couple of hours.

Thank you all for your input!

Well the question would be when... I spoke to Pioneer directly and while they were aware of the issues, they had no prediction as to a release date. I'm not willing to wait months. The other issue that was very apparent yesterday for me was the screen completely washed out in some moderate sun. I couldn't see a thing.

I have gone as far as asking my dealer what sort of hit it would be to get into Factory NAV (which I think means a new vehicle). Likely pretty ugly.

I'm looking at an Eclipse unit as well.

I ended up going with a Kenwood DNX8120. It's like night and day over the Pioneer. Very happy with it. However, if I had to do it again I would get Factory NAV and add the missing pieces (Bluetooth, Ipod). I think the Kenwood is more capable than the Factory NAV unit, but....

Hey Teledatageek, When you hooked up your XM did you use the existing XM
antenna on the roof? If so, how did you plug it the Kenwood XM adapter?
I would appreciate all the details. Thanks!!!:D :)

Hey Teledatageek, When you hooked up your XM did you use the existing XM
antenna on the roof? If so, how did you plug it the Kenwood XM adapter?
I would appreciate all the details. Thanks!!!:D :)

Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible with the Kenwood XM adapter. My understanding is that the adapter actually contains the XM electronics in addition to being the antenna. So, the hockey puck sits in the middle of my dash. I've gotten used to it, but what a crazy design!

I went for the Eclipse AVN2210p, found it on sale at Circuit city. Detachable Tom tom navigation, MP3, bluetooth and a usb port included. Ipod acts like a usb flash drive when connected. No backup camera option though. Happy with it so far.

I went for the Eclipse AVN2210p, found it on sale at Circuit city. Detachable Tom tom navigation, MP3, bluetooth and a usb port included. Ipod acts like a usb flash drive when connected. No backup camera option though. Happy with it so far.

What dash kit did you use for this? It looks like it is flush mounted to the dash where all the kits I have seen mount the head unit flat so it is indented into the dash at the bottom. Looks great!!

Hi pro_olds67,

Sorry for the late reply. it is a metra. i had it installed at circuit city. But i wish it was more recessed in the space. Eyeing on a newer avn 4430.:D

To me there is only one way to go - Garmin Nuvi portable. It's the best electronic gadget I have ever purchased. It's easily moved from car to car. Since I drive more than one car this is essential. Also I don't have to rely on a car manufacturer for map upgrades. Garmin charges me $100 every 3-5 years. Porsche wanted $1095. I know that Honda would be less than that but I bet its more than the Nuvi. My Nuvi also includes MP3 player and Bluetooth and with an aux in to the stock stereo it all comes out the car speakers! Rurthermore the Nuvi can work handheld. It can be hidden when parking.