[wjo1ster]

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!)

 

[VoicesInMyHead]

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.

 

[BruceRTL]

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!

 

[rakapur]

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! 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

 

[wjo1ster]

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????

 

[RustyH]

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.

 

[VoicesInMyHead]

...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!

Quick search only produced 1 thread that mentions that model - Click Here
and this was more of an after install issue - but you could send him a private message or email from his profile...

Good luck!

 

[Teledatageek]

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.

 

[RustyH]

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)

 

[VoicesInMyHead]

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

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

 

[wjo1ster]

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

 

[RustyH]

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

 

[wjo1ster]

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.

 

[govenatorx]

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

 

[wjo1ster]

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!

 

[RTXGuy]

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.

 

[shovelhd]

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.

 

[Chefelvis]

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

 

[X-Brawn]

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.

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.

 

[wjo1ster]

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.