DavesCountry
Junior Member
All -
I was directed here from a post I originally made on Reddit Car AV, and I have been reading some great info. So, I am excited to get some opinions here. I will try and provide a bunch of detail.
First, my truck as a 2018 Outdoorsman with the 5.0 RA2. Generally speaking, I am OK with most of the functionality of this radio and the nav I get with my cell phone. However, I would really like to improve the size of the navigation screen as my eyes could use the bigger view. Here are other things I like
If I am going to swap systems, here are a few more features I wouldn't mind upgrading or getting
Whatever I do, I am looking for as plug n play as possible.
So, I have been looking at several aftermarket units. I started with, I think it was the Sony AX-100 (cheap, simple), and also the Alpine W650. I have kind of looked past those since they don't show as being fully integrated with Idatalink Maestro. The Alpine seems like it might have limited video capababilities.
Currently, given my requirements and wants, here is what I am leaning to
I was directed here from a post I originally made on Reddit Car AV, and I have been reading some great info. So, I am excited to get some opinions here. I will try and provide a bunch of detail.
First, my truck as a 2018 Outdoorsman with the 5.0 RA2. Generally speaking, I am OK with most of the functionality of this radio and the nav I get with my cell phone. However, I would really like to improve the size of the navigation screen as my eyes could use the bigger view. Here are other things I like
- Love the display for the factory rear view camera
- The mics in the headliners seem to really work great
- Dont have steering wheel controls, don't feel I am missing them
- I like the way it reads my phone for media via bluetooth and the center console,
- I like the XM
- Generally like how easy it is to use when setting other settings.
If I am going to swap systems, here are a few more features I wouldn't mind upgrading or getting
- Android Auto (don't think I can do or need wireless since I don't think my phone is capable)
- Better voice to text for text messages. Kind of limited on this with my current system
- Want to retain as much factory as possible - mostly the rear view camera, microphones and USB hub
- Would like to be able to add other video - especially Youtube TV, Netflix,
- If I am going to shoot for the moon - might as well add web surfing, email, etc.
Whatever I do, I am looking for as plug n play as possible.
So, I have been looking at several aftermarket units. I started with, I think it was the Sony AX-100 (cheap, simple), and also the Alpine W650. I have kind of looked past those since they don't show as being fully integrated with Idatalink Maestro. The Alpine seems like it might have limited video capababilities.
Currently, given my requirements and wants, here is what I am leaning to
- Kenwood-DMX7706S
- Idatalink Maestro with CH3 harness - this is kind of a toss up for me. Most of what idatalink does like enhanced gauges, tpms, etc - not sure that I really want or need that, but if I have to use Maestro to retain rear view camera, etc - then I want as many features as possible.
- Unclear on if I need a dash kit or bezel. I am pretty sure I will.
- Unclear on if I need Nav1. If the head unit I am picking does have native nav, meaning whatever Nav I use is via my cell phone, I don't know what good this does me
- Unclear on Sat 1. I like XM, but I am on a trial subscription for about another 7 months, If they raise my monthly, I won't renew. So, am hesitant to buy Sat 1, or even an XM tuner. If I have it correct, I could access XM via Android Auto and my phone.
- Unclear on if I need anything to retain the USB hub in my console, or if that is even possible with my setup.
- General opinions on this system design
- How close or not close I will get to my desired list of functions
- What am I missing