plug and play options

[muddy12]

My factory radio decided to die on the way to work this morning.
Truck is a 2012, with the basic AM/FM, CD, satellite, like this,(google pic, not mine)


Is there anything available from the aftermarket that would be a plug and play direct replacement, that would retain the functionality of the steering wheel controls?

 

[Graygoose]

There are many interfaces that keep the OEM steering wheel controls on an aftermarket radio.
Want big, check out the Alpine Restyler

 

[cam101]

There are many interfaces that keep the OEM steering wheel controls on an aftermarket radio.
Want big, check out the Alpine Restyler

The big 3 which would be Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer are the most popular. The maestro and pac audio are pieces that help you retain your steering wheel controls. Crutchfield recommends them for when selecting a radio.

 

[Nick_rp]

There are many interfaces that keep the OEM steering wheel controls on an aftermarket radio.
Want big, check out the Alpine Restyler

I need a new head unit for my 2012 also but Alpines description says 2013+.

 

[MidwestJ]

I’m right there with you OP.

Same exact issue. So confusing on what to go with to retain steering wheel controls.

I don’t need a rocket ship interface unit-I actually like the stock stereo.

 

[Nick_rp]

I’m right there with you OP.

Same exact issue. So confusing on what to go with to retain steering wheel controls.

I don’t need a rocket ship interface unit-I actually like the stock stereo.

The description of the head units will state if it has wheel control function. Thats usually a selling point so it shouldnt be hard to miss

 

[muddy12]

My head is starting to hurt. Electronics aren't exactly my strong suit, and the last time I installed a radio in a vehicle was early 1990's.
been doing research on my lunch breaks yesterday and today. Am I correct in my theory that the factory head unit is an oddball size (1.5 din, if that's even a real thing?)?
All of the double din installs that I've found, have required cutting of the dash support structure. I really do NOT want to have to cut anything in the dash. And a single din size would require some type of filler panel.
Also, it appears that if I want to avoid cutting the factory wiring, a separate, vehicle specific adapter will be needed, and most likely a separate "module" to allow the wheel mounted controls to function.

Then I made the mistake of looking at prices
Maybe I'm not looking in the right places, but it seems like there is only really (be lucky if it lasts a month) cheap, or stupid expensive.
On the plus side though, it's starting to warm up outside, so I can just put the windows down and listen to the tires hum, and not worry about the radio till fall.

 

[MidwestJ]

My head is starting to hurt. Electronics aren't exactly my strong suit, and the last time I installed a radio in a vehicle was early 1990's.
been doing research on my lunch breaks yesterday and today. Am I correct in my theory that the factory head unit is an oddball size (1.5 din, if that's even a real thing?)?
All of the double din installs that I've found, have required cutting of the dash support structure. I really do NOT want to have to cut anything in the dash. And a single din size would require some type of filler panel.
Also, it appears that if I want to avoid cutting the factory wiring, a separate, vehicle specific adapter will be needed, and most likely a separate "module" to allow the wheel mounted controls to function.

Then I made the mistake of looking at prices
Maybe I'm not looking in the right places, but it seems like there is only really (be lucky if it lasts a month) cheap, or stupid expensive.
On the plus side though, it's starting to warm up outside, so I can just put the windows down and listen to the tires hum, and not worry about the radio till fall.

Dude-I’m right there with you.

I echo those exact same points.

I’d like to just find a cheap, OEM swap

 

[muddy12]

Has anyone downsized to a single din radio?
If so, any pics,what did you use to fill the extra space?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[muddy12]

well, I researched the single din installation a bit more, and really didn't like the installs that I found. Not a fan of the single din dash kits, most of which added a almost useless cubby below the radio. I also couldn't find a single din sized radio that I felt meshed well with my otherwise stock dash.
Anyway, I have decided to go ahead and just trim what is needed to install a double din unit. I think I have everything ordered, head unit, double din dash kit, and wiring harness. I'll update with an install write up once everything arrives and I get it installed.