REN/RER or Aftermarket in an '09?

[jeb6294]

The '09 I just picked up came with the RES stereo that I would like to see about upgrading. Some of the things I'm thinking about:

What exactly can the REN/RER do if I just swapped one in for my RES? What does the Uconnect add?

Not sure I need the RER since I have nav on my phone and don't use that often anyway. Does it use an external antenna or does it have something internally? How's the navigation? Does it keep itself up-to-date (our old Explorer did but my wife's new Honda does not)?

Running my iPod through the stereo is probably what I'd do most. Does the hard drive basically accomplish the same thing on the REN/RER? Adding a USB with the Uconnect the only way to run the iPod through the stereo? The aux port works but it would be nice to have it more integrated.

Can the REN/RER do Bluetooth without adding anything or do I still need to add the microphone? Can they do anything else through Bluetooth? One thing I'd like to be able to do is stream my Iheartradio through my stereo.

How's the sound quality? I don't need anything ridiculous but I want it to sound good. Just wondering if the REN/RER are decent with the stock speakers or if I go ahead and upgrade the speakers too.

 

[Jared4.7]

Your best bet is to add an RER or RHR that has bluetooth end everything built into it. Easiest and no dealer trips to make it all work. If you go RHR youll just need a mic or mirror with the dual mic, SDARS antenna and iPod cable if you so choose. Thats what I did in my 09 and it worked awesome! REN will require an external BT module that youll have to get activated to work. RER uses a little antenna that goes up under the dash. RHR/RHB use a combo Sirius/GPS antenna that lives up on top of the truck cab. RHB does not have uConnect built into it.

 

[Voodoochi1d]

i have 09 and upgraded to rer with lockpic day i bought truck. had installed at dealer so my rer is now part of my warranty.

 

[BlownGP]

My REN has bluetooth.

Im about to sell it though. I thought about going RER, but with what there asking for them on ebay. I can save $100s on a better aftermarket radio.