Radio Q.

[River Rovers]

Hi Guys! When we got our 2002 DSDP last October, the dealer replaced the existing radio, which had a cassette, with one that played CD's. Problem was... it has never worked right. It might be a connection issue.

While the radio they put in there does have a CD player, it's a real cheapie. We would like to get a better quality radio and have it installed when we get some service work done next week.

So here's the question: Is there anything we should know before purchasing a radio for the motorhome? Will the selection of radios at the typical electronic stores work well in a motorhome? Anything we should specifically look for or avoid?

Ginger

[River Rovers]

Hi Guys! When we got our 2002 DSDP last October, the dealer replaced the existing radio, which had a cassette, with one that played CD's. Problem was... it has never worked right. It might be a connection issue.

While the radio they put in there does have a CD player, it's a real cheapie. We would like to get a better quality radio and have it installed when we get some service work done next week.

So here's the question: Is there anything we should know before purchasing a radio for the motorhome? Will the selection of radios at the typical electronic stores work well in a motorhome? Anything we should specifically look for or avoid?

Ginger

[GaryKD]

Hi Ginger,
Measure the opening the radio will be placed in. My opening was so large, I had to get styrofoam and paint it black to completely fill the opening. I also had to make a bracket to support the weight of the radio. As long as it will fit in the opening and you are not concerned about the previously mentioned items the radio brand is your choice.

["007"]

Ginger you may have a unit like this:

and it was connected to a Sony radio before it was changed out.

The Sony radio controls everything from the TV to a remote 6 OR 10 CD player thru AUX Unit.
The TV sound will play thru your radio speakers and you can add a MP3 Player in system also.
Check Quick Tips on how that was done.

[River Rovers]

007,
I guess it's okay for you to show off. Nice.
Ginger

P.S. I'm just jealous.

["007"]

Ginger if they do not put in correct radio you will lose funtion of the AUX unit if you have one, I had the same setup in all my Newmars. After 03 I think they change the radio setups.

[River Rovers]

007,

I'm a bit confused. I have not seen anything like the top picture showing the AUX-IN Selector. I thought that was something you added.

Ginger

["007"]

The AUX unit is on a shelf down in the hole you see open.You may not have this access on your dash so if you have it it maybe behind your TV ANT-CABLE control board and VCR.
Same coachs your model year have Stereo Surround 5.1 sound sys, which will have a stereo receiver to drive the spk's off TV,radio,VCR or DVD unit.
It can be confusing if you have any books of instruction it may explain what you may have.
I have a booklet for Sony radio and Aux unit and AUX would be the control point for 6 or 10 CD player, mp3 player, headset input with volume control, TV sound over the radio spk's and USB port for play back from computer.
Maybe someone with your year and model coach will chime in and help you out. If this is a used coach you may not have all the booklets you need.

[River Rovers]

007,
Thanks for the assistance. Unfortunately, though, we don't have any relevant information in this rig, which we bought in October, and there is no box like the one in your picture anywhere in our motorhome.

There are many speakers in the ceiling, but not one works with the tv or radio. I guess whoever had it initially, took out some things. We would just be very happy to have a radio that works when we're driving down the road.
Thanks, Ginger

["007"]

Ginger, you should have a stereo receiver in a cabinet above passenger seat area. If you do not see one the wiring should be there for connections to TV,VCR DVD and all your spk's you see in ceiling and a sub-woofer in lower kitchen cabinet or lamp table next to a recliner.
You can Contact Newmar and give them the info on your coach and coach build number, 70734 as such, you will find on door of kitchen cabinet. Explain what you need and any info would be helpful for your coach build number.
Let me know how your making out and your radio should still be a Sony with DVD player.