Community Forums

jestal · 10-24-2015, 09:29 AM

2013 Anthem with the Riverpark exite dash radio/nav system.

Per previous post the radio seems to have lost it's mind (or one electron too many leaked out) and after discussions with CS and Riverpark a replacement is in order. I have the replacement radio in hand. I also have the crib sheet from CS about radio replacement procedure.

Our coach is about 30 minutes (and one huge construction zone) away.....

Any body that has changed out the radio in an Anthem have any additional tips before I head out on the mission to swap it out? The simple stuff I can handle and I have the basic hand tools at the coach. I'm looking for the hidden pitfalls and gotchas or special tool I'm going to need so as to avoid additional trips. Of course any shortcuts or details are also welcome.

This whole endeavor of the radio completely failing (on a trip) was a PIA but as usual CS was extremely helpful and Riverpark was very patient and helpful and sent me a replacement re-man unit with only my promise to return the original radio for a core. I had the new radio in less than 48 hours! Since we are technically out of warrant I call this new lamps for old!!! Such a deal! The Riverpark tech, Josh, spent considerable time with me to trouble shoot and identify the correct radio version. Kudos and thanks to him!

This availability, accessibility and response is the root of Entegra loyalty, IMHO....besides the fact that we love the coach itself!

rbr · 10-24-2015, 09:33 AM

I changed ours and didn't have any issues other than forgetting to plug the radio antenna cable back in. Some of the wires wanted to disappear down in the bowels of the dash when disconnected, so if you keep those taped or tied up, you shouldn't have any problems.

brobox · 10-24-2015, 10:03 AM

First thing lay a towel down on the console, the screen is easy to scratch. Take pictures of the plugs before you remove them, then check the photos to make sure you didn't forget any putting them back.

hawgguy · 10-24-2015, 10:44 AM

Definately tape / tie-wrap and label the wires. Make sure you have good lighting, behind the dash is the Black Hole of Calcutta and a snake's nest of wires and electrical tape. I prefer not to think about it.

hogdriver · 10-24-2015, 12:29 PM

I have removed my dash panel several times. Like Chuck said lay a towel down on the console. Use your phone and snap some pics of the wiring hookups. I also advise only using a handheld screwdriver or a electric screwdriver with the clutch set on very low torque because the screws strip easily and or crack the plastic dash.

brobox · 10-24-2015, 01:15 PM

I forgot to mention, my wires were all marked from the factory with tape and written for what connections. Saved me from using the labeling machine. I did tie all the wires together and removed one at a time for connection. Bob is right, you don't want one to fall behind the dash.

jestal · 10-24-2015, 01:40 PM

Thanks for all the info. I'm headed out to do the change out tomorrow afternoon so I feel a bit more secure in doing it away from my tool hoard.....

brobox · 10-24-2015, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jestal

Thanks for all the info. I'm headed out to do the change out tomorrow afternoon so I feel a bit more secure in doing it away from my tool hoard.....

Don't forget tomorrow is football Sunday.

All you need is a Phillips screwdrive and a flashlight. My antenna connection was loose so I wrapped a couple of wraps of electrical tape around the coax before plugging it in.

hogdriver · 10-24-2015, 04:33 PM

As Chuck said, take electrical tape and maybe a few wire ties. Entegra taped nearly a very connection to I presume prevent vibration disconnecting.

jestal · 10-26-2015, 10:23 PM

Stopped by the coach this afternoon armed with a new radio, tools and advice. The change out when well. Just as described. 4 screws and the radio slides out. Looks like an aircraft panel mount . The amount of wire attached to the radio was a bit daunting at first and it took some time to untangle and route wire bundles to get the radio out completely without pinching , cutting or stressing anything.

Harness and connector switchover was simple enough. I was not so lucky as to have premarked cables on the coach end so masking tape and a sharpie was put into play.

Finished the wiring change over, swaqpped the brackets from the old radio, gently bundled all the wiring back thru the radio aperture and slid the new radio into place. Buttoned up the 4 screws and replaced the trim bezel and turned on the key.

The good news is that the radio now seems to work correctly from what I could tell. Bad news is there is no sound and no amount of pressing on the + volume button would allow any sound. Just my luck that the one and only replacement would have a defective + volume button. It is bad. All the other buttons depress with a nice tactile click. The volume button In the replacement is frozen in place and will not move or click. So disappointing

Oh well, another call to River Park tomorrow and hopefully another replacement for the replacement will be on the way. Ever get that "why's every body picking on me" feeling"

brobox · 10-27-2015, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jestal

Oh well, another call to River Park tomorrow and hopefully another replacement for the replacement will be on the way. Ever get that "why's every body picking on me" feeling"

All the time. I won't even go into my list of "do over"

Be thankful it is not 6 months of shop time.

PPAinPA · 10-27-2015, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jestal

Stopped by the coach this afternoon armed with a new radio, tools and advice. The change out when well. Just as described. 4 screws and the radio slides out. Looks like an aircraft panel mount . The amount of wire attached to the radio was a bit daunting at first and it took some time to untangle and route wire bundles to get the radio out completely without pinching , cutting or stressing anything.

Harness and connector switchover was simple enough. I was not so lucky as to have premarked cables on the coach end so masking tape and a sharpie was put into play.

Finished the wiring change over, swaqpped the brackets from the old radio, gently bundled all the wiring back thru the radio aperture and slid the new radio into place. Buttoned up the 4 screws and replaced the trim bezel and turned on the key.

The good news is that the radio now seems to work correctly from what I could tell. Bad news is there is no sound and no amount of pressing on the + volume button would allow any sound. Just my luck that the one and only replacement would have a defective + volume button. It is bad. All the other buttons depress with a nice tactile click. The volume button In the replacement is frozen in place and will not move or click. So disappointing

Oh well, another call to River Park tomorrow and hopefully another replacement for the replacement will be on the way. Ever get that "why's every body picking on me" feeling"

I replaced my radio 2 weeks ago. The replacement didn't work, so they overnighted me a second. Works fine now, but you are right, frustrating! Glad it was an easy change out.

jestal · 10-27-2015, 09:01 PM

They guys at RiverPark were very apologetic and UPS predicts a delivery tomorrow AM so I can try the radio change again. This time they promised one with an "Entegra" screen saver instead of the generic Jayco version I got last time with the defective volume button.