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BigMac
Explorer
Dec 16, 2014

Failed B/U Monitor - What to do now?

We bought our Georgetown new in 2004, and while we have had some issues with it, I've never looked back at our decision to buy it because of the enjoyment it has provided us over the years. The one thing, though, that I did not like about it from the start was the OEM radio... buttons too small, awkward to use, poor quality, etc. So I replaced it in 2006 with a Kenwood KVT-512 flip screen monitor DVD / Receiver unit and incorporated a Kenwood (Garmin) KNA-G510 Navigation System into it. The flip screen is 7" diagonal and when up is just to the right of my backup camera monitor. It was very easy to see and read due to its 7" size and due to its proximity to the B/U monitor was easy to get my focus on. Following is a brochure picture of the original dash setup. I replaced the radio with a flip screen that was approx. the size or the B/U monitor.

Fast forward to today, and my B/U monitor has failed. It's the OEM installed unit with green screen and very unique cabling from camera to monitor. It's not repairable nor have I found a replacement monitor anywhere. Also, now my navigation unit while fully functional is not up to today's standards in terms display capability or information availability. And it's certainly not made with a RV in mind. So I'm wondering if I could use the flip screen as my B/U Monitor, mating a new camera and cabling to it, and get a new NAV unit that I could nest into the dash where the original B/U monitor was. The opening is 7.5" x 7.8". Has anyone tried this? I guess more importantly, is anyone aware of a RV friendly NAV unit that can be mounted into the dash? Thanks.
  • Like finding a good mechanic, you'll need to find a good auto-sound shop.

    Last I checked, Pioneer makes a few "DVD Navigation" head units... I don't think the navigation relies on a dvd, just that the machine can play a dvd, and has a large motorized touch screen, and updateable maps. The pioneer offers several audio/video inputs as well, for backup, blind spot , etc cameras.

    the wiring for the old camera might not be as unique as you think, there's only so many ways to skin that cat so to speak. if you're going to spend the cash on a nice new head unit system, an extra hour for the tech to snake a new camera wire isn't that bad of an investment - avoid wireless, hard wired is always better.