Forum Discussion

Photomike's avatar
Photomike
Explorer III
Feb 24, 2015

Stereo Change

One thing that I miss when camping is staying in touch with the news, so I have been thinking of getting satellite radio to take with me (I realize that satellite may not work in a number of places but that is okay). Problem is that the stereo in the camper is VERY old and does not have an aux input. So I was thinking of taking the old stereo out and replacing with a car stereo that has aux input for the satellite receiver, Ipod, etc. I would also replace the truck stereo with the same model so that each would have an aux input.

Is there a problem with doing this? Do car stereos use more power than a RV unit?
  • robsouth's avatar
    robsouth
    Explorer II
    Feb 25, 2015
    What "news" are you trying to get that a simple AM/FM radio will not get?
  • tonymull's avatar
    tonymull
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2015
    Satellite radio works poorly in northern latitudes if there are mountains nearby. Even in very southern BC it's hit or miss between Chilliwack and Hope. And further north the satellites are too low on the horizon. But when you have reception it sure beats listening to that one station that either plays my least favorite music 24/7 or conservative talk radio non stop.
  • Beverley_Ken's avatar
    Beverley_Ken
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2015
    No problem using a car stereo in an RV. I changed ours out in the dash of the MH with a unit that has the aux in, usb connector (connects I-pod, I-phone etc.) also charges these devices. Ours also had blue tooth for hands free cell phone.

    I used crutchfield canada. Almost same as crutchfield.com, but prices are Canadian and everything is shipped from a warehouse in Canada. No surprise brokerage fees, duties etc.

    Ken
  • Wheelholder's avatar
    Wheelholder
    Explorer
    Feb 24, 2015
    About the only place i have found satellite radio not to work is inside a tunnel or when the landscape blocks the signal. For the most part, with an external antenna, you should not have any problems with reception.

    To answer your question. An aftermarket radio will work. You may have to do some wiring to get the speakers set up the way you want them, but should not be too hard to do. Just follow the diagram and all should work.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Feb 24, 2015
    You can always buy the correct adapter that mounts between the antenna and the back of the radio. Then you connect your sat radio to the adapter, tune to an unused station and listen. Xm is all we listen to, it works great even in the trees.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Feb 24, 2015
    Photomike wrote:
    (I realize that satellite may not work in a number of places but that is okay).
    It works most anywhere satellite TV works. And that's just about anywhere except inside canyon walls.

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