your video inspired me to look into upgrading my Sprinter's system. Spoke to my local installer: he recommended the $400 cheaper ILX-F259. Has the same specs as the 309, less an HDMI connector, and some other capabilities (he called it maestro somethingrather), which the Sprinter is not able to utilize anyway. Thanks for posting this video
We too found the sound/navigation system in our 2016 2500 Sprinter substandard and replaced it. It had to be done. Kudos to you and Jen for stepping up...Oorah!
I too suffered from lackluster performance of the infotainment system that came with my Winnebago Navion. For years, I put up with it because I like the camera's multi view capability . Although I have separate cameras installed, I rely on the infotaintment camera to give me the rear visual coverage on my RV. The infotainment system finally died. I ordered the Alpine Halo 11 inch and its proprietary rear camera and Crutchfield gave me a $300. dash cam system for free . Yes it is not cheap.
The camper that I'm looking to get has rear, and both side cameras... that activate when using your turn signal or reverse... does this head unit work with it?
ONLY thing I would of done differently would be to order the factory plug to have added to the NEW system thereby NOT having to hack the factory wires, in other words, create a SHORT plugin section of wires whereby IF a problem or in future to replace with the original system you could just plug back in. Say like your new system goes bad, well you could just plug the old one back in.
Thats what we have, I believe...but still have to put connectors on all those wires. Pretty simple plug 'n play once that is done and I can put the old radio back in when its time to turn this one in.
I know you have moved on to the new Mercedes stereo/chassis for the Unity. However, can you update on how that stereo worked? Looking at upgrading for 2018 LTV. Thanks.
Excellent topic for me as I am looking to upgrade the system in my truck. Thanks. Does the Alpine unit have a GPS receiver and roof mounted antenna or is it getting the information from your iPhone? It appears the map displays and functions are provided by the Apple iPhone. If so, what happens when boondocking out west and you are in a no cell reception area? I know with Google maps you can download some of them ahead of time but it is not that easy to know when and where you will not have cell reception. Also getting live maps remoteely via the internet does eat into the data allotment for those without unlimited plans. I think Samsung at one time had units that used Gamin maps that could be updated with a life time subscription. It would be great to have a unit that does both.
I ned a roof mounted antenna for Sirius but the radio itself uses the phone for GPS which is much more accurate and is updated all the time. I can use Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze. All voice controlled and on that 9 inch screen... awesome to behold.
Thanks for the reply. Sounds like it would be a good idea to have a separate standalone Garmin type GPS for backup if exploring rural areas without cell service, especially out west. They are not too expensive now and cme with life time map updates. Do iPhones have an external antenna jack? If not, how do you get the signal from a roof antenna to the iPhone?
@@bruceh3786 No roof antenna for the iPhone... I fo have a cell phone booster and the iPhone wirelessly picks up those amplified cell signals. I liked the Radios, Knobs, Speakers and Thinggs shop s much I'm heading back Monday for help in installing antennas for my ham radio transceiver and my cell phone booster
Mike ... Got it now, That sounds good. Hopefully you will be able to put out a video with at least the end result and how it all hooks up. It should make life on the road easier and more enjoyable.
Question about the Navigation system; Is it just cell phone based like Google maps or Waze? Or do you have Garmin or Tom tom? (Satellite based). I find myself sometime in places where cell service is spotty or my plan does not cover at all (Canada, Mexico)? Great video and thank you!
Do you have to plug in your iPhone with the new unit... or does it quickly connect via Bluetooth with your phone in pocket? Can the system hold a map ... when you are out of cell service and able to navigate? Does it auto dim driving at night?
Very nice stereo and great video. Can you tell me if both, the back up camera and the turn signal triggered sideview cameras work as before? If they do, which switching device did they install. I want to put a Halo 9 in my Itasca Rey (Sprinter based) but want to retain the sideview cameras. Thank!
Just wondering about the customer service of the RKST, ie. Were you able to get an appointment right away, there professionalism on your install, and if they had any work guarantee? Thanks. We are looking for a place to go to toupgrade our system in our F150 in the metro Detroit area
Hi Mike, thanks for your videos! I am trying to figure out where to put a CB antenna on my 2018 Pleasure Way Ascent. I have a Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio with a FireStik FS-4BK 4 (r) Ii Fs Series Tunable Tip Cb Antenna - 900 Watts Black. Any ideas where the best place to mount it on the van?
Is there enough cooling on the new headunit? The OEM Sprinter headunits have a fan or two to keep the electronics cool. The centre compartment on Sprinters is like an oven. Electronics last longer if they run cooler.
I am in the process of buying a Dodge Promaster. Am wondering if I need to pay close to $500 extra for a 5" dash board GPS/radio, if I can get a state of art radio/GPS for $1,000.
Do the Apple car play maps show well? Some people say the contrast is very poor with this unit. I have a 2018 Sprinter and would like to get this unit if all is good with it.
Looks like a great radio! I’ve wanted to do the exact thing to our 2017 Roadtrek RS Adventurous but wasn’t sure how compatible the aftermarket radios were. Do the steering wheel radio controls still work with the new radio? We love your channel! You and Jennifer are the best!
Just the volume up and down on the wheel work... but that's all I ever really used. It's not for everyone but such a quality van deserves a quality radio and nav system.
Hi folks, my wife and I discovered your channel just recently. I was wondering what ham rig you installed - the pics I saw of the remote head look like maybe some type of Yaesu, perhaps? Also infor about antennas, etc would be nice. We have a 29' class-C with a fiberglas body. BTW - call is KJ7WT
City Centric, drive I90 and you have no GPS Cellphone. Good percentage of the country has no cellphone coverage, and if anything like 1990 modem dial up speeds. Not 5G because not installed country wide, and especially void around airports.
Very nice! 😁At that cost is this something u can take out easily for security or as I've seen in some newer vehicles it can be hidden in the dash? Although, I'm sure I missed your security video. Still things can be replaced with insurance but it's a bummer.. I've been broken into for my gps etc, lucky for me they at least didn't see my bluetooth device which was worth more at the time.. Lesson learned.😉
We have Apple CarPlay in our car. I would definitely not use it for navigation in our RV. Besides being dependent on good cellular connectivity (which I have run out of in our car), Maps, Waze and Google Maps do not take into account height clearances, widths and weight limitations. I’ll stick with our Garmin for Nav
No. Google Maps/Apple Maps only work with signal. If you are outside a metro area in the backcountry, the GPS function does not work. So if you get lost outside cell range, good luck!!
But an RV specific GPS can be specified to your vehicles height requirements etc. Your phone apps are basically for cars. And what a data hog. I'll stick with my Garmin that has Lifetime updates (we check for updates everytime we are planning a trip) and double check if needed with my phone.
@ Rhonda: Yes, I use a Garmin also (never use a phone for GPS). And being an independent/portable device, can move from vehicle to vehicle. As time goes on, when new models are significantly better than your current one, you just buy it. Have no use for a VERY expensive built-in NAV system and really wouldn't want a vehicle that had one. -- BR
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Informative and concise. Wish you would have demonstrated stock backup camera and optional side cams.
your video inspired me to look into upgrading my Sprinter's system. Spoke to my local installer: he recommended the $400 cheaper ILX-F259. Has the same specs as the 309, less an HDMI connector, and some other capabilities (he called it maestro somethingrather), which the Sprinter is not able to utilize anyway. Thanks for posting this video
This is a real world demo I love it. I’ll be picking this up for my wrangler today. Thanks for the video.
We too found the sound/navigation system in our 2016 2500 Sprinter substandard and replaced it. It had to be done. Kudos to you and Jen for stepping up...Oorah!
I too suffered from lackluster performance of the infotainment system that came with my Winnebago Navion. For years, I put up with it because I like the camera's multi view capability . Although I have separate cameras installed, I rely on the infotaintment camera to give me the rear visual coverage on my RV. The infotainment system finally died. I ordered the Alpine Halo 11 inch and its proprietary rear camera and Crutchfield gave me a $300. dash cam system for free . Yes it is not cheap.
The camper that I'm looking to get has rear, and both side cameras... that activate when using your turn signal or reverse... does this head unit work with it?
ONLY thing I would of done differently would be to order the factory plug to have added to the NEW system thereby NOT having to hack the factory wires, in other words, create a SHORT plugin section of wires whereby IF a problem or in future to replace with the original system you could just plug back in. Say like your new system goes bad, well you could just plug the old one back in.
Thats what we have, I believe...but still have to put connectors on all those wires. Pretty simple plug 'n play once that is done and I can put the old radio back in when its time to turn this one in.
Wow that's a impressive radio.
I find myself just sitting in the driveway listening to it....
This was an eye opener.
Does the backup camera still work with this new radio?
Very cool system, thanks for sharing🤙🏼
Does it have backup camera too ?
Very Helpful, thank you
Did you update your speakers too?
I know you have moved on to the new Mercedes stereo/chassis for the Unity. However, can you update on how that stereo worked? Looking at upgrading for 2018 LTV. Thanks.
Excellent topic for me as I am looking to upgrade the system in my truck. Thanks.
Does the Alpine unit have a GPS receiver and roof mounted antenna or is it getting the information from your iPhone?
It appears the map displays and functions are provided by the Apple iPhone. If so, what happens when boondocking out west and you are in a no cell reception area? I know with Google maps you can download some of them ahead of time but it is not that easy to know when and where you will not have cell reception. Also getting live maps remoteely via the internet does eat into the data allotment for those without unlimited plans. I think Samsung at one time had units that used Gamin maps that could be updated with a life time subscription. It would be great to have a unit that does both.
I ned a roof mounted antenna for Sirius but the radio itself uses the phone for GPS which is much more accurate and is updated all the time. I can use Apple Maps, Google Maps or Waze. All voice controlled and on that 9 inch screen... awesome to behold.
Thanks for the reply. Sounds like it would be a good idea to have a separate standalone Garmin type GPS for backup if exploring rural areas without cell service, especially out west. They are not too expensive now and cme with life time map updates.
Do iPhones have an external antenna jack? If not, how do you get the signal from a roof antenna to the iPhone?
@@bruceh3786 No roof antenna for the iPhone... I fo have a cell phone booster and the iPhone wirelessly picks up those amplified cell signals. I liked the Radios, Knobs, Speakers and Thinggs shop s much I'm heading back Monday for help in installing antennas for my ham radio transceiver and my cell phone booster
There are cell signal boosters like weboost that my hisband and I will be investing in. I hate losing maps!
Mike ... Got it now, That sounds good. Hopefully you will be able to put out a video with at least the end result and how it all hooks up. It should make life on the road easier and more enjoyable.
Does it have a back-up cam?
Question about the Navigation system; Is it just cell phone based like Google maps or Waze? Or do you have Garmin or Tom tom? (Satellite based). I find myself sometime in places where cell service is spotty or my plan does not cover at all (Canada, Mexico)? Great video and thank you!
Do you have to plug in your iPhone with the new unit... or does it quickly connect via Bluetooth with your phone in pocket?
Can the system hold a map ... when you are out of cell service and able to navigate?
Does it auto dim driving at night?
Did you think about upgrading the MB speakers?
You could, I suppose... mine seem adequate
Our Alpine failed within 2 years. After a huge bill to have it fixed, it failed within another year. Hope they have improved the reliability.
Probably because it is running too hot? You have to improve cooling.
Very nice stereo and great video. Can you tell me if both, the back up camera and the turn signal triggered sideview cameras work as before? If they do, which switching device did they install. I want to put a Halo 9 in my Itasca Rey (Sprinter based) but want to retain the sideview cameras. Thank!
Great video
will you be able to move this radio to your next RV. You seem to change RV's pretty often.
Just wondering about the customer service of the RKST, ie. Were you able to get an appointment right away, there professionalism on your install, and if they had any work guarantee? Thanks. We are looking for a place to go to toupgrade our system in our F150 in the metro Detroit area
I have an LTV UMB and feel inspired by your video. Are you still happy with the new radio setup or do you have second thoughts?
What if you do not have cell service? You may loose GPS and Navigation in areas without cell service.
Maybe because he has satellite service that won't be an issue? Not sure if I'm correct though, a little tech challenged myself. LOL
There's also weboost and other cell booster services i just remembered!
Download the area before you run out of cell service.
You can cache google maps, I think it may also have built in maps on the unit.
Hi Mike, thanks for your videos! I am trying to figure out where to put a CB antenna on my 2018 Pleasure Way Ascent. I have a Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio with a FireStik FS-4BK 4 (r) Ii Fs Series Tunable Tip Cb Antenna - 900 Watts Black. Any ideas where the best place to mount it on the van?
Mike did you upgrade the speakers? Our Sprinter has terrible sound even with an upgraded Kenwood unit.
Is there enough cooling on the new headunit?
The OEM Sprinter headunits have a fan or two to keep the electronics cool.
The centre compartment on Sprinters is like an oven.
Electronics last longer if they run cooler.
Our 2018 Unity FX has an aftermarket alpine unit with CarPlay it’s awesome! That stock MB unit is junk!
I am in the process of buying a Dodge Promaster. Am wondering if I need to pay close to $500 extra for a 5" dash board GPS/radio, if I can get a state of art radio/GPS for $1,000.
Hello Michigander.
If you do the miles and like planning as you go, it's a justifiable expense. I assume you could use other apps off your smart phone on that screen?
Did you see the video? Yes... absolutely. Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music....
Do the Apple car play maps show well? Some people say the contrast is very poor with this unit. I have a 2018 Sprinter and would like to get this unit if all is good with it.
Yes they display quite well
Have you bought the device, and is it washed out like some people say? I saw one review on Amazon that said that.
Looks like a great radio! I’ve wanted to do the exact thing to our 2017 Roadtrek RS Adventurous but wasn’t sure how compatible the aftermarket radios were. Do the steering wheel radio controls still work with the new radio? We love your channel! You and Jennifer are the best!
Just the volume up and down on the wheel work... but that's all I ever really used. It's not for everyone but such a quality van deserves a quality radio and nav system.
Does the Alpine still provide turn by turn on the sprinter dash display?
Hi folks, my wife and I discovered your channel just recently. I was wondering what ham rig you installed - the pics I saw of the remote head look like maybe some type of Yaesu, perhaps? Also infor about antennas, etc would be nice. We have a 29' class-C with a fiberglas body. BTW - call is KJ7WT
can you watch a movie you have stored previously on your phone?
Wich Years is you’re sprinters
City Centric, drive I90 and you have no GPS Cellphone. Good percentage of the country has no cellphone coverage, and if anything like 1990 modem dial up speeds. Not 5G because not installed country wide, and especially void around airports.
Very nice! 😁At that cost is this something u can take out easily for security or as I've seen in some newer vehicles it can be hidden in the dash? Although, I'm sure I missed your security video. Still things can be replaced with insurance but it's a bummer.. I've been broken into for my gps etc, lucky for me they at least didn't see my bluetooth device which was worth more at the time.. Lesson learned.😉
Did that price include installation?
Very cool
That dude said Android Auto and Apple Car Play will be mandated by the government?? Can I get a resource for this?
Yeah....I highly doubt it. Sounds good when you are selling stereos. :)
We have Apple CarPlay in our car. I would definitely not use it for navigation in our RV. Besides being dependent on good cellular connectivity (which I have run out of in our car), Maps, Waze and Google Maps do not take into account height clearances, widths and weight limitations. I’ll stick with our Garmin for Nav
Do you really run into problems with height and weight restrictions with a Sprinter Van? I can't imagine what kind of roads these are.
Does gps work when you have no signal?
No. Google Maps/Apple Maps only work with signal. If you are outside a metro area in the backcountry, the GPS function does not work. So if you get lost outside cell range, good luck!!
But an RV specific GPS can be specified to your vehicles height requirements etc. Your phone apps are basically for cars. And what a data hog. I'll stick with my Garmin that has Lifetime updates (we check for updates everytime we are planning a trip) and double check if needed with my phone.
@ Rhonda:
Yes, I use a Garmin also (never use a phone for GPS). And being an independent/portable device, can move from vehicle to vehicle. As time goes on, when new models are significantly better than your current one, you just buy it. Have no use for a VERY expensive built-in NAV system and really wouldn't want a vehicle that had one.
-- BR
Kind of funny they sell that same car stereo in it at my shop in my town for $114 bucks the same exact stereo you got ripped
That's funny 2 years later still fetching a grand on Ebay
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