2006 Navigation radio owners out there?

[Gifford]

Could you measure the height/width of the double DIN Nav radio and post result? I am planning on installing a double DIN NAV radio from aftermarket but I've heard that the opening in the Dodge double DIN center dash bezel is actually bigger than standard double DIN.

 

[madmax4688]

first the term Double Din has been widely used referring to the wronge size radio. True double dins have only been on the market for two years. Dodge does not have a double din it has a din and a half. New fords, chevys, hyundia, kia, toyota, and nissan's all have true double dins. You need a din and a half. Be careful when you order a new radio because if you order a double din then thats what you'll get and it wont fit. And just so you know I just put a pioneer nav in an 06 mega cab yesterday and a full alarm and remote starter today. Niether one was any fun at all and I do this for a living and a hobby.

 

[fozzy]

I do not know what the exact specs are on a din, din. 5 or double din. I have the 06 nav radio and it measures 8 1/4" wide by 5 3/16 tall. That is with a stanley tape measure, nothing scientific. it is a lot bigger than my so called din and a half that was in my 03.

 

[Gifford]

first the term Double Din has been widely used referring to the wronge size radio. True double dins have only been on the market for two years. Dodge does not have a double din it has a din and a half. QUOTE]



It certainly appears to me that the 2006 NAV radio is double DIN (or BIGGER). Look at the dodge website, the standard stereos are still 1. 5 DIN but if you order the NAV radio its much bigger. Dodge parts even lists separate dash bezels for the NAV radio. Thank you fozzy for the measurement, now I gotta convert that to metric!

 

[madmax4688]

gifford you stated that you wanted to put in an aftermarker double din into your 06 meaning you didnt already have the larger opening that the dodge w/nav does. You also didnt say that you were planning on buying the new dash piece to accomodate for a true double din. Dodge doesnt have a double din radio. they do have the double din nav but if you already have that you wouldnt be asking about replacing with a aftermarket one. I was just going on what you stated you where looking to do and didnt want you to get the wronge unit. sorry for the confusion. JD.

 

[Gifford]

By changing the dash bezel you can install 2 DIN in in a previously 1. 5 DIN dash(2006 only)

So I ordered my truck with the standard (no extra charge) stereo that comes with the Laramie package. THe factory NAV/infinity system is a POS IMO and its WAY overpriced.

Double DIN radios have been on the Market for AT LEAST 5 years BTW, 2006 is first year in the RAM I think. Unfortunately, fozzy measurments confirm what another Ram owner has told me: Dodge's idea of 2DIN is larger than the standard 2DIN, which is going to make my install more difficult

 

[BigDan]

do you want to sell yor factory nav/radio??? Ill take it and fab it up in my 03

 

[fozzy]

I think the new nav unit is pretty good, it's made by Alpine. My buddy with his BMW M3's nav unit was impressed and how much more detailed maps are in my truck than his car. I agree the sound system is not much, but Dodge has never had anything great. I am going to keep the factory nav and install the Alpine adapter so I can run aftermarket amps, video,Ipod and backup cameras. They are Suppose to have a interface real soon for the new headunit. That way I keep the smooth look of the dash and have my UConnect and steering wheel controls ,Sirius, tv in the dash, back up camera with out the ugly pop out screens the aftermarket companys have these days. Just a thought and my two cents.

 

[Gifford]

I think the new nav unit is pretty good, it's made by Alpine. My buddy with his BMW M3's nav unit was impressed and how much more detailed maps are in my truck than his car. I agree the sound system is not much, but Dodge has never had anything great. I am going to keep the factory nav and install the Alpine adapter so I can run aftermarket amps, video,Ipod and backup cameras. They are Suppose to have a interface real soon for the new headunit. That way I keep the smooth look of the dash and have my UConnect and steering wheel controls ,Sirius, tv in the dash, back up camera with out the ugly pop out screens the aftermarket companys have these days. Just a thought and my two cents.

On my first truck I paid for the Infinity system and I can say without hesitation that it was not worth the money. That was on a 97 12V though. I swore I wouldnt pay Dodge for the priviledge of crappy sound the second time around! I havent checked out the NAV abilities of the Dodge radio so I can't speak to that, but I did listen to the Infinity system and although its better than it used to be, it still can't compare with aftermarket. I agree with you that the motorized flip-out screens are ugly and probobly prone to failure, that is why I started this thread! (It would be much simpler to just buy an install kit for one of the Pioneer single DIN NAV head units and put it in the dash but i want the seamless look of the OEM radio) Pioneer makes 3 different DOUBLE DIN Navigation radios (I ordered the AVIC-z1) with large fixed screen (just like OEM unit). Any of these will look great. I didnt really mean for this thread to turn into a critique of Dodge OEM electronics, I just wanted some info on the overall size of the OEM units so that I could retrofit my 2din head unit into a 1. 5DIN dash.

 

[EHerrling]

Gifford,



I will be thinking of doing the same thing this summer. Can you post some pics and any install tips/tricks when you are finished? Thanks in advance.

 

[Gifford]

Gifford,



I will be thinking of doing the same thing this summer. Can you post some pics and any install tips/tricks when you are finished? Thanks in advance.

Sure thing!

 

[ilovetrains]

The 06 is pretty nice

We just picked up a 06 Commander for the wife with the nav unit. I have been using a Magellan Roadmate 750 for about 3-4 years. I was really impressed with the 06 Nav unit. The POI database seems very good, you can access 911 direct from the unit (with a bluetooth phone and the UConnect kit), the display is very good and the routing is good as well. It is also a 6 disc changer with MP3 and has a seperate slot for the DVD with the map info. It does not offer some of the features that my Magellan does, but for a OEM unit it is incredibly good. One note, it is huge and looks to be not only taller but wider than a double din. If I could figure out a way to put the 06 nav unit in my 05 Ram I would be happy. The RB4 is pretty worthless, and the RB1 cannot do nav and CD at the same time.

 

[fozzy]

Gifford



Just checked out that Pioneer head unit . That thing is awesome, big bucks, but awesome. I would bet they will have a trim plate just for our trucks real soon, if not already. If it was not a touch screen and had Sirius I would consider it for my truck in a second. Post pics please.

 

[Gifford]

Just wonderin', why don't you want touch screen? Is there something to be concerned about? (hmm scratches, wear and tear??) never really thought about that. Oh and the Pioneers all will do either Sirius or XM BTW.

 

[fozzy]

That is good to know, I like the Sirius better for some reason. I have had a Alpine and a Eclipse touch screen head units before. After a while you can see the spots that you touch the most. They always seem smudged, the new screens are so much better than they use to be. If the remote has all the functions on it you should be set. I noticed it had a steering wheel remote, my old head units did not have that option. I did try the factory streering wheel remote adapter thing and it did not work very good and did not have all the functions availably to the head unit so you had to touch it. It is just a pet peave. I am always getting mad at my wife for touching the computer monitor all the time, Why does she do this

 

[BigDan]

I checked oout the AVIC-Z1 it said moterized screen. Is it a lame flip out screen. Where do you load disks. It also said you have to pay an extra 350 to watch TV... thats lame. It was only $1,800 on ebay. How hard would it be to install in my 03.

 

[ilovetrains]

A few years ago Alpine (or was Pioneer, or both?) made a direct fit head unit for the oversized Chysler opening. Does anyone make one now?

 

[Gifford]

I checked oout the AVIC-Z1 it said moterized screen. Is it a lame flip out screen. Where do you load disks. It also said you have to pay an extra 350 to watch TV... thats lame. It was only $1,800 on ebay. How hard would it be to install in my 03.

The screens stays flush in the dash but tilts out to put in discs then goes back flush. Its not the type that folds over and retracts in/out. The bluetooth integration sure is a nice feature, and there is an adaptor out for the Dodge that allows you to retain steering wheel controls.

 

[madmax4688]

If anyone wants a Pioneer Z1 or Alpine or Eclipse unit let me know and I will give you the TDR discount. I am usually better than ebay and you get a warrenty.