GPS: Mopar Navigation Radio, RB1?

[JFirebaugh]

Has anyone purchased the new 2003 Mopar Navigation Radio (RB1) GPS for their 3rd generation Ram? I am thinking about adding it when I take delivery of my new CTD.



How do you like it? Can you play a music CD while the unit is navigating, or must you add the remote CD Changer for that capability?



John

 

[Travisb]

I have the RB1 and love it. Yes you must have the CD changer to listen to CDs and have the Nav unit operating. I also got the Sat radio and now I do not listen to any CD or the local radio. I will recommend the unit.

 

[gocirino]

I have also installed the MoparNav. It's a hybrid of the Alpine unit which is a top rated GPS. The six CD changer is a must and mounts nicely under the center console storage area as if it were made to go there. The only downside is you cannot enter a new destination while the vehicle is moving unless it is already in the address book. MoparNav also has a gyroscope, similar to an inertial nav system, that keeps its position relative to its last known position and speed when you lose a signal in a tunnel or in a bad signal area. Tenafly Dodge in New Jersey has the best price also of $1350.

 

[JFirebaugh]

Mopar Navigation Radio, RB1

TravisB & Copterguy,



You both sound satisfied with your RB1 for the price of the unit. Do either of you feel the display is too small? I noticed that the display appears to be smaller than some units available in other types of vehicles. They might also be much more costly too...



On the other hand, I have used the Hertz rental car "Neverlost" system several times and it has a small square display and I don't recall thinking that it was too small.



My Dealer is offering price $1,422. 00 for the unit, plus . 5 hr install ($45. 00). (Perhaps, an OK price for California. )



I really appreciate your feedback. Thanks!



John



P. S. If the stupid auto transporter (Hadley Auto Transport) ever gets their act together and moves the truck the last 65 miles to the dealer, maybe I'll get to the point where I can add a GPS unit! The truck has been sitting in the UPRR yard for almost a week now!

 

[Seed Guy]

How bout some pictures... If you need a host just email them to me. Actually sounds like not being able to enter a new destination on the fly is a safety system to keep people from goofing with the nav all the time.

 

[gocirino]

The MoparNav display is not to small. The display magnifies when an important turn is coming up making it seem a lot larger display. As for the logic built into it regarding the no "new destination feature", I think it's flawed. I can still spend time looking at points of interest ie; gas stations, ATM's, restaurants etc. as well as play with other functions that distract me as much or more while I'm driving. All the other GPS's I use allow me unlimited access while driving. I even called Alpine and registered a formal complaint. As for the install, it literally take about ten minutes and is extremely easy to do. I encourage you to save your money and do it yourself. All in all, MoparNav is a great unit and I would do it again if I had to.



Best Regards

 

[jzaremski]

I noticed that the display appears to be smaller than some units available in other types of vehicles.

It is a bit smaller, but the resolution is higher. Also, it defaults to "Mixed" guidance, which means it changed from map to arrow guidance as you approach a turn.

All the other GPS's I use allow me unlimited access while driving.

That's their problem.

I even called Alpine and registered a formal complaint.

that decision was Chrysler's, not Alpine's. Driver distraction is a BIG concern. and that was their way of addressing it.

All the other GPS's I use allow me unlimited access while driving.

Most aftermarket systems won't even let you into the menus while you're driving.

 

[robbynne ram]

RB1 Navigation System

I just installed my RB1 Navigation System and the 6-disc remote CD Changer in my '03 3500 Quad Cab.

Yes, you need the changer if you wish to naviagte and listen to CD's at the same time. Be sure to get the CD Changer Installation Kit when you buy the changer as this provides the cable to connect to the head (control) unit.

Installation is very easy, requiring the removal of 1 screw above the accessory hook on the dash panel. The panel then pulls out; it is retained by 6 or 7 spring clips. The existing radio unit is removed by 4 screws. Undo the cable connection and the antenna and it is free and clear. The RB1 requires a GPS antenna (provided) which mounts via an adhesive patch on the plastic air duct behind the radio opening under the dash. Connect the GPS antenna, reconnect the control cable and the radio antenna. If you have installed the 6-disc remote CD Changer, you will connect its cable to the back of the RB1 as well. Slide the RB1 into the opening, replace the 4 screws, snap the dash panel surround back in place and replace the accessory hook screw and you are ready to put the DVD-ROM in and boot up the system!

I love it! I paid $1250 for mine.

I installed the 6-disc CD Changer under the driver's seat with the front facing the door opening. I ran the cable next to the power seat cable; the exisitng hole in the carpet was large enough to accomodate the cable/plug. I then routed the cable along the door sill, up the kick panel, over the instrument panel and into the dash opening for the radio. I only had to remove the door sill trim piece which pulls off as it is secured by 5 or 6 spring clips. The clearance under the seat is fine, though others have mounted the changer in the cubby storage area(s) under the rear seats. Everything worked just fine when I turned it on!

Contact me if you have questions.

 

[JFirebaugh]

RBI

robbynne ram,



I presume the power seat motors and mechanisms do not interfere with the CD Changer Case, when operated to their limits?



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I really appreciate everyone's information and detailed responses. Hopefully, my truck will arrive at the Dealer early this week. I plan on getting the RB1 and CD Changer. If I can get the same 3/36 Factory Warranty, I'd prefer to install everything myself!



John