Time to replace my RAQ in my 2008 2500

[RDThompson]

I searched this topic and didn't find much except U-connect and satellite issues.
The time has come to dump the RAQ and I'm leaning towards a Pioneer AVH 1440 NEX
My question is will this unit be compatible with my existing speakers or should I just buy new ones now.
It's not so much the price of speakers but the pain of removing and remounting the existing units.
Also, does the RAQ have a remote amplifier or is it all in the dash unit?

Primarily I'm looking for people with experience doing this and perhaps the schematic of the RAQ plugs.

 

[Wayne M.]

The only experience I can give is with my 04 RAZ. I considered aftermarket, but I still haven’t found a adapter to retain the wheel buttons and the amp. I would imagine your system would be more integrated with the vehicle via CAN bus, and other networks. I wouldn’t splice anything, I’d get a harness kit from crutchfield or similar.
I just replaced my radio with a reman from 1factoryradio and I’m not very thrilled with the experience so far.

 

[Ozymandias]

check out Axxess Adapters.

 

[User113]

Or...go to Crutchfield's website, enter in your truck's details and they will let you know what you will need to make the Pioneer work in your truck.

 

[seafish]

My question is will this unit be compatible with my existing speakers or should I just buy new ones now.
It's not so much the price of speakers but the pain of removing and remounting the existing units.
Also, does the RAQ have a remote amplifier or is it all in the dash unit?

It depends if your truck has the basic sound system or the Infinity "premium" system. The Infinity system has speakers that utilize additional amps at the speaker and those will NOT be compatible with a different head unit unless you change the s[eakers out as well or utilize some sort of electronic adapter.

Or...go to Crutchfield's website, enter in your truck's details and they will let you know what you will need to make the Pioneer work in your truck.

THIS!!! Crutchfield has extensive and excellent documentation for fitment on our trucks (well ALL vehicles actually)and will be able to guide you to equipment that WILL work for yours. Furthermore, their sales staff is knowledgable and friendly and can help you with your selections if you are still unsure as to what fits or what you may want. ALSO, their tech support, which is included with ANY purchase, is extremely knowledgable and friendly. And MOST importantly, anything that you buy them from them is covered by a 60 day "no nonsense" warranty... if it doesn't work, is damaged or simply if you are unhappy for ANY reason, within 60 days they will take it back for a full refund. IIRC even including return shipping, though perhaps not your original shipping. While thier prices may be a bit higher then what you might find on amazon, their purchase terms, CS and TS is unparalleled and IMHO makes the negligible price difference well worth it!!!

 

[seafish]

Regarding my post above highly regarding Crutchfield, it is important to note that my recommendation is not based on any business relationship with them EXCEPT that of a satisfied customer.