In Dash GPS/media unit

[robertj]

Hi all,
went to the Brisbane Caravan and Camping Show the other week looking at GPS units that will support topo maps like Hema as well as street navigation.
Problem with my eyesight I want a big screen so you can see as much real estate as possible.
Saw the Polaris unit - its 7inch screen is great but it requires removing the existing radio as it is a double din installation (100mm high unit) They said that they can install and they can source a suitable trim kit for this (I have an SE) Cost of the unit was around $1300 and I have seen similar units on Ebay for half this.
Just wondering if anyone has installed anything like this and what they are like. The only other option I know of is the 5" Garmin or Hema unit.
Thanks
Robert

[strudeltoowoomba]

I had a Polaris unit in my navara, great system except AM radio reception was garbage even in town I was flat out getting the local ABC. At $1300 I found it too pricey for a rebadged chinese system...personal view only.


Cheers

Steve

[robertj]

Thanks Steve - I'll look further into the unit before making any decision - one of the problems I can see with the ebay option is also getting a suitable trim kit though at a little over $500 bucks its tempting.
Rob

[Phil TDV6]

Hi robertj,

Have a look at my post under Aftermarket navigation and Rear entertainment system. (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-zone/81330-aftermarket-navigation-rear-entertainment-system.html)

It is a double DIN unit and should be a fairly straight forward swap if you have the base-level stereo. Finding a trim surround for it could be the trickiest part, although I believe VMS may have been working on one for the D3. If not, a decent installer may be able to make a custom one to suit.

It is a bit more expensive than the Polaris, but is considerably cheaper than the LR factory fitted item. The screen is 6.5" (a fraction smaller than the Polaris), but is fine for my aging eyes. The VMS doesn't have a tilt screen, so I'm not sure how easy it would be to see mounted where the stereo is fitted to the D3.

Phil

[powella]

Just rember for an 07+ that you will loose the Clock in the drivers display, as this is driven by the radio on the CAN bus if you remove the factory radio.

This is why I prefer the option to leave the factory unit in place for FM/AM and CD, then put a display in the cubby with the amp etc elsewhere.

AP

[gps-au]

Just rember for an 07+ that you will loose the Clock in the drivers display, as this is driven by the radio on the CAN bus if you remove the factory radio.

Which is why I am working on a way to put it back.

One question is how PRE 07 the clock was set ?

[robertj]

Just rember for an 07+ that you will loose the Clock in the drivers display, as this is driven by the radio on the CAN bus if you remove the factory radio.

This is why I prefer the option to leave the factory unit in place for FM/AM and CD, then put a display in the cubby with the amp etc elsewhere.

AP
Thanks Phil for the link - it's a very neat installation, the units on ebay like the Polaris have a motorised screen that angles up to read which is pretty good, but the more I look at it the more I am leaning towards your solution because I don't want the finished installation looking dogy without a good looking trim kit. The specs on the units claim to cater for steering wheel control - I have phone control on my steering wheel so I am going to confirm what these units actually allow.
And powella - Good point about the driver display clock - hadn't thought about that one!

[powella]

Which is why I am working on a way to put it back.

One question is how PRE 07 the clock was set ?

Dad has an 05, and it only has the clock in the radio. Not sure if it is still sent out of the radio though.

AP