RV owners often think they’re stuck with the radio that came with their rig. When new technology comes out, many wish they could take advantage of the latest advancements. Well, today’s post is here to tell you that you can!
We’ve written several TV-related posts covering satellite TV for RVs, RV TV antennas, and even 12V TVs. But we’ve never posted about RV stereo systems and the options for upgrading them. Now you can take your entertainment experience to new heights using the latest tech.
In this post, we explore replacement options for RV radios, providing you with new, powerful entertainment resources. That way, you can not only listen to your favorite music via CD, DVD, or FM tuner but also take advantage of key features of newer model RV radios.
- 1) Why Upgrade an RV Radio?
- 2) Can I Replace My Old RV Radio With a New One Myself?
- 3) What Is DIN Size?
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4)
What Are the Best Options for RV Radio/Stereo Upgrades?
- 4.1) Furrion Marine & RV Radio Entertainment System
- 4.2) Pioneer DMH-WC5700NEX
- 4.3) BOSS Audio Systems Elite Series BE950WCPA
- 4.4) Sony XAV-AX8100
- 4.5) JVC KD-TD72BT
- 4.6) Alpine iLX-F411
- 4.7) Alpine UTE-73BT
- 4.8) PIONEER AVIC-W8600NEX with Mobile Navigation System
- 4.9) Alpine INE-W970HD Navigation Receiver
- 4.10) Jensen RV Radios
- 5) Have You Replaced the RV Radio In Your Rig?
Why Upgrade an RV Radio?
There are several reasons why a person might want to upgrade an RV stereo. If your RV is older, you likely have a stereo with dated audio technology, such as a CD player or even a cassette deck (or… gulp… an 8-track player!) Maybe you’d like to upgrade to take advantage of Bluetooth audio (A2DP) and controls (AVRCP), so you can play tunes from your smartphone/tablet. Or maybe you’d like to add the ability to use your phone’s apps for navigation and other features.
Perhaps you’re looking for a larger, more advanced touchscreen or a unit with a DVD player. Maybe you’ve been using a 12-volt DC adapter to connect to a Bluetooth speaker, and you’d like to hear your music through your RV’s speaker outputs. Or maybe you’d like a 2-zone RV stereo system for your family to enjoy separately in the front and back of the rig.
Some of the enhancements offered by an RV radio upgrade may be:
- Easier operation
- A large colorful display
- Better phone integration
- Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
- Rear-view camera capability
- Onscreen GPS navigation (built-in or via smartphone)
Whatever the reason, upgrading your RV’s radio will not only enhance your entertainment on the road but also increase the resale value of your rig.
Can I Replace My Old RV Radio With a New One Myself?
RV radio replacement can be a fairly easy upgrade to complete, depending on the type of radio and its installation location. Some in-dash stereos may be so integrated with the dashboard layout that a direct replacement can be difficult, or in some cases, virtually impossible. However, many RV radios are simply car stereos that can be easily replaced with a new one featuring far newer technology.
These can sometimes be plug-and-play replacements, though some may require adaptive wiring harnesses or mounting kits. Should you require an adapter, mounting kit, or other installation items, you can contact the customer service department of a place like Crutchfield via phone or chat, and they can tell you exactly what you’ll need to make the upgrade.
What Is DIN Size?
DIN stands for “Deutche Industrial Norm” — German for “German Industrial Standard.” This is the national organization for the standardization of products and industries throughout Germany. Because their products have become popular throughout the world, these standards apply globally.
DIN size refers to the chassis size of the stereo itself. Many car stereos and RV stereos come in one of two standard sizes: single DIN or double DIN.
NOTE: It’s possible to have an old rig with a “DIN and a half” size stereo, like the ones that used to be used in old GM vehicles. But these are no longer made by stereo manufacturers. If you happen to have one of those in your RV, it MAY be possible to use wiring adapters and a special mounting kit to upgrade your RV radio, but this would be best discussed with radio installation experts like those at Crutchfield.
Single DIN
A single DIN car or RV stereo is 2″ tall and 7″ wide. They were the standard-size radio heads that those of us of a certain generation (ahem) had in our cars when we first started driving.
Double DIN
A double DIN car or RV stereo is 4″ tall and 7″ wide. Not surprisingly, they’re twice as tall as single DIN radios. Even though many look obviously different (larger/taller) than single DIN models, you can’t always tell whether a stereo is single or double DIN just by looking at it.
In terms of functionality, such as sound, source, and power controls, single and double-DIN radios are very similar. But double DIN units offer more real estate (space) for larger, more varied, and more versatile controls.
The real differences come into play with touchscreen stereos. In general, touchscreen stereos tend to be double-DIN units… but not always. Some models include a large “floating screen” in a single-DIN chassis. The screen emerges from inside the stereo unit and “floats” in front of the dash. That’s exactly what we had in our old Newmar motorhome for 18 years, and the screen even displayed the backup camera.
Our single DIN RV radio, which came as original equipment on our ’05 motorhome, includes a floating screen that displays a variety of information, including our backup camera. The screen retracts into the dash when not in use.
You’ll likely find that many touchscreen stereos can be more difficult to install due to the additional wires, but you have a couple of options here. One is to contact a professional (again, one like Crutchfield) for advice on what you’ll need for self-installation. The other is to have a pro like Crutchfield, Best Buy, or an independent installer do the upgrade for you.
What Are the Best Options for RV Radio/Stereo Upgrades?
There are many good options for quality RV radios/stereos on the market today. Note that while we’re not explicitly talking about wall-mounted RV radios in this post, you can also upgrade your wall-mounted units. For this type of stereo system, Furrion RV radios are very popular with RVers and boaters, too.
Furrion Marine & RV Radio Entertainment System
This system offers 3-Zone audio and 2-Zone independent control, plays CDs and DVDs, and supports WMA, MP3 & MP4 formats. The AM/FM radio has 30 preset stations with additional programmable stations. It also has a USB input that includes charging, HDMI in and out, as well as a subwoofer connection.
- SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: Max power output of 130W (4x25W + 2x15W) provides powerful bass tones and explosive performance to your stereo experience on the...
- EASY CONNECTIVITY: With Bluetooth connectivity and NFC quick-touch communication, the system offers next-generation entertainment experience.
Wall-mounted RV radios aren’t usually difficult to replace, though you do need to be sure to buy a unit that fits, of course… and make sure to buy any additional wiring or adapters required for the upgrade. In this post, however, we’re primarily focused on replacing in-dash units.
Following are some of the most popular car/RV stereo systems available today.
Pioneer DMH-WC5700NEX
This double-DIN unit has a 6.8″ touchscreen display that’s easily controlled with large icons. The system offers wired or wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Sirius XM, built-in Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa. The built-in Bluetooth can be paired to two different phones at the same time.
This stereo offers a 13-band equalizer as well as built-in HD radio for crystal-clear sound from HD radio stations in the region where you’re traveling. You can add amplifiers through the preamp inputs if desired, and you can also add a backup camera through the video input or feed video to your backseat screens. Note that this unit doesn’t have a CD player.
- Smartphone Integration - Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling seamless integration with your smartphone. Safely access your favorite...
- Entertainment on the Road – Stay connected on the go with the built-in Bluetooth functionality. Make hands-free calls, stream audio wirelessly, and...
BOSS Audio Systems Elite Series BE950WCPA
With this Boss audio system, you can link to wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and control everything with Boss’s 6.75″ touchscreen display. Play music via apps like Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, and Apple Music. You can tell Siri what you want to hear or who you want to call.
Or, if you have Android Auto, you can use Google Assistant to play music, use Google Maps or Waze, make calls, check your messages and reply to them, all without ever taking your hands off the steering wheel. You can accept and make hands-free calls and you and all of your passengers can stream music, all using the built-in Bluetooth.
The system has two camera inputs for the addition of a backup plus one additional camera for towing a trailer or boat. You can also connect nearly any device that has an analog output using the Boss audio system’s rear aux input.
- Apple CarPlay - Access icons on your iPhone by activating Siri voice controls the touchscreen. Available features include Phone, Music, Maps, Text...
- Messages - With Siri on your side, you can ask her to read you your messages, reply as well as send them. Siri lets you concentrate on what matters...
Sony XAV-AX8100
This unit has a 3-way adjustable single-DIN chassis, which makes it fairly easy to install. It has a 9-inch floating anti-glare screen (which means it retracts into the unit when not in use and emerges over the dash when in use).
It’s a multi-media receiver with Apple Carplay/Android Auto, SiriusXM-ready, a 10-band equalizer, an HDMI video input, and< a built-in rear camera input. [amazon box="B0971WNNRM"]
JVC KD-TD72BT
This is a single-DIN unit at a great price for an RV radio. It offers built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, plus a “Streaming DJ” feature that allows five Bluetooth audio devices to be connected.
It’s Amazon Alexa enabled to use voice control for audio controls, hands-free phone calls, traffic updates, and weather information. It has a 1.5A USB port to charge devices.
This unit plays music via CDs as well as USB devices. It has a 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment and K2 technology for improved digital sound.
- GENERAL FEATURES: CD car stereo receiver with AM/FM tuner, detachable face with white 13-digit 2-line LCD display, 2-zone variable color illumination,...
- BLUETOOTH and SMARTPHONE FEATURES: Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, Streaming DJ feature allows five Bluetooth audio...
Alpine iLX-F411
This is a popular single-DIN unit with an adjustable mount and a huge 11″ display. This stereo works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling.
With one HDMI input and one HDMI output, you can use iDatalink connectivity for vehicle information and parking assist display on compatible vehicles. You can also connect to the rearview RCA camera input, which has a distance guide.
- 11” WVGA display with capacitive touchscreen
- Floating style display with adjustable height, depth, and angle mounting bracket
Alpine UTE-73BT
This is another popular single-DIN unit at a very good price point. It’s a simple unit that has a Mech-less AM/FM tuner and also plays Flak, MP3, and WMA audio files via USB. It also works with Pandora Music for both iPhone and Android phones. Note that it doesn’t have a CD player.
It does offer hands-free calling via Bluetooth and has a 3-band parametric EQ for music level adjustment.
- Mech-less AM/FM tuner with RBDS information
- FLAC/MP3/WMA audio file compatibility via USB
If you’re looking for RV radios with in-dash navigation, you’ll need to opt for a higher-end unit similar to one of these:
This unit from Pioneer has a 6.94″ capacitive touch display for controlling Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both of which can be used wirelessly. It can accommodate one or two cameras so that you can use a dash cam in addition to your backup camera — perfect for an RV radio.
This RV stereo is compatible with SiriusXM and the iDatalink Maestro module. You can mirror cast or play videos off an SD card. AV inputs include HDMI, USB, AUX, and RCA.
For navigation, Pioneer uses HERE guidance with over 12 million points of interest and coverage throughout all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. You’ll have real-time traffic updates and spoken speed limit warnings with this unit.
- Entertainment on the Road: Stay connected on the go with the built-in Bluetooth functionality, allowing you to make hands-free calls, stream audio...
- Amazon Alexa: Stay focused on the road with Alexa, when paired with the Pioneer Smart Sync App. Use voice commands to control your media, navigate,...
This RV radio with navigation is a double-DIN unit with a 6.5″ touchscreen display. It has built-in CD/DVD capabilities, HD radio, and is SiriusXM-ready.
This Alpine stereo has built-in navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes 2 USB inputs, 2 camera inputs, and 1 HDMI input. A great feature of this model is that it has a split screen to show your navigation and entertainment information simultaneously. The navigation screen also displays the speed limit of your current location and your current speed.
- DVD/CD receiver with AM/FM tuner
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible
Jensen RV Radios
The iconic brand Jensen has a wide range of choices. (It’s iconic to me anyway, because it was such a big deal when I installed one in my first car at 17 years 0ld!) But there are so many to choose from that we’re simply going to include this link to Jensen stereos for you to browse the many options.
Have You Replaced the RV Radio In Your Rig?
If you’ve replaced the RV stereo in your rig, we’d love to hear about your experience. What unit did you purchase and how do you like it? Did you do it as a DIY project, or did you have it installed professionally? Share your experience in the comments section below.
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HeJets
Thursday 16th of October 2025
We have a 2024 Tiffin AB with a terribly antiquated "infotainment" system...that has never worked well, if at all.
Sooo, seeing what it would be IF it worked, I can see that I would rather just replace the whole dash system—while using the same inputs from cameras and antennas.
There are two 12" monitors (side by side) in a single opening of 21"1 x 7# tall.
Wondering what system somebody might recommend for us. TIA Greg
TheRVgeeks
Friday 17th of October 2025
Hi Greg! Sorry to hear the factory infotainment system in your Tiffin isn't working well! We don't have any specific recommendations for a replacement, but we can suggest that you might want to post on a Tiffin-specific forum (like on iRV2.com - https://www.irv2.com/forums/f106/) to increase the chances that someone ELSE has already completed this particular upgrade.
Trippy
Tuesday 19th of August 2025
Used a 15-inch touch screen, connected to a mini windows-based pc. Wireless mouse. Hot spottin off the cell phone. Have all the navigation and music we ever need. Have a 21-inch monitor mounted with a folding mount for passenger. Have a couple splitters connected to the 3.5mm audio out jack on the pc, connected to. Well, that's a story for another day.
Jay
Tuesday 19th of August 2025
Many issues here.
We lost radio functions in our prior coach when it got exposed to the dust from driving on the Alcan Highway to Alaska. Replacing it with an identical model radio was the easiest solution by far.
If you have a newer coach with RV-C, have a Smartwheel with volume and channel controls, if your infotainment system interfaces with your main instrument panel, then you probably can't upgrade without losing significant functionality.
Having built-in navigation sounds like a good idea, but you basically have 2 unsatisfactory options: 1) Internet (Apple/Google) options that don't have RV settings such as height weight and RV-unsuitable routes; and 2) Garmin GPS with its out-of-date road updates. Going with RV-Life only requires a smartphone, but it will be on a much smaller display that might not be as visible to both the driver and the front passenger plus you're probably using the phone for other things (like TPMS and receiving incoming calls). The smartphone will need a mount and a power supply.
Can you play your devices with the audio upgrade? Newer radios have removed the auxiliary audio input jack for your MP3 player. It may or maybe not have a compatible USB port. A work-around for that is using an FM transmitter, but that means you need power to the transmitter and the player, and the transmitters have issues with loss of fidelity and background noise from nearby channels.
Unless you're full-timing, you're not living more than a month or so in your RV. Satellite radio is then relatively expensive, especially since you're not even using it most of the time. SiriusXM will only let you suspend your subscription one time per year, so essentially, account suspension isn't a "serious" option. A partial work-around is using a portable satellite radio receiver that you then use in more than one vehicle, but that requires another mount, antenna and power supply plus an FM transmitter (if one isn't already built into the portable receiver) in each vehicle.
How will an upgraded system connect to your speakers? The speaker cones are paper. After 18 years, their sound quality deteriorated and the speakers had to be replaced. Our ceiling-mounted speakers were considered "legacy." We found some on eBay, but although they were sold as "new," how old were they really? Are your speaker wires labeled? Anticipate incompatible speaker jacks behind the upgraded radio.
Will the antenna jack be compatible?
How easy is it to remove and replace the bezel that holds the old radio? Expect having to do that multiple times. Something will break/crack, the screws won't tighten up, the bezel won't stay in as it did previously, etc. How will the weight of the new radio be supported and mounted? Will it interfere with anything else back there?
It's not like your real house where you can pretty much replace your old, off-the-shelf, AV receiver with any other. Doing it in an RV can be daunting, although others responding below seem to have tackled it. An amateurish job will decrease its trade-in value and might make it virtually impossible to sell. Good luck with your upgrade!
Robert
Tuesday 19th of August 2025
Did you replace the radio in your 2005 rig ? With what if you did. I have the same style and have been trying to find a replacement. Thanks,
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 19th of August 2025
Hi Robert! We sold our Mountain Aire with the original radio it came with still in place. We never replaced it because we used it for only two things, both of which it was fine for: 1) The backup camera, and 2) Access to the speakers that are built into the ceiling (we installed a 3.5mm jack in the dash, that allowed us to play music from our iPhone directly into the speaker system). It's obviously the smaller radio chassis (the "old" style from when we were kids LOL), so options to upgrade may be more limited these days.
Ron T
Tuesday 19th of August 2025
I had a Alpine iLX-507 installed in my Phoenix Cruiser 2910D. It works great and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.