Double DIN stereo experiences?

Assforkr

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Apr 3, 2018
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Massachusetts, USA
Looking for impressions from people that went through the extra hassle to install a double din stereo.

Worth it? How’s the sun glare and readability of the display? Did you buy the aftermarket face plate or dream up your own solution?
 
I installed a double DIN Sony touch screen last year. It was easy. I buy my stuff from Crutchfield, they send you everything you need. Came with harness adapter that plugged right in as well as a new center dash bezel w/ a double DIN opening. If you didn't know what my factory radio looked like you'd think the one I have in there now is factory.

The glare could be an issue.. I run w/ no top or doors and bikini top during the summer, so if it's early or late in the day the readability of the display is a little tough, but overall it isn't bad
 
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A bit off topic but I have a Boss radio that has a flip up display the fits in the single din. It's worked great for the two years I've had it. The glare can be a bit much sometimes but overall I'm very happy with it.
 
A bit off topic but I have a Boss radio that has a flip up display the fits in the single din. It's worked great for the two years I've had it. The glare can be a bit much sometimes but overall I'm very happy with it.
I’ve looked at those. Looks to like it would block the vents? Any issues?
 
I’ve looked at those. Looks to like it would block the vents? Any issues?

It does block the vents but I don't have AC anyways so doesn't bother me. If you really need the vents you can always just put the screen down and then back up when you need it.
 
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I had one installed on my Yukon. So not Jeep specific. But my issues were universal imho.

I really wanted it for the back up camera. I'm not a huge music guy. Usually happy with the radio. Or several stations. I have a wide taste. But beyond that - the radio and the back up camera - I didn't really use to many of the other functions. You can of course use your cell phone as a hotspot. So you have internet on the double din. But really it seemed easier to just use my phone for whatever internet needs I had. Same with navigation. It was quicker and easier to open my phone and hit google maps. Than to tether my phone and set it up so that google maps was working on the double din.

You can of course play a dvd in as many screens as you buy for. Some are only the one. Others can run up to 4 and so on. If you've got kids that's a must have. But maybe not a consideration in a Jeep.

You can also make and receive calls on one. But again, easier to just open my phone and make a call. But this might be one place where it could be of a benefit in a Jeep. I would think speakerphone running thru all the Jeeps speakers would work a whole lot better in a noisy Jeep than your phones speakerphone.

So there you have it. I only used the radio and the back up cam. So it was a fancy back up screen I guess. But I purchased mine from overseas from a company called:

www.eincar.com

Great selection and functions at a fraction of the cost. I think I paid $140 shipped for mine. And it did everything a $1200 Kenwood would do. Except play DVD's on multiple monitors. But I didn't have that need. And neither should you in a Jeep. The array of double din stereos will blow your mind. They must have 200 models. Just stick with the high end ones. Meaning $140. lol.
 
I installed a pioneer double din stereo in my toyota sienna van. It's really nice, plays cd's and dvd's with the bluetooth and all the features, and it sounds great. The only thing I will say is that when driving during the daytime you can't see anything on the screen at all. I'm going to be replacing the stereo in my jeep at some point, and I will definitely go with a single din because of my experience with the double din in my van. I want to be able to see the screen in the daytime.
 
I'm using a Kenwood DDX9904, got it from Crutchfield and installed it myself in a couple hours. There's a couple videos on YouTube that come in handy. I have a little glare on mine from time to time (but I live in the PNW and everyone knows we don't get sunny days here) but other than that I'm really happy with it.
 
I am using a Joying Android unit with the Metra double din adapter. The Chinese android units run a little large, but I was able to overcome it with Dremel and sanding drum. I love it. Using Torque for accurate gauges, bluetooth to my phone, Google maps, backup camera, etc. Total cost for the job was just shy of $300.
 
I used to have a Jensen with a fold-up screen. It worked well although the display wasn't very bright. After a couple of years it lost it's brains and wouldn't fold correctly. I took it out and put in a Kenwood with the double-DIN faceplate that I bought from Crutchfield. It has been excellent.

HF_VHF_UHF.webp
 
I'm interested in how to get a double Don in my Jeep as well.

The stock radio cd doesn't work and the volume control almost never works.

I put an Atoto A6 in my truck from Amazon and it's great.. runs Android, etc.. great sounds and features. If I could easily get one in the Jeep I would do it.