Radio advice

[Chinasrig]

After 2 calls to Thor customer service, 3 wiring schematics (none of which were right) and a lot of frustration I've determined that the stock Axxera radio in my Vegas 25.1 is DOA. I've removed the old radio and looking for a replacement unit.

There was a post on this awhile back and if I remember correctly someone suggested the Kenwood DMX4707S. The Kenwood is a direct replacement but I would like to make sure that there is no loss of options (all cameras, blue tooth etc.) If anyone has any info on this one it would be appreciated.

Thanks
Dennis

[16ACE27]

Any double-din sized radio with an A/V input for a backup camera will work. You get to decide what other features you want (like Bluetooth, Android Auto, Satellite radio, etc). All camera switching is done outside the radio.

[Bob Denman]

I've got the Kenwood, and it's works great!

[ducksface]

You are not bound to the small 7 inch screen.
Double dins come with 10 and 12 and even 13 inch screens.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VT82FVN...8399046&sr=8-4
This is an example of the available size not a recommended brand.


I would never buy anything less than an android radio head.
Too many fine things like offline maps and weather and online waze and the most excellent Sygic maps.
50,000 apps of all sorts. Don't pass them up.

Posts 186 and 379 in my signature thread shows a 10.1 inch in a Vegas dash.

[bojanlora]

I got sick of the axxera unit on trip #1

It's gone!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083WH983V...p_mob_ap_share

This unit sounds sooooo much better. Reverse and side cameras work just fine.

I could not find an Android unit with XM Radio but I can actually just run the XM app and stream it.

[ducksface]

There's a used one on that eonon page for $145.
Stealing.
I don't have a vehicle to put it in or it'd be mine.

[Chinasrig]

Thanks for the replies. I did purchase the Kenwood, finished the install this afternoon. It is a much better radio. Problem was I discover during the installation that the original radio was not defective there is a wiring problem in my rig. I did have to do a workaround on the new radio to get it to power up and as everyone knows workarounds ain't perfect. If we have a DC wiring expert in our group I would love to talk to you.

There is one question about the new Kenwood. Do any of the current owners know any way to activate the rear view camera without being in reverse? That was an option that I used a lot on the Axerra.

Thanks again

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Chinasrig

Thanks for the replies. I did purchase the Kenwood, finished the install this afternoon. It is a much better radio. Problem was I discover during the installation that the original radio was not defective there is a wiring problem in my rig. I did have to do a workaround on the new radio to get it to power up and as everyone knows workarounds ain't perfect. If we have a DC wiring expert in our group I would love to talk to you.

There is one question about the new Kenwood. Do any of the current owners know any way to activate the rear view camera without being in reverse? That was an option that I used a lot on the Axerra.

Thanks again

Seems that would be answered in the radio operating manual.

[bojanlora]

That’s something I actually miss. I was thinking of adding some switch that energizes the orange back up wire but not sure if that would turn on the white lights in the back.

[Terminex]

I installed the Pioneer AVH-600EX, but the Kenwood should be the same in terms of the rear view camera.

I leave mine on all the time to see my toad while driving.

You should not need to change any wires.

The wire that connects to the reverse lights is just used as a trigger for the radio system to automatically engage the rear view camera when in reverse. I did not need to change any wiring to get full time rearview camera. I simply hit the camera icon on the main screen on my Pioneer.

I would suggest reading the manual on the Kenwood.

If you are not getting the rear camera at all (including when the RV is in reverse) I would first check the settings on the radio. On my Pioneer, I always have to re-enable the camera in the settings after it has been in storage (i.e. meaning I disconnected the house batteries).

If you have it properly enabled in the radio settings and still do not get the rear, it is most likely the video switch box. They use a video switch box that takes all 3 camera inputs, and then outputs to the single cam connection on your radio.

Do you get a camera picture when using either of the turn signals?
If yes, try swapping the rear view camera and that turn signal camera at the switcher box. If you now get rear view camera with the turn signal active, you know that the rear input on the switcher box is bad. If you do not get the rear camera, you can now conclude that either the rear camera has an issue, or the wiring between the camera and the box.


Hope that helps a little.

[FrankBarba]

I stream my XM off my phone. This radio is a POS. I've replaced 1 already. When unit was new I was given a free subscription to XM, never worked. Keeps telling me to look for the antenna not connected. The screen bounced off from highway driving. Good Luck...They should also place outdoor speakers instead of the TV they put on the side. Bugs Love it...

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by Chinasrig

Thanks for the replies. I did purchase the Kenwood, finished the install this afternoon. It is a much better radio. Problem was I discover during the installation that the original radio was not defective there is a wiring problem in my rig. I did have to do a workaround on the new radio to get it to power up and as everyone knows workarounds ain't perfect. If we have a DC wiring expert in our group I would love to talk to you.

There is one question about the new Kenwood. Do any of the current owners know any way to activate the rear view camera without being in reverse? That was an option that I used a lot on the Axerra.

Thanks again

You just need to provide 12V to the Kenwood’s backup wire. Maybe using a rocker switch in one of the vacant locations on the dash so it looks nice. I use a separate dedicated screen for my cameras so do not use my Kenwood for that. An upcoming mod is to add a universal steering wheel or column mounted radio controls. It’s a long reach to my radio and the controls are tiny.

[alajeu]

I just got my unit back after getting a new axxera installed at the dealer. I have an extended warranty and it cost me the $50 deductible instead of the $490 list price. It is actually an upgrade. This one is fit for Sirius XM whereas the original was not.

We will see how long it is usable. The backup camera is working fine with the new radio. The original kept blowing fuses and after testing the dealer agreed it was the radio itself that was defective.

[Msdpok]

For those talking about XM RADIO, all you need to do is buy the Sirius/xm tuner and plug it into the back of the radio...

[Jimbo56]

Originally Posted by Chinasrig

Thanks for the replies. I did purchase the Kenwood, finished the install this afternoon. It is a much better radio. Problem was I discover during the installation that the original radio was not defective there is a wiring problem in my rig. I did have to do a workaround on the new radio to get it to power up and as everyone knows workarounds ain't perfect. If we have a DC wiring expert in our group I would love to talk to you.

There is one question about the new Kenwood. Do any of the current owners know any way to activate the rear view camera without being in reverse? That was an option that I used a lot on the Axerra.

Thanks again

My backup camera comes on if I activate the hazard warning lights

[bojanlora]

Originally Posted by FrankBarba

I stream my XM off my phone. This radio is a POS. I've replaced 1 already. When unit was new I was given a free subscription to XM, never worked. Keeps telling me to look for the antenna not connected. The screen bounced off from highway driving. Good Luck...They should also place outdoor speakers instead of the TV they put on the side. Bugs Love it...

My brand new axxera also had the antenna issue 2000 miles I to the first trip. Piece of junk. Already replaced it.

[salzerj@comcast.net]

Putting on the emergency flashers turned on the back camera when I had the THOR coach.

[1129Fran]

not a radio prob but how do you remove the plastic trim around the radio and the AC controls? I need to replace the AC control module as the second fan speed is inop.

[Wandering Woods]

Just my luck :-( After reading about the bad radio I was ready to upgrade with a new one from Amazon. But on the way to get other issues addressed the radio broke. It was frozen on and you couldn't change stations nor change the volume. The service manager had to remove and disconnect to shut it off. So just my luck, I'll get a replacement Axxera under warranty instead of an upgrade.

[Msdpok]

Originally Posted by bojanlora

My brand new axxera also had the antenna issue 2000 miles I to the first trip. Piece of junk. Already replaced it.

I know it’s a little late but you need to buy a xm tuner and plug it into the back of the radio. Then XM will work!