Looking for recommendations on head unit

[johndough]

I'm looking to replace the head unit in my 1988 Ranger. I kind of want to get a double din small touch screen head unit that's bluetooth. I've seen some small head units that look like a regular radio but when you hit a certain button a small touch screen screen unfolds from the unit and then you can use it just like a touch screen and I like the idea of those. Any recommendations?

 

[Blmpkn]

One of those units that unfold sound and look cool, and may prevent theft if you park near a human cesspool.. but its just something that'll break and be a bummer.

Buy one from a reputable company. Kenwood, pioneer, alpine.. etc. Don't buy cheap Amazon shit.

 

[johndough]

One of those units that unfold sound and look cool, and may prevent theft if you park near a human cesspool.. but its just something that'll break and be a bummer.

Buy one from a reputable company. Kenwood, pioneer, alpine.. etc. Don't buy cheap Amazon shit.

Is there a specific one you would recommend?

 

[Ranger850]

+1 on this

Don't go cheap. Alpine makes a nice unit , like your describing, last time I checked $1,000. Surely prices have come down by now, but then again Technology has come a long way in 10 years. Stay away from "Dual" brand. They tend to be unreliable.

 

[Ranger850]

Is there a specific one you would recommend?

Try "Crutchfeild.com"

Here's a Jensen Unit for about $250

Jensen CDR7011

DVD receiver

www.crutchfield.com

 

[johndough]

Try "Crutchfeild.com"

Here's a Jensen Unit for about $250

Jensen CDR7011

DVD receiver

www.crutchfield.com

I use Spotify as my streaming app, they make this small touch screen device called "Car Thing" that connects to your radio and has all of your playlists on it and I'm honestly half tempted to buy it and try it.

 

[superj]

i put one of those in my ranger. i just got a cheapo one from walmart, like dual or something. i didn't read very well and got the multimedia one instead of the one that has gps and maps. its cool for the passenger to watch movies on while we are driving though.

and the screen flips up and blocks the center ac vents though so watch out for that

 

[johndough]

i put one of those in my ranger. i just got a cheapo one from walmart, like dual or something. i didn't read very well and got the multimedia one instead of the one that has gps and maps. its cool for the passenger to watch movies on while we are driving though.

and the screen flips up and blocks the center ac vents though so watch out for that

could you tell me the model of it? i’d like to look into it.

 

[superj]

its this one

Dual Electronics XDVD176BT 7-Inch LED Backlit LCD Multimedia Retractable and Detachable Touch Screen Single Din Car Stereo with Built-In Bluetooth, iPlug, CD/DVD Player and USB/microSD Ports - Walmart.com

it automatically connects to the phone when i get in so that is nice. the touch screen works well. other than blocking the vents, its fine for listening to the radio while driving.

 

[Blmpkn]

and the screen flips up and blocks the center ac vents though so watch out for that

Didn't even think of this, but its a huge thing to consider.. and not just for comforts sake.

That screen wouldn't like heat blasted on it all day. Nor would it really appreciate the AC hitting it all the time either.

 

[johndough]

Didn't even think of this, but its a huge thing to consider.. and not just for comforts sake.

That screen wouldn't like heat blasted on it all day. Nor would it really appreciate the AC hitting it all the time either.

Gotcha. AC doesn't work in my truck, and also I only use heat in the mornings but once im warm I cut it off.

 

[superj]

i am going to swap it out for one of those ones that has maps on it but i notice they now sell a dual radio that hooks to your phone and just copies the screen form the phone to a large radio screen for maps and changing sirius or whatever people use for music now days. that one doesn't look to bad either, except it will still block the vents. mine doesn't block them completely but it blocks them about 3/4 of the way