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Topic: Dash Electronics Upgrades (Read 431 times) previous topic - next topic

Dash Electronics Upgrades

old0.jpg Our coach's dash has two spots for electronic toys.

First the dash has a cutout (about 4.5" x 3.5") that originally held a CRT screen. Somewhere along the way, it was swapped for a 2162 LCD color monitor paired with a new backup camera. That setup disabled the dual-level view in favor of a single position view that had been setup for a hitch view, fine for tight backing, but not very useful for on highway use or lane changes.

The monitor also showed the Javelina tank levels, compass and outdoor temperature.

A few months back, we installed a higher-resolution backup camera, side cameras and a dash-cam, all feeding into a touchscreen DVR (recording) monitor.  For that we choose a 7" screen, the smallest option, but the best fit given how crowded the dash is. We had also replaced the Javelina tank monitor with a SeeLevel unit (with RV-C multiplex), which pipes tank levels straight to the Victron CerboGX 7" touch panel and the Victron portal page.

With both the backup and tank functions covered, the old LCD and Javelina brain were no longer needed so they were removed.


old2.jpg Second: the stereo slot. Below the monitor was a single-DIN opening that had some peak '90s tech: a sweet Alpine cassette deck with a removable faceplate and tiny, tiny size chiclet buttons. Remember those?

That stereo was high on the replace list, we wanted a modern head unit with Android Auto, GPS, SiriusXM, etc. So out it went. Same with the old CB radio tucked nearby. It technically worked, but the glory days of CB chatter seem to be long gone. Back when we first started RVing, it was great for traffic reports or lane closures. The last time I actually used one was at a Grandvention, tuned to channel fore for event updates.

old1.jpg With the old parts removed, up next is what we added back.
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Dash Electronics Upgrades

Reply #1 –
Backup Monitor
This can be mounted in a variety of places, left, right, high, low, or even over the old 5" cutout. Placement really comes down to what works for both the unit and your driving preferences.

backup2.jpg We chose to install it to the left of the driver at dash level. This spot keeps the windows and mirrors unobstructed while making the monitor easy to reach for quick touch or swipe actions to switch camera views.

Mounting Setup
We used standard 20mm aluminum ball mounts and sockets, which are available from many vendors. We purchased our parts from Bullet Point and Tackform Both have a large number of options to choose from

The setup is straightforward:
  • Select a dash mount that fits your layout.
  • Choose a holder designed for your monitor, ours used a T-Slot mount.
  • Connect the two with the appropriate linkage(s)

backup0.jpg backup1.jpg In our case, that meant a hidden-screw ball mount for the dash, a T-slot mount for the monitor, and a connecting arm (with red accents).

There is enough play to allow some pan/tilt to suit your viewing needs.  Where it sits still allows for the day/night MCD blinds to lower and not interfere, and the dash cowl can still pivot up.  It's very easy to reach so you can change views either by tapping the view you want from the quad screen or swiping left right.
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Dash Electronics Upgrades

Reply #2 –
Radio
To provide us with the most flexibility, we went with a Pioneer DMH-WC5700NEX.  This is a modular unit which allows the radio display to be mounted remote from the actual head unit/chassis.  Our thought was this could mount in the existing single din area with a vanity cover, and the display could be mounted over the 5" cutout where the old backup monitor was located.

radio1.jpg radio2.jpg After getting the unit, we changed the plan and instead of mounting it in the single din area, we mounted it where the old Javelina "brain" had been located.  It neatly fit in that space which also provides ample room for cooling. 

radio0.jpg Of course the new radio has a few more connections that the old unit and moving its location required moving / adding new wires as needed.  TBH some of the new connections are not (currently) needed but I added them just to be complete.  Once you're in there making connections it's just easier to do them all.

radio5.jpgThe display fits (just) in the old monitor space without blocking access to the power ports or the dash switches on either side.

radio3.jpg radio4.jpg We mounted the display to a transfer plate which had studs that fit inside the old cutout.  The cutout has a plate that mounted to the original dash mounts.  This was done as the mounting holes in the new display fell outside the existing cutout, and you can not modify the electroluminescent dash without shorting it out and losing that cool blue vibe at night.  Not shown in the pictures, I also used a plastic spacer between the two mounts just so the back of the display would not rub/abrade the dashboard face.
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Dash Electronics Upgrades

Reply #3 –
Single Din Slot
The last thing to sort out was the empty single DIN slot. At first, we figured we'd just drop in a simple storage pocket, but nothing we found really looked right. Another idea was to add some 52mm gauges since there are adapters that fit the opening, but then you've got to deal with wiring them up to the proper senders and figuring out what to add.  That location is also not the most ergonomic area to read a gauge.

cubby0.jpg We ended up making our own combo unit: half storage pocket, half 52mm gauge mount.  I drew up the concept in freecad, and I will not say no mistakes were made, but it ended up working ;)

For the gauge, we went with a VDO Analog Clock because it matches the style of our factory dash gauges. The clock is also back-mounted so it sits like the originals instead of looking like an add-on.

cubby1.jpg The outer face is a thin metal plate with a wrinkle-black powder coat, which hides the press-in studs and blends in nicely with the rest of the dash.

cubby3.jpg Behind that, the pocket/gauge section was 3D printed in nylon (SLS). The two parts sandwich together across the DIN opening, this holds it securely in place.

cubby4.jpg cubby5.jpg And here is the completed installation, almost looks factory.  The storage pocket is wide and deep enough to easily hold a cell phone etc. and the back mounted clock is easy to read with a quick glance.

20250822_140353.jpg And an overall view.
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Dash Electronics Upgrades

Reply #4 –
Now you can add wireless charging for your phone when it is in the pocket.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Dash Electronics Upgrades

Reply #5 –
Quote from: turbojack –
Now you can add wireless charging for your phone when it is in the pocket.

I think that pocket is actually intended for his favorite drox.jpg



Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Dash Electronics Upgrades

Reply #6 –
Steve, great upgrades and very nice work, although there are times I like the privacy of being able to lower the driver side blackout shade all the way down. IE snoopers in campgrounds. Jim.
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: Dash Electronics Upgrades

Reply #7 –
Wow! Well thought out, Neat, Efficient Layout.  8)
The selected media item is not currently available.
Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: Dash Electronics Upgrades

Reply #8 –
Quote from: fourdayoff –
Steve, great upgrades and very nice work, although there are times I like the privacy of being able to lower the driver side blackout shade all the way down. IE snoopers in campgrounds. Jim.

Jim,

We have MCD blinds and both the day and night lower completely without the monitor or its mount being an issue.  That's why Steve test-fit the mounting location first.

BTW, it's also easy to remove the camera monitor from its mount if needed.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320