Chinook RV

I really like the Pioneer DVD/CD/AM/FM player in place of the old VCR I wired it to an on/off switch in place of a key and also mounted the USB/Aux jack. Works great thru the TV or the 6.2" screen. Freed up a lot of room in the overhead. I made sheilds out of paneling and held in place by velcro in the overhead to protect the wiring.

That looks great! Very clever to use the VCR "hole."

BTW, I *searched* for that maple interior when I was Chinook shopping.

Fun timing, as I've just been debating the last couple of days how to re-do my coach stereo system. The single DIN that was up above the VCR compartment died, and also I'm re-doing some cabinetry. I had already re-wired that radio to run completely from coach power (it used to be half powered by Ford/battery system). Options I'm considering:

1) New single DIN head unit basically in same location, except that I'm going to cut out that panel into a big square opening to match the the other side, so the stereo would be in there behind a door.

2) Same as above but maybe only with the two front coach speakers (but upgraded ones). Reason I am considering eliminating the rear two is that the one over the couch is always right over my head, and plus since I'm re-doing the cabinets it's tempting to eliminate that deep false bottom (to accommodate the rear speakers).

3) Just upgrade the cab stereo, run it from house power, and use that for my coach system.

4) Go with a bluetooth speaker (something like Bose Soundlink) in the rear and no car stereo type system.

Thanks for your comments Blue Go. We really like the maple interior. (Our 2004 Premier was purchased from a cousin that bought it new and only put 15K on it in 10 years.)

A few additional comments....I went to the double din because the selection of DVD players was much better although I did have to enlarge the opening a bit. I like that it only uses the 2 speakers in the overhead. I thought about upgrading the speakers but the stock Kenwood actually sound pretty good so I think I'll stick with them. The best thing is that when we are stopped I can quickly flip on the unit (which has a very convenient remote) without worrying about the ignition key. I utilized one of the existing RCA wires from the VCR to connect to the TV. When wiring I had to use a parking brake bypass on the unit. Overall the install was pretty easy.

Anyone know of a system that can take the headphone out of a TV and pipe it into "surround" sound (4 speakers)?

SMan wrote: A few additional comments....I went to the double din because the selection of DVD players was much better although I did have to enlarge the opening a bit. I like that it only uses the 2 speakers in the overhead.

Oh, so do you only have two coach speakers? Are they in that same overcab/vertical panel that you now have the stereo in?

The Concourse came with four 6.5" round speakers in the coach. Two in the overcab/vertical panel, and two in the "floor" of the upper cabinets (one over the couch near the sink, and one over the seating just ahead of the stove). Four is a nice sound, but I am often sitting right under one of the rear speakers, which of course over-emphasizes it. And now that I'm re-doing my upper cabinets, I'm really re-considering those two rear speakers (they cause the floor of the cabinet to be built up over them, thus losing a lot of space).

So, I was wondering to myself if I'd be happy with just the two overcab speakers, thinking of upgrading them to be really nice ones (the stock ones are just run-of-the-mill Jensen 6.5" round). I could keep the 6.5" round size, or potentially go to a more oval speaker if it runs up/down ways.

Sounds like you really lucked into your Premier. I'm having to get maple the hard way

Just to clarify. Yes 2 coach speakers. The coach stereo utilizes only the 2 speakers in the overhead cabinet bulkhead. The Cab stereo utilizes the cab speakers and the speakers facing down in the cabinets by the sink and microwave (4). Hope that makes sense.

Manitou wrote:Anyone know of a system that can take the headphone out of a TV and pipe it into "surround" sound (4 speakers)?

I have not but you could probably wire your own.

SMan wrote:Just to clarify. Yes 2 coach speakers. The coach stereo utilizes only the 2 speakers in the overhead cabinet bulkhead. The Cab stereo utilizes the cab speakers and the speakers facing down in the cabinets by the sink and microwave (4). Hope that makes sense.

That's interesting. Mine has the same six speakers, but the two cab door speakers are on the cab stereo, and the four speakers in back are on the coach stereo.

That said, I could see where your arrangement might be nice, because for me the rear coach speakers tend to be right over my head (thus blaring too loud as compared to the others).

I've just printed out templates to see if I can fit 6 x 9's in the front panel; if so I may eliminate the rears (but I'll wire for them so if I change my mind...).

My cousin said they never rewired anything so I assume this is the way the Premier came. I'm happy with the way the speakers work but it does make me wonder where all the wires junction.

Two other projects on tap include replacing the toilet bowl seal (doesn't hold water long) and trying to get the display for the microwave to work. I'll start topics on those as they progress.

Interested to hear how you do with the microwave display. I hear it's a common rv problem and usually involves buying a new circuit board panel or just getting a new microwave. I have a dead display myself.

Skillet wrote:Interested to hear how you do with the microwave display. I hear it's a common rv problem and usually involves buying a new circuit board panel or just getting a new microwave. I have a dead display myself.

Well I pulled it out today which only took a couple of minutes. I removed the cover and cleaned the contacts on the ribbon connector that was referenced somewhere on a msg board (could have been here) to no avail. In looking at the microwave which was made in 2002 I decided it is probably better to replace the unit. It is just a Sharp counter top model with a trim kit so I should be able to find something to fit. I'll update