So this is my first post in the forums. I just picked up a 2012 3.6 sxt. Nothing fancy about it basic radio with uconnect, tow package and had the dealer install factory remote start.

My wife and I had 2 2012 sonata turbo's but found out we were expecting our first baby so she decided she wanted to get an suv. After researching for months we decided on the durango. We traded in her fully loaded sonata which had nav and a nice sound system in it. She has decided she wants to change out her radio to an aftermarket one with nav, dvd and all the bells and whistles. I have researched all the harnesses that will be needed and steering wheel control adapters, but is there anything special about the durango that I should know about before installing this radio. I did look for a 430n or 730 upgrade but after the extra harness and the programming that is now required at the dealer i was in the range of 2400.00 and that wasn't happening. Here is a link to crutchfield and the radio I am looking at.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105NT50....html?tp=20212

We would have purchased a durango with the better radio but none were available anywhere near me unless I went with a hemi or got one with leather. Give me your guys thoughts I would appreciate it.

 

First off congrats on the new baby! Second it probably would have been better off for you to have purchased a vehicle with the upgraded system, easier in the long run. That being said the unit your looking at looks good. I'm sure someone here can lead you in the right direction. Good luck with your purchase.

 

I would have definnitely bought one with the upgraded sound but couldnt justify 4,000 for either leather and sound or hemi and sound. We didnt want the hemi I just got rid of my charger r/t with track package last year and the gas killed me. Hopefully someone will have some experience with head unit swap.

 

Are you looking for NAV, Backup Cam, or better sound? Or all 3?

The head unit you've linked to looks like a decent NAV unit, but I'm not sure it will give you better sound than the factory unit. Good sound is usually had from better speakers and amplifiers.

Just something to think about: If better sound is the goal, a new HU may be just one piece of what you'll need.

 

The sound is fine. What she is wanting is the nav, and DVD features. She's thinking down the line for a trip she would like to put rear monitor for the kid. Normally she is against upgrading something like this so I'm kind of excited she wants me to take the car apart

 

On top of the radio you will be looking at about 150-300 in additonal parts(harnesses, kits, antenna adaptors.. Crutchfield may supply you with the basic harness, but it doesnt work on all applications) not to mention if you are going with a nav radio you should use the harness that has the nav wires on them for the aftermarket radio.

http://www.pac-audio.com/productDeta...&CategoryID=26

http://www.pac-audio.com/productDeta...&CategoryID=26

difference between the 2, the 2nd has the steering wheel controls interface included

 

Total for all the harnesses, face plate, steering wheel button adapter, radio, and sirius tuner came out to 1024.80 shipped from crutchfield.Will sirius transfer my 1 year free over to the new tuner?

 

A little bit of digging could land you a factory head unit for a similar price.

Not sure if this one is a 430 or a 730, but it is an RHR

Chrysler Jeep Dodge Navigation CD Player Radio RHR OEM

 

you will have to contact sirius, but being that it was a free thing through dodge i dont believe so.

 

Please correct me if I am wrong, but everywhere I have read including contacting dodge I am told in the all the 2011-2012 dodge chrysler vehicles the nav radios are now activated by vin number. I also read that since I have uconnect I will need to by another harness for my mic to function properly. I had 2 dodge dealerships tell me the same thing that they have to hook up their scan tool to all 2011-2012 vehicles and tell the car and radio to communicate. Plus I also have to purchase the new antenna for the nav portion.