i am sure some one has installed a satellite radio in there truck, what i would like to know what brand is the best and easy , how was the install, what kind of antenna and how to run the wire, i see the kind that has a cassette adapter , and a fm modulator, any input would be great thanks
jman

 

I had Sirius installed by dealer with no modifications to the truck, so can't help you on the install. I will tell you that the programing is OUTSTANDING! There is always something on... with the added bonus of EVERY SINGLE NFL game...Good stuff there

 

I've got the XM commander and I love it. The comedy channels rock.

 

I recently got a Delphi Roady2 (XM). The unit is smaller than a pack of cigarettes and has a wireless FM modulator built in. (pic is in my photo gallery) It transmits the satellite signal as FM to your existing radio. It also has an 1/8 line out so you can use a cassete adapter or plug in directly if your head unit has line in inputs. Intallation was figuring out where on the roof to slap down the magnetic antenna (a black plastic square dome a little bigger than a postage stamp), finding a spot to run the wire into the cab, then plugging the antenna and the cigarette lighter adapter into the XM receiver. They include a couple of mounting setups, in my 1st gen there was no good place to mount it so it just sits in the change tray of the console. My work truck has a piece of velcro on the dash that holds it. I bought two antennas and I swap between the two trucks daily.

I'm very happy with the programming, I can always find something to listen to. Reception is good, I only lose signal when I'm inside a building (duh) or in a heavily wooded area for a long time. I think there's a buffer involved because you can drive under a bridge and not lose signal.

 

Wannadiesel

I saw your XM install, what is involved & where did you mount it? It looks like 2 plugs and velcro is that it? And why did you go with XM and not Sirius, just wondering as I'm considering the same. Jeff

 

I got the RB1 Navigation System with Sirius. Wouldn't change it for anything. Can be controlled thru factory steering wheel controls. Antenna is mounted in the center of my hood. Yes, that's right, my engine hood. That's because I have a camper and it wouldn't work it it was on the roof. Looks pretty cool having something sticking out of the hood though.

 

I've only had mine two days but so far it's VERY cool.

I think the programing will take time to get used to.

It was extremely easy to install, took about 10 minutes.

 

We have Sirius..use an Audiovox adapter that plays back through the FM. I works good, we move it from the van to the truck depending on which one we are using. I've been putting the antenna on the hood when the Lance camper is on the truck. No problems so far

 

Jeff- the "install" was plugging in the wires and laying the unit in the change dish on the console. I went with XM because Sirius did not have anything that was as small or as simple to swap between vehicles. I have an antenna and power cord in each truck so it's only 2 plugs to swap. The price was right, too - $140 plus a second antenna and power cord, less than $200 to set up both trucks.

 

I am not very knowledgable with these things but will be getting one by next month. Is there a monthly fee or just the flat purchase price?

 

XM is $10 a month for one receiver. If you get another (everybody who sees mine wants one, so unless you're single you'll be buying another) it's $7 per extra receiver up to 6 total per account. You can pay in advance or you can set it up so they charge your credit card once a month. For more info XM's website is XMradio.com. And no, they're not paying me.

 

jman I have the XM to and I allso have one in my 9H bulldozer! Yuo can tell I really like these things ,the one in my trk is the top model called the delfi it has a cradel that it sits in and I had the fm modulator put in because I didn't have a cassette player.It sits to the right of my radio and I have a extra car kit that has the cradel and antena,andI put it in my boat or my travel trailer. the one in the tracktor is call the Comander and I wished it had been out when I started this it would have been my choice cause it's hardwired and the head unit is really small . my .02

 

T thanks for the photo of your install. I have a lighter in that spot, are you using the lighter socket for power? Any other photos would be appreciated. By the way, how do you post pics with a message? Jeff
PS Also, how did you run the wires to hide them, please don't say you had to drill a hole in the dash.

 

i been looking at them on line and been reading what you guys been saying , i think i like the Delphi Roady2 , for the fm modulator built in, now the ? is whats the big diffrents of XM and Sirius,
jman

 

The major difference to me was brand recognition. I didn't want to invest in hardware that may or may not be around in the next couple of years...I don't mean anything bad to Sirius, I just recognize XM more so I went with them. I talked to a couple of people that noted you can get more sports talk with the Sirius version over XM.