A huge shoutout to @ThomD for their incredible generosity! My van is now sporting their Kenwood DMX7704S, and it’s a fantastic upgrade. While larger screens are popular, we appreciate how neatly this smaller display integrates into the dashboard. Its discreet size is also a bonus for security, making it less of a target for theft when we’re parked at trailheads.
Installation was made easier with the Maestro and Metra kits, and thankfully, all the van’s original functions are still working perfectly. I was initially excited about the CAM button, hoping it would allow on-demand viewing of the reverse camera, but realized that function wasn’t present in the original setup. However, the potential is there – that purple/white wire is ready for a splice with an on/off switch, just like proeddie suggested, for future customization.
Ordering the kits from Crutchfield had its ups and downs with tech support. Everyone was very friendly and willing to help, but the advice wasn’t always spot-on. For instance, I was initially sent a Ken2 adapter instead of the Ken1. During the Maestro flashing process, Ken1 was the only option, which raised a flag. A call to tech support reassured me it wasn’t an issue – until the Ken2 wouldn’t actually plug into the radio! Then, I was informed the Ken1 was out of stock. Just as MrNomer and I were considering some drastic modifications, MrNomer wisely suggested checking elsewhere for the Ken1. Luckily, Abt had it in stock, and overnight delivery saved the day with minutes to spare.
The installation process itself wasn’t nearly as daunting as some of the horror stories I had read about complex wiring. Aside from the final push to get the radio into position and a couple of tight connections, it was surprisingly straightforward. Almost plug and play. My biggest moment of panic was when, during installation, the GPS antenna slipped and vanished deep behind the radio. Retrieval attempts failed, so I had to maneuver it further down and then fish it out through a wider opening. This accidental rerouting actually used up some of the excess wire, preventing a bulky bundle behind the unit, though my knuckles did take a bit of a beating.
Many dismiss the “useless” clipboard in the Promaster, but it proved invaluable during this radio swap. Having top-down access and light was a lifesaver, especially working in the confined space of the dashboard.
The improvement in sound quality is truly impressive! The reception is significantly better, pulling in our favorite Wichita station that the old UC5 radio never even knew existed. And Car Play is going to be incredibly useful, especially on solo trips when I’m navigating alone. Looking ahead, I’m also considering exploring the best-rated OBD2 interface for Android and Kenwood to further enhance the functionality of this system. Imagine being able to monitor vehicle diagnostics and performance data directly on the Kenwood screen through Android Auto. This could add a whole new layer of tech integration to the van, providing real-time insights into engine performance and vehicle health, right alongside navigation and entertainment. Choosing the right OBD2 interface is key to ensuring seamless compatibility with both Android devices and Kenwood receivers, and research into the top-rated options will be my next step to maximize this upgrade.
Once again, thank you, Thom, for your incredible generosity. This upgrade has made a world of difference!
