4 Options for Nav in Jeep XJ

[ss427ci]

My budget: Under $1,000 for headunit
Current Gear: iPhone 4S (Google Maps, MotionX GPS Drive apps), Kenwood HD545U HD Radio/CD/MP3 player.

Audio Gear I will run, this has already been decided:
Subthump 10" Stealth Subwoofer Enclosure
Polk Audio PA D5000.5 900W RMS 5 Channel Amp
Polk Audio db1040 10" SVC Sub
Polk Audio db6501 6.5" 2-Way component System
Polk Audio db651 6.5" Coaxial speakers

So I can't decide on what to use for the GPS/NAV/Headunit.

Option 1:
Gear: Current Setup
Mount: iGrip iPhone 4 window mount
Total Cost: $13.45
Pros: Supper easy, already have a decent headunit, cheapest option
Cons: Small screen, limited GPS ability, no bluetooth, no DVD player, additional mount inside the cabin

Option 2:
Add a dedicated GPS
Gear: Garmin nüvi® 3597LMTHD
Total Cost: $330
Mount: Supplied mount on top left corner of dash
Pros: Probably the best GPS capability, top of the line flagship model from Garmin, large 5" HD touchscreen, easy installation, does everything I need it too.
Cons: Additional mount in the cabin, theft magnet, another device to worry about and carry, no bluetooth, no DVD player.
http://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-road/automotive/2013-line/nuvi-3597lmthd/prod121762.html

Option 3:
Custom iPhone 6+ Dash mount
Gear: iPhone 6+ (Google maps, MotionX GPS Drive apps), Digital 6-channel kit
Total Cost: $1,080
Mount: Soundman Side Slider
Pros: All-in-one solution, Sleek custom appearance, All the features of the iPhone 6+ built into the dash and connected to the speakers, large 5.5" touchscreen, able to charge while connected, Good reason to upgrade phones, Security cause I will always take my phone with me and leave nothing behind.
Cons: Limited GPS ability, User interface is not meant for this kind of install, questionable sound quality, difficult installation requires fabrication, bulky phone to carry outside of the Jeep, most expensive option.
*If I use the regular iPhone 6 I would save about $150 on this setup with a smaller 4.7" screen though.
http://www.soundmanca.com/products/iphone-6-plus-side-slider-kit

Option 4:
2-din in dash Navigation System
Gear: Kenwood DNX571HD
Total Cost: $600
Mount: Custom install into dash
Pros: All-in-one solution, Bluetooth, Handsfree calling, HD radio, DVD player, Garmin Maps, best sound quality, very large 6.1" touchscreen, has the most extra features, cleanest install, can add a backup camera.
Cons: Will require fabrication to make it fit into dash, theft magnet, GPS isn't quite on par with dedicated unit and that's about it.
http://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/navigation_multimedia/dnx571hd/

*Can also add a backup camera to this setup for $100
http://radio-upgrade.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=283


So I am interested in hearing your thoughts, since I am still in the planning phase right now.

 

[iluv83vettes]

Here is what I am running in my 99 XJ:

Subthump box with Polk MM840 (I have progressively gotten smaller and less subs from 2x12" audiobahn loud crap, 1 12" same audiobahn, a 10" polk MM, and now the 8" and I feel it is plenty of bass especially for that small box)
Polk DB 651s speakers all around
powered by alpine MRV-M500 for the sub and alpine MRV-F300 for the speakers
I have the Fusion BT unit through Clarion EQS746 1/2 DIN Graphic Equalizer with Built-in Crossover to get good sound quality

I don't have a head unit at all. I got some plastic from an audio shop for free that I JB welded to the center dash bezel to have a blank to put some more switches and an in cab winch controller. I have my iPhone 5 on a windshield mount with my lifeproof case and a ram mount on the plastic blank to hold my ipad mini.

I use my iPhone for all my music and what not as well as google maps for street driving. The iPad only goes in for long trip for a passenger to watch movies or whatever. There really isn't anything to see to steal except the sub with this setup. This was a big deal for me since I had my Jeep broken into twice in a year. Both times they got the head unit, but didn't look in the center console or under the rear seat (where the equalizer and amps are).

If you can go without regular FM radio (can usually find any station with iHeartradio and other apps) I really think this is the best set up.

I found a 12 volt to dual usb plug that runs 3.1 amps so I can charge my iPhone and iPad at the same time.

Another thing I like about this set up is you don't need the stock antenna anymore so you can put the CB antenna there http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=918230

I plan on making a rear storage drawer set up to hide the sub and secure things better in the back as well.

 

[Jeep or Tacoma]

Lowrance

For a dedicated gps look at lowrance Baja

 

[ss427ci]

For a dedicated gps look at lowrance Baja

Not a big fan of Lowrance, I'd much prefer a Garmin. Thanks for the reference though.

 

[ss427ci]

Here is what I am running in my 99 XJ:

Subthump box with Polk MM840 (I have progressively gotten smaller and less subs from 2x12" audiobahn loud crap, 1 12" same audiobahn, a 10" polk MM, and now the 8" and I feel it is plenty of bass especially for that small box)
Polk DB 651s speakers all around...

That is a pretty interesting setup. I've thought about using an iPad Mini in addition to my headunit, but it just looks too big in the cabin for my liking. I like the benefits of that setup as well, because I'll be running a dual band ham radio eventually. I don't really need FM radio I guess, it would be nice to have in case of emergency broadcast though. Gives me another option to think about at least.

 

[AFBronco235]

Not a jeep guy, but here's what I went with.

Surface 2 tablet with GPS Bluetooth dongle and MapsPro for navigation. I went with a tablet for flexibility. I can do route navigation or just follow any number of terrain maps I can download directly to the drive. Record tails, snapshots, internet access with wifi, trip reports. I did need a GPS bluetooth dongle but at only $30, the expense was easily justified. For a mount, I went with a tablet clip for the Surface two mounted on a pivot arm I made from 1/2" PVC pipe and fittings. Woks pretty well.

Total cost was around $600, mostly on the tablet.

To break it down.
Large 10 inch screen, easy to use, durable, affordable, multiple uses, lightweight, removable and easy to install. MapsPro allows me to download multiple map types, including Google, Nokia, Bing and several terrain/trail maps. Turn by turn navigation. No wiring unless you count the car charger, pivot mount allows passenger to navigate (or let girlfriend watch movies on the road/trail),

Cons: Uses a separate GPS dongle for tracking

 

[ss427ci]

Wow that is quite intensive. I like that setup though, very cool. I wouldn't mind having a ram mount of some sort for a tablet.

 

[doug720]

Here is what I use in my 60 - Ipad 1 in a Otterbox case with a ram mount with a 12v power source. Lots of great mapping options, easy to use, and the features and resolution are GREAT!


I found the Ipad 1 64G for $90, $50 for the case and about $40 in Ram parts, plus about $40 in map apps.

Once you use a set up like this...GPS only units are lacking.