Anyone replace Garmin?

[mtz]

Is it possible to replace the Garmin system that came with our Interstate 24GT? My husband and I are A/S newbies and are finding the Garmin and Music system that came with it cumbersome and difficult to use. I currently use Apple CarPlay daily in my car and would love to be able to find a workaround to use it in our Interstate too. Thanks everyone!

[microbeta]

I am not familiar with the specific configuration of the 24GT but I have a 2022 AS19 that has Apple CarPlay as part of the MB Sprinter. They may be similiar setup...

There is a Fusion (which I think Garmin owns) for the house part. They are completely separate audio systems. The Fusion system will connect via bluetooth for audio but not Apple CarPlay per se. None of the Garmin products work within the Apple ecosystem particularly well IMO. I have a couple of Garmin golf watches and other products and they are more Android centric for sure.

I think it would be relatively easy to replace the Fusion system with another car/marine radio that supported CarPlay.

[Rocinante]

If your van is a VS30 that includes MBUX, I don't know how to help you, but if your van is an NCV3 or a VS30 that was made without MBUX due to the chip shortage, you could yank out the existing media head and replace it with something that supports wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and / or Android Auto. That's what we did with our 2016 unit, replacing our terrible original unit with a Pioneer that has a 9" floating screen, and we're quite happy. Of course, while we were at it we also upgraded all the speakers and added a subwoofer, but you can skip that if you like. We use our phones for GPS navigation. Since the media head does not include that navigation crud we never have to pay for an upgrade to the in-car maps, which is also a win.

[AirParkOnly]

Some unknown number of Interstate coaches were delivered during the chip shortage replacing the MBUX and the adaptive cruise with a Garmin. Mine was born this way and I refused delivery.

However, there is nothing particularly special about Garmin; it has no meaningful integration you can't substitute. It's a sub-par experience compared to the MBUX, IMO.

I would take your van to any competent stereo shop and replace it with virtually anything that suits your needs.

So, yes, very possible to replace it with any aftermarket system.

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by AirParkOnly

Some unknown number of Interstate coaches were delivered during the chip shortage replacing the MBUX and the adaptive cruise with a Garmin. Mine was born this way and I refused delivery.

However, there is nothing particularly special about Garmin; it has no meaningful integration you can't substitute. It's a sub-par experience compared to the MBUX, IMO.

I would take your van to any competent stereo shop and replace it with virtually anything that suits your needs.

So, yes, very possible to replace it with any aftermarket system.

Agreed, I would not have accepted delivery of a VS30-based van without MBUX and all the rest, but it's their money and they can do what works best for them.

[Pez Vela]

Fusion Infotainment replacement

After suffering all of the problems with the Fusion system (Rebooting, Screaching noise, and finally blown speakers) I finally replaced it with an aftermarket Pioneer/Jensen system. I wanted a unit that worked with Apple Car play through bluetooth or the USB. I had to replace all four speakers with Kickers and the back ones needed to use a cut spacer from the old speakers (due to the lack of depth). All of the connectors had to be replaced with the connectors to fit the radio except the antenna, Sirius. and the USB/AUX in. All new splices were soldered together and taped into a covered harness. In the rewire process I found that my sub woofer was wired to be powered to draw from the house battery even when the radio was not on (why airstream? we don't like any unneeded battery draw no matter how little).

The steering wheel interface for the phone and volume control needed an interface. Fortunately, that interface can be programmed to not only control volume and phone but to provide a next track/radio scan, mute, and Siri etc. Meaning you can turn the 4 steering wheel buttons to perform 8 functions with tap or hold on each button. These controllers for the steering wheel are quite touchy to install. Tracking the wires to the can bus connector under the head light switch is not much help. The Fusion people said in their install directions "if it does not work flip the connector 180 degrees". I had to run an additional ground to the chassis to get it to respond flawlessly. It takes very little time to get used to what they do and allows you to not have to interact with the touchscreen while driving

Re routing the new GPS and microphone provided was not too difficult and the side airbag in the pillar had room for the wires zip tied away from the airbag.

The trim kit for the dash has to be cut at the bottom and sides for a solid install. This is the case for the unit I bought but I expect they all may need slight modification.

The sound quality is a GREAT improvement over the Fusion. Those of you who have used Apple car play know the advantages. It is Android capable as well.

Thank you to my son Ryan for all your help and knowledge

[DaveG]

Might be good to make a list of all the things you hope a replacement unit will do before actually shopping.

[StogieMan]

We did the same as Rocinante and replaced everything except the subwoofer which was working fine for us. Replaced the head unit with an Alpine Halo 11. We also replaced all the speakers including the rear house speakers, tweeters and added an amplifier - all Alpine. Couldn't be happier!

This was our third go around as we replaced the original Kenwood that died with and updated version which also died. We weren't going to give Kenwood a third chance.

[CRCMD]

My 2022 24 GT came with garmin as MBUx substitute. It is awful beyond belief. Takes about 5 steps to change volume. Same with changing radio stations. Navigation keeps losing Satellite connection. Talked to AS at factory. They said they could not replace it with MB system. May look into Alpine. Pic showed it has knobs so maybe don’t have to take eyes off road to change volume or channels

[Rocinante]

Alpine or Pioneer with a floating 9" or 11" screen would be good choices. Both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, either wired or wireless. While you're at it, might as well upgrade the speakers too!

BTW, this is one of the many reasons I would probably walk away from any VS30 Sprinter-based camper with missing chips, features, etc. It's fixable in some ways by throwing enough money at the issue, but this is a gift that will keep on giving with respect to the depreciated value of the vehicle over time. If you can get a low enough price up front to make it a good deal for you, it's your pockets and your decision, but it would have to be an impressively low price to get my attention.

[PNWnChill]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

Alpine or Pioneer with a floating 9" or 11" screen would be good choices. Both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, either wired or wireless. While you're at it, might as well upgrade the speakers too!

BTW, this is one of the many reasons I would probably walk away from any VS30 Sprinter-based camper with missing chips, features, etc. It's fixable in some ways by throwing enough money at the issue, but this is a gift that will keep on giving with respect to the depreciated value of the vehicle over time. If you can get a low enough price up front to make it a good deal for you, it's your pockets and your decision, but it would have to be an impressively low price to get my attention.

To be fair to the chip shortage, the 2017 GT XLT was junk way before that

[un1teee]

I called up Crutchfield to see what I'd need to replace the Fusion/Garmin head unit with the Alpine Halo 11. They asked what wiring harness is needed. How do i answer this question? Apparently there are different wiring harnesses based on the type of Sprinter.

Will the Halo 11 fit my van? Based on Crutchfield's website, it's supposed to.

2018 Interstate Lounge EXT Tommy Bahama 4x4

[daleyocum]

Originally Posted by un1teee

I called up Crutchfield to see what I'd need to replace the Fusion/Garmin head unit with the Alpine Halo 11. They asked what wiring harness is needed. How do i answer this question? Apparently there are different wiring harnesses based on the type of Sprinter.

Will the Halo 11 fit my van? Based on Crutchfield's website, it's supposed to.

2018 Interstate Lounge EXT Tommy Bahama 4x4

I don’t know how you could tell without pulling the head unit and even then…. Might have Crutchfield send both harnesses and then you could return the one you don’t need?

I installed the Alpine in a Subaru and it was not the Plug n Play experience I was hoping for. I got it to work eventually but it was…interesting. That may have just been the Subaru, though.

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by un1teee

Will the Halo 11 fit my van? Based on Crutchfield's website, it's supposed to.

2018 Interstate Lounge EXT Tommy Bahama 4x4

100% it will fit if your Sprinter van is a 2018 which it appears to be. Mercedes Sprinters NCV3's are from years 2006-2018. Mine is a 2015 and the Halo 11 fit perfectly.

[ylwjacket]

Just ordered a whole lot of stuff from Crutchfield. Should be here Friday, and I hope to install it on Saturday.

I bought a new Sirius unit, but I am kinda hoping the one that's in there is compatible. I also wonder about the bluetooth microphone - will I have to rerun that and install the new one, or will the current one work.

Outside of that, it'll be a pain, I'll curse and bleed, but it doesn't look super horrible.

I'm going to a rifle range on Sunday afternoon, so if there's any frustration leftover, maybe I'll shoot the Garmin.

[dkknapp]

Originally Posted by mtz

Is it possible to replace the Garmin system that came with our Interstate 24GT? My husband and I are A/S newbies and are finding the Garmin and Music system that came with it cumbersome and difficult to use. I currently use Apple CarPlay daily in my car and would love to be able to find a workaround to use it in our Interstate too. Thanks everyone!

The audio system which includes Garmin is just dated and quite frustrating. I replaced the entire "Fusion" system with Alpine ($1K installed) which links through your phone to everything "Apple" makes available for "free". No more poor signal/reception problems. '18 Interstate

[ylwjacket]

well, because I am a dummy, I ordered the "factory radio" harness from Crutchfield, as opposed to the "factory radio delete" harness. It makes sense that Airstream would order them w/o radios, and install their thing.

So, new harness is on the way. BTW, Crutchfield is great. This is my first time ordering from them. Actually, first time doing anything car stereo related. They are sending out a new one, and when it gets here, I'll send them back the one I have.

Should be here Friday.

[AirParkOnly]

Originally Posted by ylwjacket

it makes sense that Airstream would order them w/o radios, and install their thing.

The Interstate 24x (and probably all other Interstate models, but I don't know for sure) is a high-spec that includes the MBUX system.

There was a (now well-known) computer chip shortage, which meant many Sprinters could not be delivered except without MBUX and the adaptive cruise.

A lot of those were 2022 chassis models but 2023 Airstream models.

My 24x originally came this way, and I refused delivery and waited until one could be delivered with those features because, despite the willingness to lower the price, that's not what I paid for.

I didn't want the Garmin for the reason you are getting rid of it, and the adaptive cruise was a must for the long freeway trips between destinations.

I am still annoyed to this day with the dealer sales experience. They knew what I ordered, and they knew they couldn't deliver it (at some point) but they waited until I traveled quite a distance excited to get my van to let me discover it's not what I bought.

My local big market dealers are all owned by the same company and just as slimely as any other car dealer ownership / network group.

[un1teee]

Originally Posted by ylwjacket

well, because I am a dummy, I ordered the "factory radio" harness from Crutchfield, as opposed to the "factory radio delete" harness. It makes sense that Airstream would order them w/o radios, and install their thing.

So, new harness is on the way. BTW, Crutchfield is great. This is my first time ordering from them. Actually, first time doing anything car stereo related. They are sending out a new one, and when it gets here, I'll send them back the one I have.

Should be here Friday.

First time working with Crutchfield and I'm very impressed with their service, and their ability to 'connect' directly to my browser session to assist.

[ylwjacket]

Originally Posted by un1teee

First time working with Crutchfield and I'm very impressed with their service, and their ability to 'connect' directly to my browser session to assist.

yeah, me too. I called and said I understand the instructions, but don't see where to plug this in. The guy said he would send me a text, and asked me to respond with some pics. He saw right away that the harness wasn't right, and had a new one on the way in about 5 minutes. The new one will require a few more connections, so he threw in some of their wire connectors at no charge also.