Radio and accessories

[Ronman]

If this doesnt fit this section I will understand if it is moved.

Answering in my other post got me thinking. Ive got to work on where to mount my accessories. I am mounting a deep cell marine battery under the seat. Now Im trying to decide where to mount my radio and sirius reciever. Ive thought about the ball holder but I can see alot of daylight through there. Im worried about dust and moisture killing the radio. (Its a high dollar Kenwood I took out of my truck) Ive looked at the dash covers but worried about the quality of the materials used and how they will stand up to the jolts and bouncing around on my dirt roads. I will be adding lights and God knows what else once Im done.

How do you guys that have the dash covers like them so far? Do they protect your sensitive equipment? Are they made so you can mount other items? What is the quality of the material used?

[MotoRider420]

Well, for a radio, jolts and bounces don't matter... BUT, if you pop a CD in, it'll ruin the cd in 2 seconds... Plus, you have to mount the radio away from any heat source, meaning you can't mount it near the batteries or engine or anything...

When you run your antennae wire, it can't go near any other wires, they will distort the signal with their EM field...

So yea, if its just a radio thats not playing CDs, its fine as long as it is secured... Dust won't hurt it because CD players for cars usually have a foam barrier that the CD passes through when you put it in!!!

And, for cheap speakers that are AMAZING, get Sony Xplodes at WalMart!!!

[MotoRider420]

Also, if you put your stereo on a certain pack of two batteries, put your lights on a different pack of 2, otherwise the drain might be too great and cause a nasty unbalance!!!

!!! or you can get a $170 voltage reducer... ??? !!!

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by MotoRider420

Also, if you put your stereo on a certain pack of two batteries, put your lights on a different pack of 2, otherwise the drain might be too great and cause a nasty unbalance!!!

!!! or you can get a $170 voltage reducer... ??? !!!

Most reducers I am seeing are $65 to 125.00 depending on quality? How about you put thhe accessories on two alligator clips and move them around. Rotating from one pair to the next at each charge....then the draw is distributed manually! Whala!

[Ronman]

The radio is going on its own 12v marine deep cell. I do not want anything hooked up to the carts electrical system that will compromise its integrity or battery life. Connecting to two batteries will put them out of balance-no thanks.

How do you guys like those dash covers with the radio cut outs? Are they good at keeping things dry and secure?

[BRS]

Ronman,
The dashes are nice to have for many reasons; locking things up etc. If you are only wanting to install a stereo, I would recommend a marine enclosure. I kind of did both on mine and I'm very happy with it. As for speakers I also went with a marine grade "Poly Planar" and they sound great mounted underneath the backrests, you also have room underneath the dash...however people like to put their feet on them! Definately stick with the 12v accessory battery(mine's in the bagwell) and I have all my accessories feeding off it. Don't forget to buy a trickle charger for it!(Sears $30). Hope this helps.

[scottyb]

Very nice install! What did the radio and speakers cost?

[BRS]

I think the deck was around $250 and speakers were about $60 each. They really sound good for box speakers, I ran leads for front speakers and a subwoofer...but I don't really need them.

[scottyb]

BRS, did the 'marine radio' come with that sweet little face plate cover? Where did you purchase it. Looks perf. for all the dust on const. site.

[Ronman]

This is my first attempt at a faceplate. Still needs paint and stuff.

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