DIY: Changing the Audio System in your Van

There are a number of reasons to change the audio system in your caravan. The current unit may be broken, or you may just be after better sound quality. Some people want to upgrade to a Bluetooth system that allows music to be played from their phone or to integrate the TV into the audio sound system.

Whatever the reason it is a viable DIY job. It’s not necessarily the easiest task we’ve tackled because it can be a bit fiddly removing the unit with the slide in tools and the rewiring can be a bit confusing if you are not used to this sort of thing. But if you feel you are up to the challenge, the guys from the RV Repair Centre

1. Unclip the bezel from the radio

2. Remove the bezel

3. The radio is supplied with special tools to release it from the chassis

4. Insert a tool in each side between the radio body and the chassis

5. Push the tool in until you feel it click or it does not slide further

6. Push both tools sideways towards each other

7. This creates a leverage effect to release the catches on the chassis holding the radio in place

8. Slide the radio body out

9. Disconnect the RCA cables on the rear of the radio

10. Disconnect the aerial lead

11. Disconnect the wiring harness connector

12. Remove the screws that hold the radio chassis to the furniture

13. Slide out the radio chassis

14. Remove the radio chassis

15. Slide the wires and cables through the new radio chassis in readiness for fitting

16. Insert the chassis in the furniture opening and fold in tabs to secure chassis

17. This new radio has a different wiring harness connector than the old radio

18. This means the several wires need to be cut from the old connector and spliced into the new connector

19. Refer to the wiring diagram in the new radio instruction manual for the correct joining of wires

20. Cut and join one wire at a time to minimise confusion

21. Strip the insulator from both ends of wire to be joined

22. Insert both ends into a crimp connection

23. Crimp the wires together

24. Check all connections are securely crimped

25. Tape up any unused wires

26. Bundle up the wires with electrical tape

27. Tuck the wires into the cavity leaving the multi wire connector and aerial connector exposed

28. Connect the new wiring harness connector to the new radio – ensuring it is fully pushed in

29. Connect the aerial lead (note the RCA cables were not reconnected as the DVD player function was not required)

30. Insert the radio into the cavity guiding the wire and cable in too

31. Gently push the radio into position until it clicks into the chassis

32. Click on the bezel

33. Turn on the radio and check it is working

IF IN DOUBT, CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL

Improper maintenance can lead to injury, death or property damage. Maintenance work of this nature should only be undertaken by people with suitable competence. Information provided is general in nature, not comprehensive and should only be taken as a guide. Individual discretion must be exercised and persons undertaking described tasks do so completely at their own risk. Publishers and creators of this content accept no responsibility for loss or damage.

Thanks to Andrew Phillips and the team from the RV Repair Centre for their assistance.