Truck Radio Options

[Josh B]

I don't see anything specifically addressing this question, but will something like this offer other options than just local AM-FM car radio? If so, will the cost of using such a radio equal a new car payment. https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Receiver-Hands-Free-Microphone-Multimedia/dp/B087CJ5L74/ref=asc_df_B087CJ5L74?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80058307777647&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583657835485450&psc=1

Living in bigger cities had its perks, there never seemed to be a shortage of music nearby, but 17 years in the country has begun taking its toll, and worn out my push-button

 

[RonD]

No, just AM/FM radio

There is Sirius Radio via satellite, but monthly subscription
Article on it here: https://www.cartalk.com/cars-content/siriusxm-prices-and-packages

1993 Ranger will used single DIN size radio, DIN is a universal "size" for radios in vehicles

Double DIN is twice as tall, but same width

There are 3rd party single DIN radios with Sirius built in
It does need another antenna which is best placed outside the cab, but will work on the dash but can/will drop out now and then depending on the direction you are travelling in
The satellites it gets signals from are "line of sight", out in the country, bigger cities have "re-broadcasters" so big buildings don't block signals

There are "flip up" single DIN radios that have a double DIN size screen, seen here: https://www.amazon.com/flip-up-screen-car-stereo/s?k=flip+up+screen+car+stereo

So they fold down and slide back into the dash when not in use or to hide it, lol

Your phone can use Cell service to stream music, and then phone can be connected to new radio with Bluetooth or AUX jack and wire from phone
It will use Data from your "package"
If you already have Spotify(subscription) then all set
But there are also many FREE streaming Radio stations, from all over the world, even from the cities you used to live in
Just have a look and see if your favourite station are offering free streaming



There are Double DIN units that have a SIM card slot
These can do streaming and GPS function quite well
Most cell service providers will allow you to add a Data Only SIM card to your account for free or just a few dollars a month, for use in laptops, tablets or in this case car radio

 

[Josh B]

Awesome Ron, quite a bit to study in to, thank you!

 

[Roert42]

I think using your phone is most common option for non Am/Fm music. Even new cars.
Can simply get a new single din radio with a usb port or aux port.

Not a fan of satellite radio, feels like a big rip off.

 

[Roert42]

I have used the app, I heart radio, to listen to my local radio station when I’m out of town sometimes. Works well, no subscription required.

 

[pjtoledo]

interesting, it has no AM. you're going to want AM out in the country.

we have Sirius satellite in the 2019 Edge, it receives over 500 channels.
we only listen to 2, except December when a Christmas channel comes on.

 

[sgtsandman]

I use my iPhone with the podbean app via the audio input port in the lower dash on the 2011 and either via USB plug or Bluetooth in the 2019. I prefer hard wire over Bluetooth though. There are times the phone will connect and interfere with things with Bluetooth that don't happen with direct plug in.

 

[Josh B]

say what!? :0

 

[sgtsandman]

say what!? :0

Nothing too serious, just annoying. There are times I’ll have to move or start the truck for something and the girlfriend or myself will be on a call or be listening to something and if the bluetooth is on, on the phone, the phone will automatically connect cutting off whatever other device was being used or interrupting the call because of the automatic connection.

Thus why I keep my Bluetooth off unless I need it. The girlfriend hasn’t learned that lesson yet or refuses to learn it.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Single DIN radios fit in most RBVs and both of the full size trucks I have. I have had aftermarket (Pioneer) in my 88 B2, blue 00 Ranger and F-150. My choptop got a no-name brand because it had USB, SD card, and CD in addition to other stuff. I used a card in it until it decided to die the other day. My green 00 Ranger has an off-brand double DIN DVD player (98-11 had room to modify enough to squeeze a double DIN in). I have a like 32 or 64 gig SD card in it with music videos. I’ve also streamed music through my phone, but it eats data a bit and doesn’t help if you travel out of cell service. There’s a lot of dead spots in western PA.

 

[Josh B]

You're not far from Puxtahawny, sp, I was dam close to going up there in my 88 Ranger, to this day I have no clue if I did them a favor or not, I certainly hope it was

 

[Bronco648]

@Josh B If you're still looking for something, I just posted my Kenwood KDC-BT648U CD-Receiver in the Parts For Sale forum. I think it might do pretty much what you're asking and should be plug-n-play for your truck.

 

[Josh B]

I'll do better getting an old one at the yard, if I ever make it back out there, likely be after weather cools off.
That has a lot of things going for it but not many that I use, such as a phone, even when I carry one it stays disconnected. I'm mostly just interested in a simple am/fm and it needs dim lights.

 

[Bronco648]

I'll do better getting an old one at the yard, if I ever make it back out there, likely be after weather cools off.
That has a lot of things going for it but not many that I use, such as a phone, even when I carry one it stays disconnected. I'm mostly just interested in a simple am/fm and it needs dim lights.

Shoot, I misunderstood, sorry. If you're interested in an OE Ford AM/FM/Cassette unit, there's one for sale in the next town over, on FB Marketplace. He's asking $65.

 

[Josh B]

For now I'm still using the old one, wish I had grabbed one when I was messing around over there
If it comes to that I probly will just head to the yard and see, I really don't remember much of what I saw there
It might not tell me much anyway if I could remember, that was all pre pandemic
I saw one guy over there with a stack of plastic containers on a mini dolly thing just going from car to car. He said he'd go through every week or so picking up things for Ebay