Promaster Aftermarket Stereo

I couldn't find any full videos of replacing the head unit in a Ram Promaster, so I went for it and filmed along the way.
Head Unit - www.crutchfield.com/p_130DM15...
Dash Kit - www.crutchfield.com/p_1209565...
Antenna Adapter Cable - www.crutchfield.com/p_12040EU...
Maestro - www.crutchfield.com/p_794ADSM...
Maestro Harness - www.crutchfield.com/p_794HRRC...
Harness Labor - www.crutchfield.com/p_264PASC...
BONUS: USB converter (use this to avoid the nonsense with the USB connection!) - www.amazon.com/Electop-Pack-F...

[@dustyfeller]

Good one handed camera work 👍🏼

[@3flegs]

Wanted to just add a few comments. First of all, thanks for the video! It really helped make things go more smoothly. To add to the information: > I purchased an adapter for the USB (I think around $6), which allowed me to connect the existing OEM USB cable to the Pioneer head unit I put in. > I also purchased an adaptor to connect the OEM GPS antenna to the head unit. It was the blue connector for the antennas. No need to run the antenna that came with the head unit. Additionally, I ended up not needing to cut out any of the interior mounting plastic - not sure what was different about my setup.

[@CarsonSchmeck]

I wonder if they finally updated the dash kit to fit properly!

[@mikeh1646]

Thanks for the video. It helped tremendously!

[@jamieh9206]

Excellent video! Thanks so much. Mine is currently at Best Buy. Their lead installer is working on it but having trouble so we’ll see…..

[@tuomasholo]

This video was very helpful. Thanks

[@CarsonSchmeck]

Glad to hear it!

[@SandroPadin]

Would you by chance know or remember if there is a fuse for the USB port to the left of the head unit? The one between the steering wheel and head unit that had the aux in + usb. My USB port doesn’t have power or data and I’m trying to figure out if it’s a fuse I need to change maybe. Thanks!

[@mingshanli1093]

Hello Carson, thank you very much for the video. I bought a camper van with Promaster chassis and the original radio was already replaced with a 7" Pioneer unit (same as yours), but I want to install a bigger one (floating screen). I wonder how difficult you think to remove your Pioneer unit. I don't want you try that, but just image that. Thanks in advance!

[@jeffreyrosati2207]

Which stock head unit did you replace? The 3 or 5 inch?

[@vanmargrit1475]

Very nice, looks great. Did you figure out how to set the dash clock? In the OEM that is through the head unit somehow . . . Did you re-use the OEM backup camera . . . does it look better on the big screen?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

Yes, this unit ties into the factory systems thanks to the Maestro, so there's just a menu for vehicle settings in the aftermarket unit's settings!

[@opa1951]

Interesting! I have the same after market Pioneer, but my problem is now the system is dead. Where did Dodge hide the main radio fuse? I've never been stumped with fuses before, but Dodge got me this time.

[@indenture]

Great video! I did the same upgrade on a 2021 Promaster yesterday. The wiring fix at the very end of the video was exactly what I also needed. The instruction wasn’t quite right either - you were! BTW, I also used the Crutchfield pre-wiring services. One question I have is whether you’re having weaker FM reception afterwards. I used the same antenna adaptor that Crutchfield sent (I think you did the same). Thank you!

[@CarsonSchmeck]

I actually haven't ever listened to the radio since installing this! I continued on to add an amplifier to my four speakers and opted for a 12" subwoofer, so I basically only stream from Spotify since radio signals aren't great in terms of fidelity.

[@danielk9308]

Did your blind spot and other safety features continue to work?

[@mrjrobertraines]

Awesome! The one thing that I didn't see in the video, which of course is the one thing I can't find online, was how to pop the covering off to remove the stereo in the first place. How did you do it?

[@indenture]

If you are talking about the OEM stereo, it actually doesn't have a cover (it looks like it does). You just use that U shaped tool and insert into the holes.

[@vancomposer]

Thanks for that install video. Can you have the backup camera permanently ON if you want while driving with this head unit?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

Sorry for the late reply, but I am able to turn on the backup camera while driving. As far as I know, there is no time limit to how long it stays on.

[@alexwithnocapital]

Wait.. does this work with the stock backup camera?

[@dustytrailhead4633]

When you flashed Maestro, did you flash it with a Promaster program? Just to be clear, does the Maestro interface to the Promaster’s CANBUS?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

You use a program from Maestro themselves. Within it you will select the make/model/radio/steering wheel configuration, and it will flash the appropriate setup. I believe that is what it's doing, yes. It basically allows the aftermarket unit to speak the same language as what's coming from your van.

[@Awalk05]

How did you remove the old radio

[@mjmdiver1137]

Did you have the UC5 or UC3? I'm planning on doing this once Crutchfield finally gets more head units in stock... Also, what speaker upgrade did you do?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

I think it was UC3, but that shouldn't matter for the swap! The Maestro only has one configuration to flash for 2020, so I assume it covers all variants. Basically whatever Crutchfield recommended for the install is what I purchased. For the speakers, I have Kicker 46CSC654's in the front doors and also now in the rear! They sound great and can handle quite a bit of power, so an amplifier might be in the plans down the road! I stuffed thinsulate in the A-pillar tweeter grills because they sounds like absolute garbage. The Kickers have a tweeter component already so there's no need for them in my system.

[@mjmdiver1137]

@@CarsonSchmeck Great, thanks.

[@elevationculture2435]

Looks Great! How did you connect the factor blue GPS plug to your new unit? On the factor unit next to the white antenna connector is the blue GPS connector that controls the digital odometer. Mine now flashes since that GPS cable is not plugged in. Is there a bypass?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

Hmm, mine does not have any factory GPS, so I might not be able to answer your question. I think the only blue I remember was on the Maestro.

[@dirtrivals5925]

How did you fix the flashing odometer? I have the same issue.

[@R.y.a.n]

Hey mate, did you have any issues with the factory backup camera? Mine is terribly grainy and their is visual noise (horizontal lines). The Best Buy I installed it at claims its my camera and that I am limited on what I can do to get rid of it. I find that hard to believe, it's brand new and it was crystal clear on the existing Connect 5.0 receiver.

[@CarsonSchmeck]

No issues with the camera! My best guess is it's either poorly connected, or catching interference from some other wiring, but not sure what would be that bad.

[@swashplate]

I want to put your setup into my Promaster. The Crutchfield website does not help much. I think I have kinda figured out what you got from them, but the headunit is out of stock and has been for a while. Did you call your order in so you got the right parts and their in-house wiring folks to do everything? I was thinking of calling in for all the stuff except the head unit, because other retailers have it. Have any other help/or advice? Thanks, Kurt

[@CarsonSchmeck]

Ah ok, I see. All the extra stuff is recommended once you put the headunit in your cart, so I understand why it's not showing up for you! I'm sure if you call them they'll be able to figure out those components though!

[@idkarts]

Greatly appreciate this. Do you have links to the products you use?

[@cruzc09]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@CarsonSchmeck]

I do now! See the description.

[@CarsonSchmeck]

@@cruzc09 Just added them!

[@rikholliday8899]

Well done. I have all the same electronics as you. How did you remove the USB/Aux at 19:21? It's killing me...Cheers

[@CarsonSchmeck]

If you reach around behind the dash you should be able to squeeze the clips and pop it out! The housing comes apart in a similar way, but with a little more force.

[@rikholliday8899]

@@CarsonSchmeck Thanks. I'll give that a shot. How's the setup working for you thus far? My head unit cover plate doesn't stay in place. It pops off/out on small bumps.

[@WrongFromWright]

So I have one of these for a work van. Does it actually come wired for rear speakers? Or is there an output for it?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

There is an output for rear speakers behind the plastic cover panel at the bottom of the passenger side B -pillar. If you use a factory radio, you'll need to look up how to activate the output, otherwise it won't do anything.

[@WrongFromWright]

@@CarsonSchmeck You're the man!

[@cruzc09]

But how did you connect the rear view camera?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

The wiring harness has a yellow jack that comes off it, and that plugs directly into a designated camera port on the back of the new head unit.

[@martinreagan5083]

How do you change the time and date in the center screen after you replace the radio?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

It's not in the settings like you might think! On the main screen, tap on the time and it lets you change it.

[@dennis.teevee]

i want it with knobs and buttons

[@donnaperry7385]

How do you get the clipboard to standup or open?

[@briankane8523]

It’s a different unit purchased from Europe. Available on eBay

[@PepsiMaster69]

So this install does not use the stock microphone and instead uses a separate mic that comes with the kit. I’ve found the stock mic to be complete garbage from what I’ve been told and can’t seem to turn up the sensitivity. How does the microphone sound when speaking to others on phone while driving post install? Great video and explanation nonetheless!

[@CarsonSchmeck]

As far as I know, everyone can hear me alright with the aftermarket mic, but promasters are pretty loud inside, so there's going to be some background noise for sure.

[@Rashnak66]

so my Thor Tellaro built on the 3500 chassis had this radio as an upgrade and I absolutely despise it! You have had this two years now surely the clunky user interface and hidden controls have got to you by now.

[@CarsonSchmeck]

The UI is not great, but I use it almost exclusively with Apple CarPlay, so I don't mind it at all!

[@sirstan51]

Great video. Our 3500 is actually a winnebago travato. I'm going to be installing a new backup cam and mirror mount monitor/front cam. This head unit is making me want to swap out the OEM unit at the same time. Looks great. I will need nav tho. Did this unit have it?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

Awesome! This unit doesn't have it's own nav system, but I believe it supports it if the van has the GPS connection. Don't quote me on that though. I just use Google Maps or Apple Maps via CarPlay

[@richkurtz6053]

I believe that this is the same configuration that Thor and Entegra are using in their Class B RAM RV's. Winnebago seems to be a bit behind in not upgrading the factory head unit.

[@hotelbravoglider]

I have to remove the same unit. Is it easy to pull out the dashcover? Needs special tools?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

As in the same unit I installed, or the same OEM unit? There are special tools to remove the OEM unit, but I used two sections of coat hanger bent into U shapes, which is essentially what the tool is. The new unit pulls out with some wiggling since the adapters are not at all perfect.

[@hotelbravoglider]

@@CarsonSchmeck ok thanks. I have to remove the Pioneer DMH1500NEX for wire check (Motorome, key powered vs. house powered). My ask is about remove the Pioneer dashcover. Just snap out?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

@@hotelbravoglider Yes, it should pop out with some light prying around the bezel.

[@hotelbravoglider]

@@CarsonSchmeck thanks 👍

[@dustyfeller]

Backup cam cable appears ~ 13:40

[@cruzc09]

What is the kit that you have?

[@CarsonSchmeck]

The dash kit is the Metra 95-6523. The wiring harness and Maestro unit is recommended by Crutchfield when you add the head unit to your cart.

[@richardmahon2070]

@@CarsonSchmeck The Metra is still available but the Crutchfield site now indicates that the stock head unit is not replaceable. I called them and pointed out that videos like yours indicate otherwise, but the person I spoke to was unhelpful. I've found the Metra part (on amazon) I have not been able to find a wiring harness adapter. The Metra website indicates there are o parts to support Promasters. Do you still have records about the wiring harness adapter? Was it a Metra? part number? And by the way, great video.

[@bottledo1]

It';s anyway there is no anyways no S just Anyway

[@mytesttickles9355]

Another video where the person doesn’t show how they got the stock radio out 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@CarsonSchmeck]

You just need DIN removal prongs. Pops right out. I believe they came with the kit.