tobinjtaylor
Member
Hi all,
New member here. I've enjoyed browsing the forums, and hope someone might be able to help with some answers or advice. Just recently picked up a 2011 Expedition EL in the Limited trim. It seems to have most every option but the in dash Nav and rear DVD entertainment. I assumed those might be relatively easy additions later -- however, now it's later and I'm quite stumped! It does have a sunroof (relevant for question below). It is also my first experience with Sync. I'll be honest I can't tell if Sync will be really useful or if it's as gimmicky (and glitchy) as the new iPhone Siri. Here's where I'm headed: I want to add aftermarket rear entertainment -- and possibly an in dash Navigation. The rear entertainment is more important to me. I would look to have a professional do the install --even if that just means having Best Buy (or other retailer) do the installation.
Questions:
1. Can I do an overhead mount system? I note that there are tons of options for screen size and RF modulators to allow me to run the sound through the factory stereo and speakers via FM. Plus you can get the player and screen all in one. This seems to be the easiest add-on and least expensive option. However, I'm a bit troubled by the placement of the overhead vents above the second row. Certainly isn't much room between those vents and I don't know where the duct work is at and if that's going to be an issue. Also, does the sliding sunroof limit my options at all? And just HOW big of screen can I do?
2. Assuming I have to go the "in the headrest" screen mounts, can I -- and more importantly should I -- consider doing 4 screens in every headrest (so the third row kiddies can see the screens too!)? Those folding headrests in the second row seats cause me some genuine concern. Also, anyone have a recommendation for the decision to have the screens cut into existing headrests or whether to get the "universal" or the "custom fitted to your vehicle" replacement headrests? I'm assuming the screens for the third row occupants would have to be "cut ins" given the unusual folding mechanism? I thought I saw someone here mention the idea of headrest screens for the 2nd row and an overhead for the 3rd row -- anyone have opinions on how and whether that would work?
3. Assuming I decide to replace the factory stereo with a head unit that has a DVD player (and Nav, naturally) to drive the screens in the rear, is there any way to replace the factory stereo and keep Sync functionality? It seems as if I might have to give up Sync and replace with similar functions from the new HU. If I could keep Sync, that would seem to be preferable. Does anyone know if there is a replacement in dash system that allows you to keep Sync?
Thanks to anyone who has any answers!
New member here. I've enjoyed browsing the forums, and hope someone might be able to help with some answers or advice. Just recently picked up a 2011 Expedition EL in the Limited trim. It seems to have most every option but the in dash Nav and rear DVD entertainment. I assumed those might be relatively easy additions later -- however, now it's later and I'm quite stumped! It does have a sunroof (relevant for question below). It is also my first experience with Sync. I'll be honest I can't tell if Sync will be really useful or if it's as gimmicky (and glitchy) as the new iPhone Siri. Here's where I'm headed: I want to add aftermarket rear entertainment -- and possibly an in dash Navigation. The rear entertainment is more important to me. I would look to have a professional do the install --even if that just means having Best Buy (or other retailer) do the installation.
Questions:
1. Can I do an overhead mount system? I note that there are tons of options for screen size and RF modulators to allow me to run the sound through the factory stereo and speakers via FM. Plus you can get the player and screen all in one. This seems to be the easiest add-on and least expensive option. However, I'm a bit troubled by the placement of the overhead vents above the second row. Certainly isn't much room between those vents and I don't know where the duct work is at and if that's going to be an issue. Also, does the sliding sunroof limit my options at all? And just HOW big of screen can I do?
2. Assuming I have to go the "in the headrest" screen mounts, can I -- and more importantly should I -- consider doing 4 screens in every headrest (so the third row kiddies can see the screens too!)? Those folding headrests in the second row seats cause me some genuine concern. Also, anyone have a recommendation for the decision to have the screens cut into existing headrests or whether to get the "universal" or the "custom fitted to your vehicle" replacement headrests? I'm assuming the screens for the third row occupants would have to be "cut ins" given the unusual folding mechanism? I thought I saw someone here mention the idea of headrest screens for the 2nd row and an overhead for the 3rd row -- anyone have opinions on how and whether that would work?
3. Assuming I decide to replace the factory stereo with a head unit that has a DVD player (and Nav, naturally) to drive the screens in the rear, is there any way to replace the factory stereo and keep Sync functionality? It seems as if I might have to give up Sync and replace with similar functions from the new HU. If I could keep Sync, that would seem to be preferable. Does anyone know if there is a replacement in dash system that allows you to keep Sync?
Thanks to anyone who has any answers!
