Mankato Winnebago Era Audio and Video System Upgrade

A client from Mankato recently dropped into Sweet Sounds to discuss his Winnebago Era audio system. Winnebago builds the Era on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis just a few hours south of our location, so we get to see these often. This client has plans to travel all across the country and wanted features and performance equivalent to his daily-driven vehicle. After looking at the motorhome and discussing how he intended to use it, we designed a package that would make it more convenient, safer and more entertaining.

Primary Audio System Upgrade

Thanks to the new Alpine radio the client can safely access his cellphone while driving.

Backing up will be much safer with the addition of the new backup camera.

The client loved the way the Focal speakers sounded.

One of the most important parts of our system is the final tuning to perfect the audio response.

Although the factory Jensen radio did have a color screen, it didn’t have Apple CarPlay — a feature the client had grown accustomed to. We showed the client the new Alpine iLX-F309 multimedia receiver. He liked the large 9-inch screen that hovers in front of the dash. We used an interface module from Metra to connect the steering wheel audio buttons to the new radio. The client also had us add a Rydeen CM-LED3 backup camera to the roof of the van to make it easier and safer to park and maneuver the vehicle.

The client auditioned a set of Focal P165FX 6.5-inch components in our showroom and knew they were perfect for the vehicle. We applied our Sound Enhancement Package to the doors to enhance the performance of the speakers. This package includes Stinger Roadkill sound deadening and Fast Rings acoustic coupling rings.

We added a Digital Designs LE-M08 subwoofer enclosure under the middle seat of the van to give the sound system some oomph. A Memphis Car Audio MCX4.75 amplifier powers the Focal speakers and the sub. We created custom-length audio interconnects using Digital Designs cabling and ends. Once the installation was complete, we tuned the system using our AudioControl RTA and the 10-band EQ built into the Alpine source unit.

Audio Video Entertainment System

The sleeping are of the cabin benefits from a new smart tv.

We added an wifi hotspot so the client could access numerous video sources.

A Vizio smart tv upgrades the front compartment of the van.

Auxiliary receiver duties are handled by this Sony radio.

The living area of the Era came with a video entertainment system that the client felt was somewhat anemic. We replaced the factory system with a Sony MEX-XB100BT receiver and a set of Focal ISC165 coaxial speakers above the bed. We upgraded the vinyl-wrapped radio mounting panel with a classy black acrylic plastic trim panel.

The “dumb” factory video monitors were replaced with a pair of 24-inch Smart TVs from Vizio. The TVs are connected to a Verizon MiFi mobile hotspot so the client can stream whatever content he wants.

Winnebago Era Audio Upgrade Project

It took a few days to complete the project, but the client was very happy with the enhancements we made to his Winnebago Era audio and video systems. If you are in the Mankato area and would like to upgrade your motorhome or recreational vehicle, drop by Sweet Sounds. You can also reach us by e-mail using our online contact page.