Opinions On Factory Navigation And Radio

curtmerci · November 10, 2009

After tons of research and reading on about ever GM truck forum there is, I have managed to confuse myself about the factory navigation and stereo systems in the new Sierra/Silverado pickups. Im considering trading in my 03 GMC for a new GM truck and am looking for some opinions and direction on one of the options I would like to have...navigation and a backup camera. First the nav system. I'm confused about if it is possible to install a factory nav unit in the trucks with lesser options. It seems that the vehicle has to at least have XM radio and the premium speaker package to upgrade to the nav. system. I'm trying to determine if it is worth limiting my search to a completely loaded pickup which can be pretty pricey just for the factory nav. and backup camera. I like the thought of having the navigation, radio, and camera screen all in the factory location and no clutter on the dash and windshield. So just how low of an option truck can the system be installed in?? Work truck?? Can the cost of the system upgrade be justified?? Anyone with the factory nav. system that has any complaints about it I'd love to hear about it..... And about the rear camera.... does anyone know if the camera angle is down enough to assist in backing up and hooking up a trailer.... can you see the trailer ball to line it up with the trailer or does the camera angle not "look" straight down enough. Thanks for any input.......

greggyd12 · November 12, 2009

You are in luck. I just joined the forum yesterday and can help you. I am a GM certified programming technician and I specialize in the factory navigation options.

To answer your questions, Yes it can be installed in pretty much any level of truck, work truck etc. IF you stay in the Suburban, Tahoe, Silverado, Sierra, Avalanche, 1500, 2500, 3500 area you will be fine.

Next, I have found in my experience that adding an aftermarket camera is not only cheaper but better on picture quality, view cone and price.

I offer these factory navigation systems to anyone interested along with the camera. You will find that in order to get a vehicle trimmed with factory navigation you will have to spend more than you anticipated because GM typically does not allow this without other accessories you may not have wanted. In the end the navigation option can end up costing you a total of 3000 to 5000 more than you thought.

I sell everything for 1499.00 complete (navigation unit with DVD built in, disc, antenna, owners manual and wiring harnesses) and can tell you step by step on how to put it in. It is VERY SIMPLE to install because it is factory. THere is no guessing. You merely have to connect 3 wires and your done.

I can also offer you a back up camera where it will look factory but you can adjust the viewing angle to whatever you want.

I hope this helps. It will save you money when making your decision by doing it this way. I promise you that.

GD

curtmerci · November 12, 2009

GDelgado....You are my Santa Claus !!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for the information.... I can now put the question of nav. out of my mind while searching for the new truck. It will prob be early next spring before I find my new truck but I will most certainly look you up when I get one. Hopefully you are still available on this site at that time. Would it be too much to ask for some kind of info as to how I can contact you when I need to? You can contact me at [email protected]

Thanks again and I look forward to getting a nav. system from you in the near future. And I'm sure a few others on here will be looking you up as well......

camaro888 · November 19, 2009

GDelgado -

I have a few questions. I don't want/care about the backup camera and don't have BOSE.

You state "I sell everything for 1499.00 complete (navigation unit with DVD built in, disc, antenna, owners manual and wiring harnesses) and can tell you step by step on how to put it in. It is VERY SIMPLE to install because it is factory. THere is no guessing. You merely have to connect 3 wires and your done."

1. Is this 100% literally plug and play with the OEM Bluetooth and Steering Wheel controls?

2. What do I need to be able to view a DVD while vehicle is in motion, and how much? Installation of this?

3. The nav system - refurbished or reconditioned in any way, or absolutely brand new OEM?

4. Do you have more specific directions on installation?

5. Am I buying this from you directly, or you selling through a dealer?

Thanks so much! John

You are in luck. I just joined the forum yesterday and can help you. I am a GM certified programming technician and I specialize in the factory navigation options.
To answer your questions, Yes it can be installed in pretty much any level of truck, work truck etc. IF you stay in the Suburban, Tahoe, Silverado, Sierra, Avalanche, 1500, 2500, 3500 area you will be fine.

Next, I have found in my experience that adding an aftermarket camera is not only cheaper but better on picture quality, view cone and price.

I offer these factory navigation systems to anyone interested along with the camera. You will find that in order to get a vehicle trimmed with factory navigation you will have to spend more than you anticipated because GM typically does not allow this without other accessories you may not have wanted. In the end the navigation option can end up costing you a total of 3000 to 5000 more than you thought.

I sell everything for 1499.00 complete (navigation unit with DVD built in, disc, antenna, owners manual and wiring harnesses) and can tell you step by step on how to put it in. It is VERY SIMPLE to install because it is factory. THere is no guessing. You merely have to connect 3 wires and your done.

I can also offer you a back up camera where it will look factory but you can adjust the viewing angle to whatever you want.

I hope this helps. It will save you money when making your decision by doing it this way. I promise you that.

GD

gypsy1962 · November 20, 2009

GDelgado, I'd be interested in hearing more about the camera options that you have to offer! I'm particularly interested in maintaining the stock location in the tailgate bezel. If your camera has better quality than stock, that's a plus too.

I've run into an ebay seller that claims to be selling the factory camera necessities as the exclusive third party provider to GM. Seems a bit pricey to me though. He wants two thirds of OEM MSRP price for the version that works with factory nav. Would really like to hear more about what you have to offer.

I bought an 09 Silverado LTZ ext Cab with all the trimmings except Nav and Cam in June- includes Bose.

I recently purchased a new OEM Nav unit on ebay that included the CD/Wiring/etc as you've described. I decided to get the unit that supports RSE as well as the backup cam although I have neither at this point.

I can vouch for the ease in installation that you described. I installed this nav system in 45 minutes and was driving and enjoying it within an hour. Its really straight forward.

I didn't have to have any dealer programming performed since the unit I purchase was new and married itself to my VIN upon 1st installation. It even attempts to show me the backup cam picture when I place the truck in reverse. However, since I don't have the cam yet, the picture is blank.

Thanks!

petey_2788 · November 21, 2009

i got the gmc sierra sle1 with the regular single disc CD player.. if i were to buy a factory nav for an 08 tahoe.. first of all, will i have to do any more programming? and will i need another harness or unit along with it? or is the factory nav head unit all i need?

thanks for any info! you guys rock

petey_2788 · November 21, 2009

i got the gmc sierra sle1 with the regular single disc CD player.. if i were to buy a factory nav for an 08 tahoe.. first of all, will i have to do any more programming? and will i need another harness or unit along with it? or is the factory nav head unit all i need?

thanks for any info! you guys rock

2010SSRS · December 7, 2009

anyone have any luck getting info on this kit he has for 1499?

i am very interested.

pm's and email sent!

gypsy1962 · December 10, 2009

GDelgato seems to visit the site infrequently. I'm interested in some feedback on my prior questions within this thread.

A bit odd to make the offers that he has, and then not visit the site to review for any interest?

Maybe too busy?

2010SSRS · December 10, 2009

well, i pm'd him and asked for info via email. he did send a 1 page overview with 1 pic.

i am generally an untrusting person, especially when it comes to this kinda $$$$. but i went ahead and gave the ok to get an 09' Sierra Denali without NAV based on this kit.

i asked him for references, to which he provided 2 names of people who claim to be reps and have nothing but GREAT things to say about him and the prodect.

they both confirmed the knowledge, support and ease of working with him. they both confirmed OEM units and full warranty coverage by GM. although neither was googleable and both answered the phone "hello", and not with a business name.

i do see that there are other kits out there at or a tad under his prices, so i know it can be done. and on the lower priced kits, they are NOT OEM radios.

once my Sierra Denali is here and in my posession, i will probably order a kit from him. he says he will send an invoice via Paypal which gives ya fighting chance if it's a scam. the tech support, no hassels, OEM equipment and warranty make it worth the $$$$.

plus.....if you cal GM Parts dept and ask for the NAV upgrade kit.........it's almost $4000!

gypsy1962 · December 10, 2009

SSRS, I'm not arguing any of the good you have to put forward on GDelgado. I'm simply trying to establish a dialog and get some answers to the questions I've asked. I already have the nav setup installed in my 09 LTZ Silverado. Bought it on ebay, installed it myself, it's good to go, I'm completely satisfied. I'm looking for some backup camera answers now. Maybe we'll see him around soon...

2010SSRS · December 10, 2009

SSRS, I'm not arguing any of the good you have to put forward on GDelgado. I'm simply trying to establish a dialog and get some answers to the questions I've asked. I already have the nav setup installed in my 09 LTZ Silverado. Bought it on ebay, installed it myself, it's good to go, I'm completely satisfied. I'm looking for some backup camera answers now. Maybe we'll see him around soon...

please don't misunderstand me. i'm just stating for the benefit of all, what i have found out thus far.

i would pm him here as i did. i'll bet he gets back to ya!

travistabbert · December 11, 2009

You are in luck. I just joined the forum yesterday and can help you. I am a GM certified programming technician and I specialize in the factory navigation options.
To answer your questions, Yes it can be installed in pretty much any level of truck, work truck etc. IF you stay in the Suburban, Tahoe, Silverado, Sierra, Avalanche, 1500, 2500, 3500 area you will be fine.

Next, I have found in my experience that adding an aftermarket camera is not only cheaper but better on picture quality, view cone and price.

I offer these factory navigation systems to anyone interested along with the camera. You will find that in order to get a vehicle trimmed with factory navigation you will have to spend more than you anticipated because GM typically does not allow this without other accessories you may not have wanted. In the end the navigation option can end up costing you a total of 3000 to 5000 more than you thought.

I sell everything for 1499.00 complete (navigation unit with DVD built in, disc, antenna, owners manual and wiring harnesses) and can tell you step by step on how to put it in. It is VERY SIMPLE to install because it is factory. THere is no guessing. You merely have to connect 3 wires and your done.

I can also offer you a back up camera where it will look factory but you can adjust the viewing angle to whatever you want.

I hope this helps. It will save you money when making your decision by doing it this way. I promise you that.

GD

What kind of info do you have on this aftermarket rearview camera. Im very interested on doing this on my 09 chevy ltz 1500 c.c. with factory nav, rear seat entertainment but no back up camera option.

el kamino · January 15, 2010

I'm interested in this info too.

BigHips · March 19, 2010

Did this ever go anywhere? I also have a 3500HD dually with Nav, rearseat DVD, and a lockpick and I want to add a backup camera mainly to help backing up to the trailer.