Just got my XM commander installed and I LOVE it! Used the same type of install as Clem and Kevingab as well as others and couldn't be happier with it the ashtray closes perfectly and it looks great. Check it out...

 

Hey BigSherm!

That looks great!

I have had the same unit since Nov. 03, I just have not installed it yet.

Did you install it yourself?

Do you experience the same "low volume" issue that Clem had?
I think it was Clem who had low volume output.....

How did you secure it in the ashtray...??

Does the Remote work O.K...?

I've had mine just sitting in the ashtray since I bought on eBay in Nov. 03. Waiting for warmer temps. I guess, or I'm just a procrastinator.... Yeah! That's it...

You have put the spark back in the plug though, I can't wait to hear it myself....

Thanks for posting your info!!!

I have XM playing through every room in the house through a "Whole House Audio System" I installed when my house was being built last year. I/we used to listen to MP3's on CD's on a 5 disk carosel until I put the XM into the mix. Now we can't/wont live without XM in the house!

 

I had a local car stereo shop do it for me, they charged $150 but I'm sure I couldn't do it myself. I don't know what kind of bracket they fabricated to secure it to the ashtray but it must of been pretty simple because it only took about 2 hours total. the antenna is right in front of the third brake light. The XM is slightly quieter than FM and Cd but I have barely noticed it and it seems to get plenty loud enough if I want it to. Do a search for XM install; a couple people have posted very detailed step by step installation directions for this exact install which should be very helpful if you do it yourself. I actually printed them out and gave them to the shop.

 

Welcome to the XM Nation. As far as I am concerned XM is the greatest thing since sliced bread!

 

On another note....

bigsherm, I just checked out your gallery and I think the front of your truck looks absolutely bad as$!

Where did you get the Westin Bull Bar? Any models numbers or anything? And did you get the KC Daylighters and the bull bar at the same place? If not where did you get the lights?

Sorry for all the questions...I was just kinda mesmerized at how cool it looks, I had not planned on doing anything like that to my truck, but your looks like a million bucks!

-Antonio

 

I got the Bull Bar (chrome with skid plate), KC daylighters, and license plate relocator kit from www.premiermotoring.net They even put a pic of my truck on their site after they saw it. There is no model number but there is only one that is specifically listed for the 2004. My total price was about $550 altogether. Thanks for the compliment and email me if you have any other questions
Bigsherm77@comcast.net

 

I don't know if it's the "power of Xm" or just the look of the reciever in the ash tray that's more appealing to me! I want it so bad I can almost taste it at times lol. The commander looks right at home mounted in the ash tray, almost 100% OEM. However, I can't adjust my mind to accept the thought of paying $X amount per month to listen to the radio

If I bought 1 cd per month I could clearly see the advantage of paying that $X amount for Xm. However, I don't hardly buy 1 CD per year. I only drive ~ 50 miles per day and half the time on on the phone, so I don't even listen to the radio.

There's also the fear of the FM modulation not allowing clear reception. Bigsherm77 what's your thoughts on the clarity of your newly installed unit?

But man of all the aftermarket MOD'S I've saw on the 04 F150 I think the commander in the ashtray is easily in the top 5!

 

It's worth $10 a month! Not only do you get great music, but sports, and news. Amazingly convenient if you spend mush time in the truck.

 

The FM modulator does interfere with AM and FM a bit, but just shut it off and there is absolutely no interference then.

 

Bigsherm,

One last question I had is about the lights. Are they flush with the bar of do they stick out at all? I wonder because I am in Boston and have to parallel park everywhere, and I am scared someone will back into my lights and break them, or that even I may bump into someone and break them?

In your opinion would it still be safe to use??

-Antonio

 

The Fm modulator DOES mess up your FM reception. You MUST turn off the Xm in order to clearly listen to Fm but I havn't touched the FM since I got the commander. The sound quality for the XM is as good or better than FM with a very strong signal. The XM service is also cheaper if you get a long term deal. The different deals are on www.xmradio.com I opted for the 2 years for $199. That way I don't have a monthly bill and it works out to be a couple of bucks cheaper.

Neptune, the lights do stick out about 2 inches from the front so they would be the first to go in a fender bender. I think Hella makes a slimmer lights that may fit a little better. If you go with the daylighters, keep in mind that theyare "recommended for agricultural and off road" use only. In my experience, they are far to bright to use in any on road driving situation as they will blind anyone for as far as the eye can see. They do make a less bright daylighter that is a little cheaper and look the same though. Also, the bar adds about 3-4 inches to the length of the truck and you cannot see it from the drivers seat, so garage parking becomes more difficult.