Automobile audio in Montana?

[OntMont]

If I were to install a conventional car radio in the Montana, can I run the speaker outputs to the existing Quest surround sound speakers? ...or is car audio somehow different?
(I guess the real question should be, if I do it, will it work without damaging something?)

[ARJ]

I did that in our Prowler TT years ago and it worked fine. It replaced the $.75 piece of junk that came with the trailer.

The only concern would be speaker impedance (8 or 4 ohms) but I am not sure that a mismatch would cause any problems. Try it!

[ChuckD]

LOL Be carefull you don't over tax that Quest. There has been several of us who have experienced that some of the Quest units are junk to start with, I don't know if I would add anything to it.

[bncinwv]

There are two factors to consider, the output impedence and the output wattage of the radio and the limits of the speakers. Impedence should be either 4 or 8 ohms, which I believe will be fine, but if the ouput wattage of the stereo exceeds the limits of the speakers, at high volume, it is possible and probable that you will blow (damage) the speakers. I would hope this infomation is posted on the radio and speakers to tell. Here is an article to explain the impedence limitiations:
http://www.prestonelectronics.com/audio/Impedance.htm
I believe the impedence as I stated will not be an issue, wattage ratings can be.
Bingo

[kmh3212]

The auto stereos will work fine. Remember they are powered by 12 volt DC. You have 12 volts all over the trailer and you would have to find a 12 volt source and tap into it. I installed a car stereo/CD in my basement attached to the ceiling and used a set of enclosed car stereo speakers to provide sound outside. The speakers in the trailer are really inexpensive. If you want to use them they will work fine. Are planning to remove the factory Quest unit? My Quest unit in a landfill somewhere, no great loss. I replaced it with a decent home system speakers and all. What an improvement!

[Waynem]

Many do not give a lot of thought to impedance until it is to late. Think of a CB radio and an Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) that can damage component parts if left to high. Well, a mismatch of impedance can be detrimental to the power transistors delivering those watts to the speaker. If the radio to be used is capable of 4 or 8 ohm connectivity you will not have any problems so long as the impedance of the circuit is 4 or 8 ohms. If there is a mismatch, you will get power reflections that can damage the audio output transistors. There could be problems if you decide to add speakers. If you have 2 speakers and add two more (R & L) you have halved the impedance. The more speakers you use will decrease the impedance. The problem will arise if you try to crank up the volume with a mismatched impedance system.