Need a great new radio for your semi trailer or farm tractor? There are many options and many features available. A new radio can be as simple as AM/FM with a clock display, or it can include features like Bluetooth for hands-free cellular communication, SiriusXM satellite radio, and even a weather band for those whose workday is affected by the weather.

When it comes time to replace a truck radio, many people often worry about the wiring. This is an important first step of the course. However, the critical part is that you don’t cut the wires. There is no need to cut the factory wiring on any large piece of equipment just to replace the radio. What most drivers or maintenance personnel will quickly realize is that, unlike a car stereo, all of the wiring behind the radio on a semi truck is either white or gray, or a combination of both colors. This type of wiring is not very intuitive, meaning it is impossible to identify which wires are speaker wires and which are power wires without using a special tool called a multimeter. Even with this tool, cutting and splicing wires is not recommended.

The next and perhaps the most important aspect to consider is quality. What is the point of replacing the radio with an aftermarket radio that is malfunctioning and very likely to fail in a short period of time? Conditions in a semi are not the same as in cars and other passenger vehicles, so using an aftermarket radio from a super store is not recommended at all. We’ve all learned that doing a job right the first time means you won’t have to do it a second time.

The best radios for semi trailers are the heavy duty ones made by Delphi and Panasonic. Many times these stereos will accept the wiring connector placed on 2005 model year and newer semis by the manufacturer, whether it be Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, Volvo or Western Star. Trucks and tractors whose model year it’s 2004 and earlier will probably require a wiring adapter, but still no cutting or splicing will be necessary. Simply plug the adapter into the truck’s wire connector and plug the adapter into the new radio. When you purchase one of these heavy duty Delphi or Panasonic radios, it will include a tool to easily remove your existing radio. This tool should be kept in a safe place for future use.

When purchasing one of these Delphi or Panasonic radios from your dealer, the cost will be significant. While buying online means you won’t have the new radio in your hands today, it also means big savings on the exact same piece of equipment. There are some online stores that do a lot with Delphi and Panasonic truck radios so they can save you a lot of money and can ensure a proper fit as well as retention of the steering wheel and sleeper controls.