There’s nothing quite like pulling into a scenic campsite, setting up your awning, and enjoying your favorite music while watching the sunset. After years of RVing with a factory-installed stereo that barely produced sound above a whisper, I finally decided to upgrade my audio system. The difference was remarkable—suddenly, movie nights felt like a home theater experience, and outdoor gatherings had the perfect soundtrack. My neighbors at the campground even started asking what equipment I was using.
Choosing the right RV stereo and speakers involves more than just picking the loudest option. You need equipment designed to handle the unique challenges of mobile living: vibration from the road, temperature extremes, limited space, and the desire for both indoor and outdoor entertainment.
Factory-installed audio systems in most RVs are afterthoughts—manufacturers focus their budgets on the coach itself, leaving audio quality as a cost-cutting opportunity. The good news is that upgrading is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require professional installation in most cases.
Whether you’re looking for a complete head unit replacement or simply want to add better speakers to your existing setup, the options available today offer impressive sound quality at reasonable prices. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best stereos and speakers currently available, explain what makes each one suitable for RV use, and help you decide which combination will work best for your camping lifestyle.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to upgrade your RV’s audio without breaking the bank, the Furrion Entertainment System delivers impressive value. I installed one of these in my travel trailer’s bedroom as a secondary audio zone, and it’s been the perfect solution for quiet evenings when I want to listen to podcasts without disturbing anyone in the main living area.
The 2-zone audio capability is particularly useful for RVers who want independent sound control in different areas of their rig. You can have music playing at the dinette while keeping the bedroom silent, or vice versa. The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity works flawlessly with modern smartphones, and I’ve found the wireless range more than adequate for typical RV distances.
What sets this unit apart from generic marine stereos is Furrion’s RV-specific engineering. The Vibrationsmart technology helps the unit withstand the constant movement and vibration that comes with road travel, while Climatesmart construction handles the temperature swings that would damage standard home audio equipment. At just 1.5 pounds, it’s lightweight enough that installation doesn’t require reinforcing your mounting surface.
The 40-watt output won’t fill a large fifth wheel with concert-level sound, but it’s perfectly adequate for background music and casual listening. For the price point, you’re getting a reliable, purpose-built RV stereo that will last for years of camping adventures.
Buy the Furrion RV Stereo Entertainment System
When I upgraded my main RV stereo to the Jensen JWM62A, it transformed our entertainment experience completely. This isn’t just a stereo—it’s a complete entertainment center that handles everything from streaming music to playing DVDs during rainy camping days. The wall-mount design replaces the typical double-DIN opening found in most RVs, and the sleek profile hides the mounting screws for a clean, factory-installed appearance.
The 3-zone audio capability is what really sold me on this unit. I can run speakers in the living area, bedroom, and outside under the awning, each with independent volume control. During our last family camping trip, the kids watched a movie inside while my wife and I enjoyed music on the patio—all from the same head unit. The jControl app lets you manage everything from your smartphone, which means no more getting up to adjust the volume when you’re relaxed in your camp chair.
Build quality is exceptional, as you’d expect from Jensen’s marine and RV division. The unit handles DVD, CD, and USB playback, supports multiple video and audio formats, and includes both front auxiliary input and rear RCA connections for maximum flexibility. The LED-backlit screen offers 10 levels of dimming, which is essential for nighttime use when you don’t want a glaring display disturbing your sleep.
At this price point, you’re investing in a premium audio solution that will serve as the heart of your RV entertainment system for years. The included remote control and 20-pin speaker wire harness make installation straightforward, and the 1-year warranty provides peace of mind.
Buy the Jensen JWM62A Wall Mount Stereo
I’ve tried several outdoor speaker options over the years, and the PQN Enterprises speakers have proven to be the most durable by far. These aren’t just water-resistant—they’re built to meet UL/ETL in-spa requirements, which means they can handle conditions that would destroy ordinary speakers. After two seasons of exposure to rain, sun, and the occasional splash from the outdoor shower, mine still sound as good as the day I installed them.
The 6-inch size provides noticeably fuller sound than smaller speakers, with enough bass response to make music enjoyable without requiring a separate subwoofer. The 30-watt power handling is well-matched to most RV stereo outputs, and the 4-ohm impedance ensures compatibility with virtually any head unit. I mounted mine under the awning, and they fill our entire campsite with clear, balanced audio.
What impressed me most was the attention to detail in the construction. The corrosion-proof silicone speaker leads eliminate the common failure point where wires connect to the speaker terminals—a problem I’ve experienced with cheaper alternatives. The waterproof cone construction means you don’t have to rush outside to cover them when an unexpected rain shower rolls through.
The 5.9-inch cutout requirement fits most standard speaker openings, and the shallow 0.95-inch mounting depth means they’ll work even in tight spaces. At around $82 for a pair, these speakers represent excellent value for anyone serious about outdoor audio quality.
Buy the PQN Enterprises Waterproof 6" Speakers
For RVers on a budget who still want decent outdoor sound, the Jensen MS5006BR speakers offer remarkable value. At just over $30 for a pair, these are among the most affordable waterproof speakers available, yet they don’t sound like budget speakers. The dual-cone design separates frequencies more effectively than single-cone alternatives, delivering cleaner highs and more defined bass.
I installed a set of these on a friend’s travel trailer, and we were both surprised by the sound quality. The Mylar tweeter produces crisp highs without harshness, while the polypropylene woofer handles the low end with more authority than you’d expect from speakers at this price. They’re not audiophile-grade, but for casual outdoor listening, they’re more than adequate.
Jensen’s weatherproofing is legitimate—these speakers carry ASTM B117 and D4329 certifications for UV and corrosion resistance. The built-in drip edges channel water away from the speaker components, and the rugged plastic housing protects the internals from the elements. After a full season of outdoor use, they show no signs of degradation.
The compact 4-3/8-inch cutout diameter makes these speakers versatile for various mounting locations, and the 1-1/2-inch mounting depth accommodates shallow wall cavities. If you’re looking to add outdoor speakers without a significant investment, the Jensen MS5006BR set is hard to beat.
Buy the Jensen Dual Cone Waterproof Speakers
If you’ve already invested in a Furrion stereo system, these matching outdoor speakers are the logical choice. The aesthetic consistency is nice, but more importantly, Furrion designs their speakers to work optimally with their head units. The impedance and sensitivity specifications are matched for the best possible performance when paired with Furrion stereos.
The 5-inch woofer produces clear, balanced sound that’s well-suited for outdoor use. With 15 watts RMS and 35 watts peak power handling, these speakers can get loud enough for outdoor gatherings without distortion. The 88 dB sensitivity means they’ll produce good volume even from lower-powered stereo outputs.
I appreciate that Furrion doesn’t try to oversell these speakers—they’re honest about what they are: quality outdoor speakers at a fair price. The frequency response of 120Hz to 20kHz covers the range most people care about for music and spoken content. The 6-inch overall diameter with a 3-15/16-inch mounting hole spacing fits standard speaker locations.
At $35 each, these speakers fall between the budget Jensen options and the premium PQN alternatives. They’re a solid middle-ground choice, especially for Furrion system owners who want guaranteed compatibility and matching aesthetics.
Buy the Furrion Outdoor RV Speaker
Upgrading your RV’s audio system is one of those improvements that enhances every camping trip. Whether you’re watching movies on a rainy day, hosting a campsite gathering, or simply enjoying morning coffee with background music, quality sound makes the experience better. The products featured here represent the best options currently available at RV Upgrade Store, ranging from budget-friendly solutions to premium entertainment systems.
For most RVers, I’d recommend starting with a quality head unit like the Jensen JWM62A if you want full-featured entertainment, or the Furrion system if you’re primarily interested in music streaming. Pair either with appropriate speakers for your indoor and outdoor zones, and you’ll have an audio setup that rivals many home systems. The investment pays dividends every time you press play.
Remember that audio is subjective—what sounds great to one person might not satisfy another. If possible, listen to speakers before purchasing, or buy from a retailer with a good return policy. The products I’ve recommended here have proven track records in the RV community, but your ears are the final judge.
One last piece of advice: don’t overlook the importance of proper installation. Even the best speakers will sound mediocre if they’re loosely mounted or installed in locations that create unwanted resonance. Take your time, use appropriate mounting hardware, and seal any holes you drill to prevent water intrusion. A well-installed mid-range system will outperform a poorly installed premium system every time.
Safe travels, and enjoy the music!
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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