Let me tell you a quick story. Please read it and if you can help, please reply.

I had a 2002 Ranger with the OEM 6-disc changer. That was promptly removed for an aftermarket Blaupunkt. This was back in 2002.

Got rid of the truck, left the Blau in. Kept the OEM unit.

Last week I put the OEM changer on eBay. Got an e-mail from some guy asking if I [could] put it in ship mode. I had no idea what that was and told him so. He responded that the unit NEEDS to be put in ship mode before it can be mailed, else it will arrived trashed. He says this has happened to him TWICE so far. I responded with, "Okay, tell me how and I will."

He referred me to another seller that was clearly indicating in his auctions that his units will be set to ship mode prior to arrival. I e-mailed him and he simply stated that you press the SCAN and the ONE disc button simultaneously and viola! It will say IN SHIP MODE.

So no longer having the actual Ranger (to plug the stereo into, to turn it on) I took it to the local Ford dealership. Neither the counter guy or the actual parts guy had even HEARD of the ship mode and both stated they ship these units across the country all the time with nary a problem.

They did say, however, that there is a multi-pronged bracket that they insert into the top of the unit which locks in place the sensitive mechanisms inside.

So I went to my dad's 2002 Econoline. Pulled his stereo out, plugged mine in and easily set my changer to IN SHIP MODE.

Now, my question is this:

Now that I have my stereo in ship mode, do I ALSO have to insert this bracket (which I don't have and would have to buy separately)?

I have to ship my stereo Monday to Massachusetts (from Ohio) and don't want it to arrive trashed.

Thanks for your time.

-Nick.

 

I have never heard of 'ship mode' but if it makes the buyer happy who cares LOL.

As far as the 'bracket' Ford referred to - its a transport lock. It keeps the transport in place so it doesnt get bounced around during shipping. Ive sent in 100's of aftermarket CD players for service and have rarely done this simply because most CD players dont even ship from the factory with a transport lock!

I wouldnt worry about it - just use a larger box with ample ammounts of packing material. Most people make the mistake of using a box that is to small - not enough room for packing material.
And if you want to go overkill:
Put a plastic bag in the bottom of the box and fill it with expanding spray foam. Once the spray foam begins to expand place the radio on top of the bag (make sure the bag is sealed and the radio is also wrapped/covered. The bag/foam should form around the bottom/sides. Then do the same with another plastic bag/foam on the top. Now you have a form fitted shipping container. A little more work and $$ but the buyer could hardly question your packing methods if something happens.

 

Just wanted to let everyone know that I was able to set it to Ship Mode with my father's Econoline. Packed it with a bunch of newspaper and never did put a transport bracket in it.

Buyer received it last week and has given me positive feedback, so I'd say it arrived undamaged.

-Nick.