Well,

It's been a while since I've posted on here. Things have changed a little since then. Originally, I was going to order a QC Sport 4x4. But, after really looking at what I needed in a truck, I came to the conclusion that I could buy a 4x4, lift it, make it look awesome, spend all that money and never really use the truck for what it is designed for.

So, when I really gave it some thought I came to the conclusion that my needs are this: at least a 6.5" bed, ability to pull a light trailer and look good doing it. Well, the look good part is only filled by the Ram IMO so at least I was already looking at the right place. I liked the Sport looks. I wanted to bring the payments down a little but I wanted the truck to be somewhat unique. That's when it dawned on me. I'm a bachelor, I don't really need the QC. After that the choice was obvious. It's an R/T for me!

Ok, enough of the back story. I am deployed to Iraq so I was able to order my R/T through a program for deployed service members. So, I am getting a 2010 R/T for $24K. Not a bad deal.

Details are: Brilliant Black 2010 R/T with the remote start/security, class IV hitch. Not much else in the way of options as explained below.

Only problem is since I wanted to order a 2010 to avoid losing my rebates and having the price go way up I had to give up on some options I wanted because Chrysler said the options are out for the model year. Mostly it boils down the REN to RBZ changeover. Do, I understand why this is so? No, but like I said it was a good deal.

Not being able to get the Media Center 430 isn't that big of a deal. I really like Pioneer's new AVIC-X series NAV units. What I would like is the factory backup camera. I was wondering those of you who have installed a park view camera after market does the interface with the head unit via a standard RCA jack or is it a proprietary harness? I know I can always just add a aftermerket camera. But, I like the stealth install of the factory camera.

Also, I am a big fan of side exit (super truck) type exhausts. Because of this one of the things I don't like about the Ram is the bumper cut outs for the exhaust. Anyone seen a place to order the paintable bumper from the ST? I've found plenty of chrome bumpers but I have no desire to pay for chrome that will just have to be sanded to paint it.

Oh and up to this point I've done all my research for the QC. I've already got a pair of Rockford 12s that I want to add to my Ram. I've only been able to find one very boring looking sub box for the Ram regular cab. Anyone know of any place to find more choices?

Ok, sorry to be so long winded. As I'm sure you all understand I am excited to the point of bursting. Can't wait for the day I can pick up R/T this summer! Thanks.

 

Congrats on the new R/T! You will love it. Be safe over in Iraq and thanks for serving the United states!!!

 

x2, nice choice

 

As far as finding a ST bumper for your truck, there a plenty of people on here that would be more than willing to trade you there ST bumper for your painted bumper with exhaust cutouts.

 

The RBZ is the new version of the REN and it is also called the Media Center 430. So no change there other than a few buttons are located in a different place. But overall, it is the same radio, just from a new manufacturer. Here are the details on the radio:
http://www.dodge.com/en/owners/quality/rbz/

As for the camera, it connects to the factory harness. You insert some pins into the radio connector where there are empty holes and one wire under the hood. It's not RCA connectors.

 

Hey, thanks guys.

shadow - You're probably right. I'll just have to see when the time comes if I can find anyone in my area who wants to swap with me.

topgun - Yeah, I don't know what the whole deal was with the options. The sales rep just said that Chrysler said the neither the MC 430 or 730 was available for the remainder of the model year. My order cut off date was the 23rd of this month. I'm guessing they are getting final orders in to finish out 2010 production. It seems weird to me as I have heard of no changes from 2010 to 2011 R/Ts. But, I admit I've never worked in an auto plant so it may be far more complicated than I understand.

Thanks for the info on the camera. That's, of course, not what I wanted to hear. But, it makes sense. I suppose I could always go find a 430 in a wrecked vehicle and do the dealer flash. But, I'd really rather go aftermarket given the choice. I'll have to see if I can find an image of the park view camera and see if it would be possible to adapt it to an aftermarket head unit. If not, maybe I can figure out a way to put an aftermarket camera in the same place as the factory location.

 

Congrats on a fun truck.

 

forget that factory camera...... an aftermarket radio will hook up with an aftermarket camera that is way better and will fit in the same spot as factory. their pretty cheap too..

 

Agreed, after market is cheaper in about every regard then the security system/remote start.