Hi guys,

I am in the process of looking for and buying a new vehicle. At this point I am leaning towards a Dodge ram because I really like the way the look. I have just started looking so of course things may change. Anyway, I keep going to the dodge website and building my own truck and I get everything I want except one thing. I really want the back-up rear view camera! The problem is, when I try to add it it makes me upgrade the stereo system and spend about $1000 more on the truck. Is it possible to just add the backup camera without upgrading the stereo system if I talk to a dealer or something? I am assuming they use the screen for the upgraded factory stereo as the monitor for backing up which is why they force you to upgrade. But, are there any other options they don't show online? Is the camera even worth the trouble?

 

You need the upgraded radio, the base radio does not have a screen to show the backup camera picture on.

 

You can go with an aftermarket system and spend less than the upgrade and infact most the time get a better system.
I test drove every truck before buying my Dodge

 

Thats another thing I was thinking about. I would be really nervous about letting a shop install all of that in my brand new truck though because it seems like once a shop takes something apart, it never looks the same again!

 

Ive always gone back with after market stuff. Its actually not that difficult and Ive done it myself this time jsut takes research. I trust myself alot more than anyone else.
Took my wives jeep rubicon apart and put it back together. Cant tell anything was done to it.

 

Lets say I bought a 2010 Dodge Ram with 4x4 and a quad cab. How hard is it to install an aftermarket back up camera? Does it come wired for the camera already? Is there a spot to mount the factory camera so that I can put an aftermarket camera there? I will gladly get the cheapest radio and upgrade it on my own if all the wiring is ready for me and I do not have to pull out a bunch of carpet and stuff like that. I will also be getting the bed sprayed with linex soon after buying so I guess I would have to install this camera before I spray the bed?

I am leaning more and more towards a dodge every day so when I am ready to buy it will likely be a dodge ram truck! I am actually getting excited about having one parked out side! lol

 

You can install the camera after linex is sprayed. The tailgate latch access panel comes right off.

I installed a cheapo camera in the tailgate latch, ran the wires through holes in the bottom of the tailgate, along the frame, and into the cab- through the A-pillar and under the glove box to the console where I mounted an aftermarket gps.

Worth it to me cuz I can hook up trailers real EZ.

 

If you sell your truck after a while instead of driving it till the wheels fall off, you'll get a chunk of that upgrade money back.

 

One of the most important things to consider when making a vehicle purchase is that the vehicle fits your needs not your wants. Take a look at this blog that reviews that topic that might help you in making your purchase decision http://www.londoffadvantage.com/blog...ts-your-needs/

 

Any pics of that?? Interested in seeing how that came out.