OK guys... New dodge owner here. I just purchased a 2013 outdoor edition. When I bought it, it didn't have the backup camera installed. I do have the large screen on the dash, but no camera in the tailgate. The dealership charged me $450 for the camera at purchase. I just got a call and the dealership tells me the camera won't work on my truck. That doesn't make sense to me. I have the screen. Will the camera not just plug in? Do I make them honor the sales agreement and replace whatever they need to to make it work? Are they feeding me some bull?

I'm a small business owner and when I make a contract with someone and I screw up on the contract, I still have to honor it. I feel like they just don't want/know to hook it up. Thoughts???

 

Wstewart.cps,

Congratulations on your new Ram. If you'd like to PM me your VIN#, I can review to see if your vehicle is compatible to have the camera installed. Did you review with your selling dealer to see if you ended up being charged for the camera? You most likely were not because if there is a production change for example, at the time the vehicle is being built the price of the vehicle is adjusted accordingly.

 

IMO, the back up camera is not that useful. I have it and really do not use it, I use my outside mirrors as well as the rear view mirror which by the way has the camera view when shifting into reverse. If you can live without it, have the dealer give you something else like a bed cover, liner, or other goodies.

 

It really is a matter of personal preference. I have an 8.4a and really like the factory back up camera. Am considering a lockpic (when they are available) mostly for a front camera add on.

 

I use the camera for backing up to a trailer and it is very useful in that situation. Also for parking in tight spots. But in general the screen is very hard to see in normal daylight situations so I don't tend to use it much. This is purely an screen visibility issue, not a problem of the camera. The idea of the backup camera is great and it is the best thing for trailering since through-hub greasing was invented.

Rob

 

front camera? are you serious? I parallel park my 2500 in the dc area

 

I only use my truck to tow, so backing up to my car trailer is a one shot deal. I friggin love it!
I always laugh inside when people try to guide me back. I just ignore them.


Just don't get fixated on the screen and sideswipe something unless you know your surroundings!

I have aftermarket Radio/DVD player and a aftermarket back-up camera w/night vision and 150* viewing so I cannot compare to factory stuff. Either way, it's very handy. I can see exactly how close I am to a wall or someone's bumper backing into a parking spot as I keep my hitch on 24/7.

 

I agree that if you are backing up to a trailer it will help a lot. Got to love the pop up screen when you first put into reverse "Check entire surrounding" funny statement.

 

I bought an outdoorsman edition mainly cause of the higher towing capacity. I will be doing quite a bit of towing between my bass boat and travel trailer. The backup camera was a MUST HAVE. I'm being told now that the add on camera from chrysler doesn't work on the 2013. There's on in production now, but won't be available till late July. I still feel like i'm being given a run around.

 

that sounds crazy. I bought my 2013 Express about 3 weeks ago and it came stock with the camera, not sure why a Chrysler add on camera would not work on the truck. Possibility that there may have to be a software download so the truck knows the camera is there????