Does anyone know of a good aftermarket radio that has some better smartphone integration (i.e. Bluetooth audio streaming) but integrates with our truck's steering wheel audio controls and the back-up camera?

Rob

 

Has anyone replaced their factory radio and kept these vehicle integrations working??

 

I replaced mine with the Pioneer in the AVH series. Nearly all backup cameras I am aware of use the same video connection plug and is universal. The only app I use is for streaming Pandora. As for steering wheel controls, unless it is a Chrysler product you will need to add a steering wheel control adapter with any aftermarket head unit. I think mine cost around $20 and it is installed in line with the radio wiring. I still maintain the same options I had as factory for controlling the radio.

 

Thanks ethosb. So you have backup camera functionality retained and steering wheel controls working then?

Thanks,
Rob

 

I do indeed, but like I said you will need an aftermarket device to retain the steering controls. About $20.

 

Can you tell details about which Pioneer model integrates with our factory backup camera and what was involved in hooking it up?

I contacted Crutchfield and several of their 'experts' said that no head unit they sell will integrate with our factory backup camera. At least for a 2010 with my stereo options. What year is your truck?

Thanks,
Rob

 

I've been continuing to research this. I contacted PAC Audio and they claim that I'd need two adapters to retain all the integration I want:

RP4-CH11 is the adapter to connect the new head unit to the factory stereo wiring (i.e. power, speakers, amp, etc) and this has steering wheel control integration too.

CHYRVD is the adapter that allows the factory back-up camera to be hooked up to the head unit.

I'd love to hear from anyone that has used these items to make sure they work as intended.

Thanks,
Rob

 

I'm wanting to replace my radio as well, and was wondering if you installed it yourself, if yes was it all plug and play with all the required adapters, and how is the fitment of the head unit. What exact model did you get and how do you like it? thanks

 

Just changed from a 2009 to a 2012 ram. The 2012 did have the simplest fabric radio (no uconnect, no steering wheel controls, no camera). I have just mounted new unit which was plug and play. (Ebay, search for Astrium dodge ram). Looks like the fabric one, have a very good nav system, phone system and dvd. I donīt have a backing camera, but the unit is responding with "no signal" on the screen when putting the car in reverse, so it may handle the stock backup camera.

Living in europe, I donīt have access to satellite radio, which I donīt think the radio can handle.

The seller said no reflash was needed, which was correct, a real 10 min plug and play. And yes itīs streaming audio on bluetooth (music on phone, havenīt tried spotify yet). As I donīt have steering wheel controls, I canīt verify that, but they claim it will work.

 

Does anybody know how these radios mount? Are they all universal mounts, how does it hold in place in there?