Hey all. I recently bought a 2012 1500. It comes with this piece of crap radio.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Dodge-R...-/231403331735

I'm looking into getting a 8.4" uconnect radio with nav to install instead. have any of you done this yet? I read it's just a drop in replacement so it shouldnt' be that hard. If you have any suggestions or tips on it feel free to let me know.

Thanks in advance!

 

Also, I looked in the search function on the forums, and found pretty much just issues with initial set up and such. Nothing on installing the upgraded factory stereo in it.

 

It SHOULD be a simple install with no dealer flash required. All the factory connections are already in place. You would just need to add a GPS antenna (at least i had to when i upgraded to a factory Nav in my 06'.

If i can make a suggestion though, the radio you are looking into sells for about $1,000 and if you want the backup camera it's another $250. You could go aftermarket like i did for hundreds less and have all the same features with a better quality radio. Garmin GPS, Blutooth audio and phone, CD, DVD, Ipod Interface, USB audio/video, satellite radio, etc. My signature shows what i have.

Of course if you like to keep everything OEM that's fine too.

 

Yeah i just saw that those are around 1k for the touchscreens. BIG NOPE! Already priced out a kenwood excellon and 3 sets of kickers, kicker fitted sub, and kicker amp. much cheaper.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190772410476?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-12-Dodge-Ram-2500-Touchscreen-Navigation-Radio-OEM-/191421687459?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c919f26a3&vxp=mtr

 

You could do that route and save a little money. But it's a crap shoot buying used factory radio's. On my 06' i bought a REC unit and it came with a dead CD player. Sent it back and they sent me another used unit that worked for about 6 months then the CD changer died. Spent $300 plus shipping to fix it. In all spent well over a grand for used radio taking into account repairs. You can buy a Kenwood or Alpine unit that will do everything the factory unit will do and more (and with much better quality and features) brand new for less money then both of the above though. That's what i ended up doing and have no regrets.

 

You mention the 8.4 inch radio which is the one that comes in the 2013-15.

This radio will not fit into your dash without extensive modification and are not plug and play with a 2012.

The only radios that will fit in a 2012 are the ones listed below or an after market radio. Any of the MyGig radios will be plug and play as long as you get a high speed can bus radio.

http://www.dodge.com/en/owners/quality/rbz/

 

I should mention that all these MyGig radios do not come with the Uconnect internally. I think the RHR radio does, but can't be sure. With most units you will have to get the external Uconnect module and plug it in back of the radio. This unit will have to be flashed by the dealer for the radio to accept it.

You can also purchase a Lock Pick for the radio which will unlock all the features and not have to have it flashed by the dealer.