I have a 2014 dodge ram 1500. I want to install a new head unit with preouts for a sub. Haven't seen many threads on this. Anyone recommend a aftermarket head unit and why? Also did it interfere with your XM radio and how did you keep it. thanks

 

I'm looking for a new one as well and what I have found out is that the new unit has to be Sirrus/XM ready and there is apparently an adapter that you have to purchase as well for it to work. Also depending on if you have steering wheel controls for the radio/bluetooth there is a special wire harness needed as well. I went to a local Car Toys and they quoted me $1800 for the nav unit with the b/u camera installed. (I won't be using them) I called my local Dodge dealer and they wanted $3,500 which I won't have it done there either.

So the hunt continues, guess I'll get my tinting done along with the nerf bars and maybe the bed liner before I upgrade the sound system.

 

If you want to keep your stock unit you can install a lockpick pigtail and be done. They have audio preaouts and video hookups

 

dont recomend the lockpick, worked good for a few months untill i had problems with it and the tech support sucks!

 

Just an fyi, when it comes to aftermarket world, audio equipment and installation , you will get what you pay for. My 09 is pretty much stock in comparison to other vehicles ive owned. my truck came with alpine sound, dvd, and subwoofer from factory. I added lockpick wich which gives u features like adding extra backup cameras, playing audio/video while driving and ipod control. I removed factory subs, added 2 alpine thin subs, an amp, epicenter and hi/low converter since lockpick doesnt offer subwoofer output.

let me add the lockpick worked for about 1 year/10k miles before it got messed up, and when it did, my whole stereo stopped working. Tech support sucks, never got fixed.

anyways, if you want to save some cash, go get some estimates from local reputable shops for labor only and all together, then find what u need online and you may be able to save a couple hundred from markups. Here in LA i go to the electronics district, most wholesellers are open to the public. if you are looking for a cheap shop, i guarantee you will find one.

 

When I first bought my 2010 TRX4 I ran a hi-lo converter in order to keep the factory radio. At the time I was working at a Custom Car Audio store that also did some deals with dealerships for aftermarket audio equipment. I purchased an Advent OCH-1. The pro's about this radio is that it is COMPLETLY PLUG-AND-PLAY. No wiring harnesses needed. You keep factory steering wheel controls and everything. The radios are made to be direct factory replacements and they are made vehicle specific they have 4-volt pre-outs for front, rear, and sub. They have DVD/CD/Bluetooth/NAV/SAT/AUX/AM/FM/ the whole shabang. When i bought mine They ran about $2,500. They have been discontinued because Chrysler no longer pumps out those radio's like they used to but you can find them on amazon for about $250-$350. They are the best bang for your buck. If you would like more info, PM me and ill send you a video of how it works.




Here is a link to one on Amazon

 

That is a good idea, i like the added features, and although i would like a nice big screen, i like the stock look for theft prevention.
Is that the same exact unit that fit your 2010? I have a 2009 but the description says it is compatible with 2011-12.

 

It is the same exact one that I have in my 2010. It will fit all rams from 2009-2013. As far as looks go, it looks nearly Identical to the factory touch screen as seen below.


As far as security goes, thieves dont like to steal factory touchscreen radios because of several reasons

1. They are usually vehicle specific
2. They are much more time consuming to remove vs a normal aftermarket radio that can be removed using butter knives in about 60 secs.
3."normally" factory radios (even factory touchscreens) don't usually perform as well as aftermarket ones.
4. "normally" no way to run aftermarket amps without converts and adapters and stuff.

That is just a short list. I worked in the 12 volt car audio industry for about 12 years and the only radios I ever saw stolen were aftermarket ones. There is a reason why I used the Advent OCH1, looks factory on the outside, but on the inside, its all the aftermarket goodies you could ever want. Including customizable start screen logos! Let me know if you have any questions.

 

I agree. Bottom line, nobody buys factory radios, so thieves only take what they can sell. Which is why im considering this. And why i originally purchased the lockpick which turned out to be a waste of money.

 

Do they have a backup camera plug and play option? My truck didnt and I added one as well as a used factory radio and lockpick. So far its been plug and play.