Tradesman radio swap?

Fletch125 · Sep 3, 2017

I'm picking up my 2014 tradesman on Tuesday. I wanted the nicer touch screen radio but this truck was a steal with low miles. Is it possible to swap out the radio with one from say a big horn? Or is the wiring different? If so, what is a good aftermarket option?
Don't need anything too fancy but I'd like navigation and bluetooth.

First post here. Hope to learn from you guys! Excited to be back in a truck again!

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

UnsatFC · Sep 3, 2017

You can do a direct swap out to a 5" RA2 Radio but you won't have navigation. You can get a RA4 Nav unit but you will need to change out the bezel due to the larger size of the screen. I am assuming you don't have the steering wheel volume controls. In that case you will either need to add that or get a bezel with the volume control on it. I believe you will need a wire harness adapter. I am in the same situation as you. I upgraded to the RA2 5" radio but now an ready to go to the RA3/RA4 NAV unit. It gets a little pricey when you add up everything that is needed FYI

Fletch125 · Sep 3, 2017

UnsatFC said:
You can do a direct swap out to a 5" RA2 Radio but you won't have navigation. You can get a RA4 Nav unit but you will need to change out the bezel due to the larger size of the screen. I am assuming you don't have the steering wheel volume controls. In that case you will either need to add that or get a bezel with the volume control on it. I believe you will need a wire harness adapter. I am in the same situation as you. I upgraded to the RA2 5" radio but now an ready to go to the RA3/RA4 NAV unit. It gets a little pricey when you add up everything that is needed FYI

The RA2 is better than nothing and I'd perfer that. That one is a direct swap in? Ive been waiting for the dealer to detail and fix a dent in the bumper before I buy so I haven't had a chance to check out the features. Does the stock non-touch screen have bluetooth? The dealer advertised it as having the larger touchscreen which I knew was false because it's a tradesman.

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UnsatFC · Sep 3, 2017

Yes the RA2 is a direct swap, very easy to do. Takes no longer than 5 minutes.

The stock non touch radio the RA1 does not have Bluetooth. It only has an AUX input. The RA2 5" touch screen unit has Bluetooth.

warbat · Sep 3, 2017

Fletch125 said:
The RA2 is better than nothing and I'd perfer that. That one is a direct swap in? Ive been waiting for the dealer to detail and fix a dent in the bumper before I buy so I haven't had a chance to check out the features. Does the stock non-touch screen have bluetooth? The dealer advertised it as having the larger touchscreen which I knew was false because it's a tradesman.

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are you sure they just meant touch screen and it has the 5" touch screen in it? My 15 tradesman came with the ra2.

Fletch125 · Sep 3, 2017

warbat said:
are you sure they just meant touch screen and it has the 5" touch screen in it? My 15 tradesman came with the ra2.

Not sure yet. Will find out Tuesday. Only pic I have

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UnsatFC · Sep 3, 2017

That's is a non touch screen RA1 radio in that picture.

Mpgrimm2 · Sep 3, 2017

Mpgrimm2 said:
Here some info...

on eBay...

14 Ram, Ra2, mirror w/mics & overhead console
$299 IR15415 DODGE RAM 2014 OEM Uconnect 5.0 RA2 VP2 DS RADIO MEDIA CENTER SCREEN | eBay

Ra2 PN's (all are compatible with your truck)
Interchange Part Numbers: TBD VP2 NA
P68088693AA (AB, AC, AD, AE) <- 2013
P68226685AA (AB, AC, AD, AE) <- 2014
P68228668AA (AB, AC, AD, AE) <- 2015
P68271365AC (AA, AB, AD, AE) <- 2016

--------------------------------------------

Related threads and info for those upgrading from an RA1 ...

- DIY: 2013-2016 RearView Mirror Upgrade & Harness install

- DIY: 2013-2016 OEM Steering Wheel Audio Control Install

- Installing OEM backup cam
** Pay attention to Post 10 as well as the OP **

- 2013-2016 Ram Radio Removal 6-27-16.pdf

or if you want to go full RA4 conversion:
- DIY: 2013+ RA3/RA4 8.4" Radio Conversion Upgrade

We (M² Mods) can make the harness you need for an 8.4 conversion and my partner (DeereGuy) currently has a full 8.4 7 speed kit if you decide to go that route...
http://www.ramforum.com/showthread.php?p=1567962

Dr. Righteous · Sep 8, 2017

Fletch125 said:
Not sure yet. Will find out Tuesday. Only pic I have

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Yeah, that is identical to my '14 Express. RA1 nothing Radio/MP3 play/XM sat receiver.
I'm looking at a upgrade but it will be aftermarket unit. I'm thinking the Soundstream VRN-65HB

https://www.amazon.com/Soundstream-...897875&sr=8-9&keywords=soundstream+double+din

JPT · Sep 8, 2017

Dr. Righteous said:
Yeah, that is identical to my '14 Express. RA1 nothing Radio/MP3 play/XM sat receiver.
I'm looking at a upgrade but it will be aftermarket unit. I'm thinking the Soundstream VRN-65HB

https://www.amazon.com/Soundstream-...897875&sr=8-9&keywords=soundstream+double+din

Those ratings are very bad... For aftermarket in my 3rd Gen I had a Pioneer NEX-4100, but any of the 4,000 series is really good (use your phone for GPS with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). I stand behind those radios, if I needed an aftermarket radio, I would buy it again. It is more money than your link.

gene12277 · Jun 24, 2022

When you added this radio did you retain the audio from the parking sensors?

Tradesman radio swap?

Fletch125

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UnsatFC

Active duty NAVY

Fletch125

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UnsatFC

Active duty NAVY

warbat

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Fletch125

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UnsatFC

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Mpgrimm2

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Dr. Righteous

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JPT

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gene12277

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