What Kind of Radio Do I Have?

[RM2016RamBighorn]

Hi,
Newbie here. I have a 2016 Bighorn 1500 and I was curious as to what kind of radio I have. Short story is that I was out with my boat after dark. It was hard to align with boat trailer. I have no back up cam and reverse lights are too dim. I want to change this. I understand that there are different stock model radios for these trucks and I wanted to see what kind I have (pic). Also, does any one have any ideas for a higher powered light that would replace the cargo light?

 

[SitKneelBend]

You

Hi,
Newbie here. I have a 2016 Bighorn 1500 and I was curious as to what kind of radio I have. Short story is that I was out with my boat after dark. It was hard to align with boat trailer. I have no back up cam and reverse lights are too dim. I want to change this. I understand that there are different stock model radios for these trucks and I wanted to see what kind I have (pic). Also, does any one have any ideas for a higher powered light that would replace the cargo light?

You have an RA2 radio. The next step up OEM wise is a VP3/RA3 (non- Navigation) or a VP4/RA4 (Navigation). If you want to add apple carplay or Android Auto the next step up is a UAS (non-Nav) or a UAQ (nav).

I use these in cargo and reverse lights, much brighter than stock (especially in the cargo lights)...

Yorkim 912 921 LED Backup Light... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L3M9ORS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[RM2016RamBighorn]

@SitKneelBend, thanks. Do the cargo lights illuminate beyond the bed? And does my radio have back up cam capability?

 

[Mpgrimm2]

Yes... Ra2 has ability to display a BuCam.

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

 

[SitKneelBend]

@SitKneelBend, thanks. Do the cargo lights illuminate beyond the bed? And does my radio have back up cam capability?

If the gate is down yes but the height of the gate and the brightness of the lights can kinda cause "blindness" in the hitch area. I have two LED pods mounted to the tow hitch assembly under the bed to make up for this. I wired them directly to the tow hitch reverse wire for power.

 

[GTyankee]

As was stated, the RA2 radio works with a REAR Camera
There are 2 ways to view the Monitor.
The first way is to buy a special rear view mirror, that has a built in monitor.
The 2nd way, actually uses your current radio screen.

This guy was one of the first people to make videos about our Rams, that i watched years ago.
He talks a bit fast, but he gets his point across

New Ram Tradesman OEM Backup Camera Installation

Body Clip Pliers on Amazon here → http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015DC2IE0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B015DC2...

www.youtube.com

Good Luck

 

[RM2016RamBighorn]

Quick question for those who use their back up cam: Can you see your trailer hitch with the camera? This won't make or break whether I go this route. Just curious.

 

[turkeybird56]

On OEM YES. It also has a zoom where U see part of bumper and back area when backing. (ZOOM only for closeup when U get real close to trailer, or whatever U backing towards). On an older RA2 setup, unknown as I have a Non Nav U Connect 4 with 8.4 Screen with Apple Car Play and such capability.

 

[chri5k]

I use one like this. I can view it on my phone and it has IR LEDs for night vision. I keep it in the glovebox and stick it to the tailgate or cab as needed. According to Amazon I have had it for 3 years and it is still working fine.

https://www.amazon.com/EWAY-Magnetic-Wireless-Rechargeable-Hitching/dp/B07Q7976P7

 

[PA Ram]

I changed cargo lights and reverse to LEDs and it's literally night and day. I didn't go factory camera yet for my UAQ radio,but I have a wireless camera which works great.

 

[GTyankee]

If you watched that video that i posted.
It shows everything that you need to know & informs you that you need to have it programmed by the dealership, it can also be programmed using a
ALFAobd or similar tool

 

[SitKneelBend]

Quick question for those who use their back up cam: Can you see your trailer hitch with the camera? This won't make or break whether I go this route. Just curious.

Yes, very clearly. You can essentially see the most of the rear tailgate, the whole rear bumper and hitch.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Hi,
Newbie here. I have a 2016 Bighorn 1500 and I was curious as to what kind of radio I have. Short story is that I was out with my boat after dark. It was hard to align with boat trailer. I have no back up cam and reverse lights are too dim. I want to change this. I understand that there are different stock model radios for these trucks and I wanted to see what kind I have (pic). Also, does any one have any ideas for a higher powered light that would replace the cargo light?

This might be a good option for you. I have a similar setup except mine are under the bed...

Limited-time deal: Nilight 2 Pcs 4 Inch 60W Led Pods with 2 Inch Tow Hitch Mounting Brackets Backup Reverse Lights Rear Light Bar for Pickup ATV SUV Truck Trailer Boat https://a.co/d/35RnnxE