New 2018 1500 Tradesman EcoDiesel

Hello,
We just got a new to us 2018 1500 Tradesman EcoDiesel. we are going to use it primarily for towing a trailer.

Will be researching to get things upgraded and added on.
1. need to get remote fobs so we can remote lock and unlock
2. need to upgrade from 5in to 8.4 radio so we can have bigger screen primarily for backup. but all other entertainment features are nice as well.

I'm sure there will be more tweaks and I appreciate all of you in this community.

Thanks.

Check out this thread:
You might want to add the ATC mod while your upgrading the radio.

Athlium said:

Hello,
We just got a new to us 2018 1500 Tradesman EcoDiesel. we are going to use it primarily for towing a trailer.

Will be researching to get things upgraded and added on.
1. need to get remote fobs so we can remote lock and unlock
2. need to upgrade from 5in to 8.4 radio so we can have bigger screen primarily for backup. but all other entertainment features are nice as well.

I'm sure there will be more tweaks and I appreciate all of you in this community.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Welcome ! I'D be looking at aftermarket if I were doing an audio upgtade.

Do you currently just have a set of keys & no FOB at all ?

Do you have the Passive FOB, where you stick the FOB into the ignition ?

Or do you have a SMART FOB, Push Button Start that never has to leave your pocket ?


If you have no FOB & want one, you will have to decide which FOB type

What needs to be purchased to make everything work

Do you need something to make the Starter work remotely ?
Do you need a different ignition switch ?
Will it need a separate RF Hub ?

Is there a kit that includes all of the parts ?

What needs to be done as far as Programming goes ?

Welcome.

Welcome

Welcome to the forum.

Red

GTyankee said:

Do you currently just have a set of keys & no FOB at all ?

Do you have the Passive FOB, where you stick the FOB into the ignition ?

Or do you have a SMART FOB, Push Button Start that never has to leave your pocket ?


If you have no FOB & want one, you will have to decide which FOB type

What needs to be purchased to make everything work

Do you need something to make the Starter work remotely ?
Do you need a different ignition switch ?
Will it need a separate RF Hub ?

Is there a kit that includes all of the parts ?

What needs to be done as far as Programming goes ?

Click to expand...

currently only have keys with cut blade.. no FOB at all. When I test drove the truck, I thought the guy was messing with me or giving me a valet key just incase.. but no.. apparently, in this future, Stabby keys are still a thing.

nope, key in ignition only

I wish we have push button start, as we have it for our Pilot.

I would like to eventually get it to the same setup as our other car. Remote everything and passive entry.

There are a couple of threads I have looked into already.

I found this radio guy is offering from a 2020 RAM.. will it work in 2018?


edit.. nevermind.. looks like this is a UAM from a non classic. wouldn't work just plug and play.. moving on.

welp.. I was able to source a 8.4 Radio from Salvage.. but then they were not able to provide me the bezel from the same truck.. it's been a month.. and I finally was able to hunt down another bezel for reasonable price.. just to find that it's not the same plug in.. guess I should have read the radio upgrade thread a little better.. now I need to decide if I want to spend more on harness with using the nicer looking bezel.. or keep crappy bezel and use steering wheel controls.. so much decisions..

01/20/2022 - upgrade to 8.4 UAS radio. acquired unlock code from www.carstereocode.com. Backup Cam, BT audio works but no music audio.
02/02/2022 - upgraded to non power folding tow mirrors. Enabled functions for Tow mirror/ Turn signals and Mirror approach/ puddle lights with Alfa
02/03/2022 - new bezel arrives, won't work without conversion harness. reached out to forum member to order.
02/06/2022 - Successfully enabled RKE / Remote Keyless Entry and programmed remote lock/unlock fob. Created DIY post here
02/10/2022 - Received M2 harness/Kit for 8.4 conversion. Installed new bezel, Audio/AC control works. no cargo cam button on radio. enable several options and now I have lost all uconnect apps. Forum states this might happen. need to have the truck sit and reprogram itself. Still has android auto issues. Waiting for new media Hub. Waited 3 hrs and turned the car on.. U apps are back.. also have both back up and cargo cam now (enabled on purpose)

2/14/2022 - Installed Audio controls from a 2012 wheel and new back from ebay. Tested working. New Hub did not work with Android Auto, will order audio converstion harness

02/04/2022 - installed OEM running boards
02/15/2022 - acquired oEDro quad fold Tonneau covers
02/24/2022 - Installed OEM fold flats cargo from 2014. Also Acquired Big Horn door panels will need to clean off before install.

02/25/2022 - Cleaned and installed upper trim door panels

04/05/2022 - New Longhorn cluster installed


Used Alfa to update the following
RAM 1500 (DS/DX/DT)
INSTRUMENT PANEL
MY2013+ PowerNet
Odometer Correction
Premium Cluster 7 in
Enter miles and then click "START" follow on Screen prompt

Program Customer Features
Lifetime Idle Hours
Enter hours and click Start
Lifetime Engine Hours (this would be total calculated hours of both drive and Idle hours from old cluster
Enter hours and click start

Lots of good work!

4/21/2022- picked up used Amped bumper steps and installed. Had to get bolts from Ace.
Bolts were M10x 1.5x40.

Useful to get into bed as I'm short and truck was lifted.

01/23/2023 - replaced Cab Vent due to know leak issue. Part 68323649AB ordered from ebay. Removed rear seats and fold flats (6x 3/4in bolts) [Might consider doing the rear seat lift mod later]. removed 4 trim bolts. Limited on space due to distance between cab and cargo bed. was able to punch out driver side and slide it up and fish with a coat hanger to get new one in place. Passenger side was more difficult as it was alot tighter. Ended up punching the vent towards bed then bending it slightly to get it in to the cab. Was able to persuade the new vent to do the same after several attempts at trying to get it fished up from between. Did not add any sealant.

forgot to take photos of all progress until the end. here is the passenger side vent.

Nice those little diesels have gobs of torque! You can run 35s and not even feel it! I know you said it was a towing rig, just saying