New Kenwood Installation in 2017 1500

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haleme

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I finally got around to installing my Kenwood DNX577S into my Ram over the weekend. Got to say I am very happy with the results.

I used the iDatalink Maestro RR2 kit with the Scosche dash kit. I also reused the factory GPS and Satellite antenna with success

The other upgrade is the addition of front and bed cameras with a DVR system.

Lots of parts and wires shoved in the center stack, which was the biggest headache. I was shocked it all fit.

Let me know what you think.

IMG_20220208_081219377_HDR.jpg

Vehicle Status Screen. I need to adjust the depth of the head unit in the dash. It is sitting about 3/8" too deep.
IMG_20220208_081252302_HDR.jpg

Retention of Climate Control Screen
IMG_20220208_081311542_HDR.jpg

Camera DVR Screen
IMG_20220208_081516412_HDR.jpg
 

Midknight

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Very nice. I agree pulling it forward a little for better clearance on the side buttons.
 
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haleme

haleme

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Thanks for the feedback!

I got the head unit depth corrected and the buttons are much easier to depress now.

Gauges also work without a connection to the OBD2 port or the can bus.
IMG_20220210_092259180.jpg

I found two images I am using for the background. I'm partial to the blue one.
IMG_20220210_092140354_HDR.jpg
IMG_20220210_092220286_HDR.jpg

I bought the URAM USB hub in hopes it would work with Android Auto. No luck.
I'm going to remove this and run a USB 3.0 cable through the seat and to the Kenwood.
IMG_20220210_092342801.jpg
 

RodeoRam

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@haleme,

Thanks for posting this. I have a Kenwood Excelon DDX9907XR to put in so I'm going to pick your brain, if you don't mind.

Does your truck have the microphones in the mirror or headliner? Were you able to use the original mics, or did you have to use the mic that came with the stereo?

Did you use the iDatalink KIT-RAM1 Factory System Adapter? The bezel looks like the Ram1 instead of the Scosche bezel. Crutchfield doesn't mention needing the Scosche kit so I'm confused.

I watched Crutchfield for months waiting for them to get that stereo in stock so when someone else had it first, I grabbed it. Now that Crutchfield has the stereo, they're out of the KIT-RAM1. SMH

Thank you.
 

SitKneelBend

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Thanks for the feedback!

I got the head unit depth corrected and the buttons are much easier to depress now.

Gauges also work without a connection to the OBD2 port or the can bus.
View attachment 485568

I found two images I am using for the background. I'm partial to the blue one.
View attachment 485569
View attachment 485570

I bought the URAM USB hub in hopes it would work with Android Auto. No luck.
I'm going to remove this and run a USB 3.0 cable through the seat and to the Kenwood.
View attachment 485571
Lol, those stickers are hilarious...
 
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haleme

haleme

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Hi @RodeoRam , happy to answer.

I have the dual Uconnect mics in the headliner, but these will not work with any aftermarket installation. You must use the microphone supplied with the aftermarket head unit. :mad:

I mounted the Kenwood mic to the top of the mirror and routed the wire through the inside lip of the headliner, down the "A" pillar and then through the dash to the center stack. Removing the "A" pillar is very easy; remove the two 10mm bolts behind the covers and it pops off. Not pretty or what I would have liked, but it is what it is.
IMG_20220210_114154943.jpg

I did use the KIT-RAM1. The faceplate it includes is branded Scosche. I highly recommend getting the RR2 over the RR Maestro. RR2 has Bluetooth and can be reflashed from your phone instead of taking the dash apart and removing the RR device to reflash on your PC/Mac.

I believe the 2018 will need to have a security device in the center stack behind the factory radio relocated in order to trim the bracket. And, to get the gauges to work, you must connect a cable included in the kit to the canbus. Honestly, I find little value in the gauges because the center EVIC has everything I need when towing. But I suspect part of me would be upset if it didn't work as advertised. o_O

You may have to get creative and piece together the KIT-RAM1 separate listings on eBay or Amazon.

Here is my parts list without the camera portion. Most of it came from Amazon.
Kenwood DNX577S
iDatalink Maestro KIT-RAM1 (Includes the HRN-RR-CH3 harness and RR2 device, and Scosche CR1297DDB faceplace and mounts)
SiriusXM SXV300 turner w/o antenna
Maestro ACC-NAV1 to connect the factory FAKRA cable to the Kenwood GPS port
Suberbat FARKA splitter; this splits the factory GPS/XM signal in two
Bingfu FARKA Z Male to SMB Coaxial pigtail to connect the factory FARKA cable to the SiriusXM turner
Kenwood CA-C3AV cable to add a 4th camera input

Last, don't waste your money on the URAM USB adaptor. It will not work with Apple Carplay or Android Auto. The hub will only provide a standard USB 2.0 connection to the radio for 2017 and older models.

Let me know if you have any questions on the install itself. It is pretty straight forward, but some parts like removing the HVAC knobs are an exercise in frustration.

I'll post the camera setup in a separate thread for those interested.
 
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Mleads310

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I know it's been a while and I'm looking to do something similar. My question is regarding the uram USB. I know it doesn't allow Android auto data to transfer..... So how would you get a usb port to plug in for Android auto? Run an extension out of the rear of the head unit to the arm rest? Thanks
 

RodeoRam

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Finally, after 10 months of looking, the Maestro RR2 is back in stock. Mine arrived Saturday. And the work begins.
 

Mleads310

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Question, regarding the OBD2 plug in, can you use a splitter so that you can have the RR and let's say the allstate smart drive thing plugged in at the same time?
 

xbpopx

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Hi @RodeoRam , happy to answer.

I have the dual Uconnect mics in the headliner, but these will not work with any aftermarket installation. You must use the microphone supplied with the aftermarket head unit. :mad:

I mounted the Kenwood mic to the top of the mirror and routed the wire through the inside lip of the headliner, down the "A" pillar and then through the dash to the center stack. Removing the "A" pillar is very easy; remove the two 10mm bolts behind the covers and it pops off. Not pretty or what I would have liked, but it is what it is.
View attachment 485574

I did use the KIT-RAM1. The faceplate it includes is branded Scosche. I highly recommend getting the RR2 over the RR Maestro. RR2 has Bluetooth and can be reflashed from your phone instead of taking the dash apart and removing the RR device to reflash on your PC/Mac.

I believe the 2018 will need to have a security device in the center stack behind the factory radio relocated in order to trim the bracket. And, to get the gauges to work, you must connect a cable included in the kit to the canbus. Honestly, I find little value in the gauges because the center EVIC has everything I need when towing. But I suspect part of me would be upset if it didn't work as advertised. o_O

You may have to get creative and piece together the KIT-RAM1 separate listings on eBay or Amazon.

Here is my parts list without the camera portion. Most of it came from Amazon.
Kenwood DNX577S
iDatalink Maestro KIT-RAM1 (Includes the HRN-RR-CH3 harness and RR2 device, and Scosche CR1297DDB faceplace and mounts)
SiriusXM SXV300 turner w/o antenna
Maestro ACC-NAV1 to connect the factory FAKRA cable to the Kenwood GPS port
Suberbat FARKA splitter; this splits the factory GPS/XM signal in two
Bingfu FARKA Z Male to SMB Coaxial pigtail to connect the factory FARKA cable to the SiriusXM turner
Kenwood CA-C3AV cable to add a 4th camera input

Last, don't waste your money on the URAM USB adaptor. It will not work with Apple Carplay or Android Auto. The hub will only provide a standard USB 2.0 connection to the radio for 2017 and older models.

Let me know if you have any questions on the install itself. It is pretty straight forward, but some parts like removing the HVAC knobs are an exercise in frustration.

I'll post the camera setup in a separate thread for those interested.
I am installing a very similar setup in my 2012 2500. Using kenwood dmx1057xr and rr2. I purchased the fakra splitter but GPS doesn’t seem to be working. Sirius is though. Do I need to do anything on the headunit for gps to work? I haven’t driven truck around yet either to see if it picks up the signal…
 
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haleme

haleme

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I know it's been a while and I'm looking to do something similar. My question is regarding the uram USB. I know it doesn't allow Android auto data to transfer..... So how would you get a usb port to plug in for Android auto? Run an extension out of the rear of the head unit to the arm rest? Thanks
I ran a USB extension with a round socket body to the bottom of the console and replaced the factory USB charge port.
 
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haleme

haleme

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Question, regarding the OBD2 plug in, can you use a splitter so that you can have the RR and let's say the allstate smart drive thing plugged in at the same time?
You can, but is not necessary. The RR2 didn't require an OBDII connection to read the truck's data.
 
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haleme

haleme

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I am installing a very similar setup in my 2012 2500. Using kenwood dmx1057xr and rr2. I purchased the fakra splitter but GPS doesn’t seem to be working. Sirius is though. Do I need to do anything on the headunit for gps to work? I haven’t driven truck around yet either to see if it picks up the signal…
Did your factory Uconnect radio have an option to have navigation enabled or Uconnect services like remote vehicle location? I believe there are some Uconnect 8.4 radios that don't have location services, and hence no GPS antenna in the sharkfin on the roof.

Have you tried the Fakra from the roof without the splitter to the GPS alone to see if there is any signal?
 

Swezey23

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I ordered a Kenwood DMX1057XR and a complete RAM kit for my '17 RAM. Don't think it will all get here before I fly out to DC Sunday. But when I return next Friday, I plan to tackle the installation.

Seeing this thread makes me excited about it!

Looks clean, great install!
 

Swezey23

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I have it all installed. I need to fix the GPS connection. I had a 50/50 shot of getting the right one, but apple carplay via wireless barked at me for the GPS not working.

The URAM kit works for Car Play. It's not a solid connection for Android Auto but I'll try again with a different USB cable from the phone to the plug.

Does anyone have the colors mapped to what is what for a 2017 8.4 Radio w/ Nav?
I got the Radio working. So I know that one.

Sounds like I need a splitter?
 

SitKneelBend

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I have it all installed. I need to fix the GPS connection. I had a 50/50 shot of getting the right one, but apple carplay via wireless barked at me for the GPS not working.

The URAM kit works for Car Play. It's not a solid connection for Android Auto but I'll try again with a different USB cable from the phone to the plug.

Does anyone have the colors mapped to what is what for a 2017 8.4 Radio w/ Nav?
I got the Radio working. So I know that one.

Sounds like I need a splitter?
This site will tell you what you need. Choose 2017 -> DS -> Radio C1

 

keesak

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Does the maestro make the factory volume and tune knobs continue to work?
 
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