2011 base model: Suggestions needed

[BlueRam11]

Hello everyone!

I got the family's RAM 1500, its a base model, a regular cab with the long bed that comes with all the 4x4 capabilities but everything else is base model. I mean manual windows, no central lock, no backup camera, not even a Fob key! only a normal key with ram logo on it (some calls it transponder key i guess).

The car generally is in a good condition with just under 60,000 mileage and i want to see if there are easy upgrades that i should do to make it look and feel more like 2018+.
look wise, I had the front swapped already to tradesman look, had to change the chrome grille and the goldish front bumper after an accident and was lucky to grab the 2018 tradesman for a good deal from the pre-owner. However, I still need to paint the rear bumper matte black and change the badges to matte black too all around to complete the tradesman look, and maybe change the headlights and trims along the way.

here's how the truck looks from the back with the original bumper: https://ibb.co/6cJNFyfD
and this is how it looks with the tradesman swapped front: https://ibb.co/xPK2DCX

What i need help with the most is the possibility of upgrading the truck's features, things like; keyless entry, adding central lock, adding back up camera, i got the 430 radio, might replace it with a 10' screen and will get an aftermarket tailgate handler with camera but not sure how i get it to work to be honest.

sorry for the long post, but really need your take on this.

Thank you

 

[kurek]

If you buy the tailgate handle built to fit a rear camera you can epoxy any 3rd party camera in that space. If it's important for you to keep modifications reversible all you need to do is buy another stock handle later in the event you want to undo it.

 

[GTyankee]

You have the 430 Radio which is a TOUCH SCREEN radio
should be great for your needs

One of the best places to get a tailgate camera from,
is CRUTCHFIELD
BUT, Crutchfield only ships to US domestic addresses including APO/FPOs.
...............................................

Some places that have tailgate cameras, for your vehicle
i have not ordered from any of them ?

Google Search

www.google.com

 

[Burla]

You can get entire lock and alarm, all you need is actuators installed in door, not difficult or expensive. If you go to a car audio shops they can hook you up with locks and alarm with actuators somewhere between 500 and 1000, likely will have remote start you can add on as well. These will be outside your trucks software, which is how I would roll with it.

As for windows, why not leave them manual? Those are still in use these days. you wont miss them.

 

[Ken226]

Hello everyone!

I got the family's RAM 1500, its a base model, a regular cab with the long bed that comes with all the 4x4 capabilities but everything else is base model. I mean manual windows, no central lock, no backup camera, not even a Fob key! only a normal key with ram logo on it (some calls it transponder key i guess).

The car generally is in a good condition with just under 60,000 mileage and i want to see if there are easy upgrades that i should do to make it look and feel more like 2018+.
look wise, I had the front swapped already to tradesman look, had to change the chrome grille and the goldish front bumper after an accident and was lucky to grab the 2018 tradesman for a good deal from the pre-owner. However, I still need to paint the rear bumper matte black and change the badges to matte black too all around to complete the tradesman look, and maybe change the headlights and trims along the way.

here's how the truck looks from the back with the original bumper: https://ibb.co/6cJNFyfD
and this is how it looks with the tradesman swapped front: https://ibb.co/xPK2DCX

What i need help with the most is the possibility of upgrading the truck's features, things like; keyless entry, adding central lock, adding back up camera, i got the 430 radio, might replace it with a 10' screen and will get an aftermarket tailgate handler with camera but not sure how i get it to work to be honest.

sorry for the long post, but really need your take on this.

Thank you

It sounds to me like you got the perfect truck. Well, if it came with a manual transmission it would be.

I don't think I would change a single thing!

 

[GTyankee]

I would have to think that being as you live in the Middle East, there are not many Stellantis/FCA Dealerships over there.

It may be that waiting for another Dodge Ram to have an accident, may end up being your best source for parts unfortunately

 

[BlueRam11]

Thank you guys for all the info and replies!

@kurek
yes, I'm going to get an aftermarket OEM tailgate handle with camera, the only thing I'm not sure about is how to get it to work, the way i see people doing it is through OBD genie, and that alone cost 100+ for a single use. which I'm not sure would be a good idea.

@GTyankee
oh yeah that's the good part about 430 Radio. but its only got a 6.5' screen and while its good for making calls, it doesn't offer good mobile media connectivity. so id probably go for a 10+ inches screen that allows better mobile integration and even better back up camera resolution.
and yes, dealership in here isn't the best, parts are very expensive especially for RAM, unfortunately.

@Burla
I'll do just that, i dont need powered windows right now, but i need a central lock, easy entry, maybe remote start up too. But i wonder if there's a fob that at least would look like RAM's that can do all that for me.
And im not sure if my truck comes with normal key (like this one: Transponder Key ) does that mean trying to add a RAM fob would be a waste of time?

@Ken226
part of me shares the same view as yours Ken,
I'm keeping the manual windows thats for sure. but with the 8ft long bed I will need a back up camera and when im going out with the kid, central locking would come in handy. and when we have long trips, the 430 Radio won't do for the new generation entertainment.

so in conclusion, I'll be adding the following to the truck:
1- Power locks with central locking.
2- Easy entry
3- Remote start up
(I hope I can do these using RAM fob itself, or a universal one that looks like RAM's).
4- Tailgate handle with camera
5- Radio upgrade to something bigger and smarter (seen this which looks good: )
6- Add tailgate assist so it stops slamming so hard everytime i open it.
7- i'll be doing a couple fixes too. need new hood lift struts, and the gear stick cover is ripped off.

Thank you once again, and if you think i missed something a RAM should have, please let me know! you've been great help and i enjoyed reading your replies.