Another Uconnect question

[stateofdade]

My 2018 1500 had the android auto and my 2016 2500 doesn't. That's obvious. What I'm trying to do is get my ducks in a row by asking what model of the 8.4 I need for that. Yeah, I could go with aftermarket, but none of them support the cargo cam that I've found and I'd just rather have all of my factory options to work since I tow quite a bit. What harnesses and so forth will I need to swap out the USB connectors as well? I keep looking but it's hard to find all of that information wrapped up in one post.

I'm guessing if there's an adapter I need, Grimm will have it. I just would like to know what all I need to buy all in one thread so I can refer back to it as I put together my shopping list. As much as I travel and pull, I need the android auto so I can stream my tomtom GO app to the screen for navigation while still retaining my beloved cargo cam capability. Plenty of goosey and 5th wheel towing happening here.

 

[stateofdade]

NM...stumbled upon Grimm's post on his vendor thread.

 

[stateofdade]

Well, crap. It seems to be a real crapshoot as to whether or not the radio will recognize even the OEM functions I have. I guess I'm going to have to do aftermarket. Anyone have a line on a good aftermarket screen that will use everything plus the cargo cam?

 

[SitKneelBend]

Well, crap. It seems to be a real crapshoot as to whether or not the radio will recognize even the OEM functions I have. I guess I'm going to have to do aftermarket. Anyone have a line on a good aftermarket screen that will use everything plus the cargo cam?

@Mpgrimm2 will answer your questions and get you squared away if you send him a message. You will need additional parts other than the radio, but he can also tell you what will work (factory) and what won't...

 

[stateofdade]

I just went the easy route and setup a mounted tablet so I could have my TomTomGO app running on a 10 inch screen. Cost me 150 dollars and I just added it to my ATT account. Just seemed like it was going to be a large investment along with the timesink of setting everything up. Thanks for the response though.

 

[SitKneelBend]

I just went the easy route and setup a mounted tablet so I could have my TomTomGO app running on a 10 inch screen. Cost me 150 dollars and I just added it to my ATT account. Just seemed like it was going to be a large investment along with the timesink of setting everything up. Thanks for the response though.

I have one of these installed if you are looking for a good way to view a tablet in the truck...

2013-2023 4th Gen Ram CLASSIC Tablet Mount — Valenti Design

Cleanest Dash Tablet Mount, the aftermarket stereo alternative! Use ALL your apps not just android auto or apple car play. No drilling or suction cups!

valentidesign.net

 

[RamDiver]

I have one of these installed if you are looking for a good way to view a tablet in the truck...

2013-2023 4th Gen Ram CLASSIC Tablet Mount — Valenti Design

Cleanest Dash Tablet Mount, the aftermarket stereo alternative! Use ALL your apps not just android auto or apple car play. No drilling or suction cups!

valentidesign.net

This looks very interesting, especially to replace the POS Uconnect NAV.

How are you using this in your truck?

I have an old Galaxy 10.1 tab with an ancient version of Android OS. IIRC, this was one of the first released models I received through work on a deal too good to refuse, basically free.

I believe that I rooted this device years ago but I'd be happy to use it to replace the NAV on my truck. I believe it has free lifetime cellular connectivity too. Update; Wait, it was free when I worked for the company, I retired years ago.

I'll have to see what Google Maps look like and if the OS can handle it.

.

 

[SitKneelBend]

This looks very interesting, especially to replace the POS Uconnect NAV.

How are you using this in your truck?

I have an old Galaxy 10.1 tab with an ancient version of Android OS. IIRC, this was one of the first released models I received through work on a deal too good to refuse, basically free.

I believe that I rooted this device years ago but I'd be happy to use it to replace the NAV on my truck. I believe it has free lifetime cellular connectivity too.

I'll have to see what Google Maps look like and if the OS can handle it.

.

I mostly use my 2018 UAQ radio but use the mount with an old Kid's 8" Fire Tablet that I added the Google Play store to for AlfaOBD. It comes in handy when I need to drive and view the sensor data in AlfaOBD when working on something. I haven't used it for NAV since I have Android auto, but it's a good budget way to get NAV "on-screen" for those not wanting to upgrade their smaller factory radios. ON a side note, I use it more to stabilize/index my had when tapping the screen then I do to hold a tablet.

 

[RamDiver]

I mostly use my 2018 UAQ radio but use the mount with an old Kid's 8" Fire Tablet that I added the Google Play store to for AlfaOBD. It comes in handy when I need to drive and view the sensor data in AlfaOBD when working on something. I haven't used it for NAV since I have Android auto, but it's a good budget way to get NAV "on-screen" for those not wanting to upgrade their smaller factory radios. ON a side note, I use it more to stabilize/index my had when tapping the screen then I do to hold a tablet.

Thanks for the info.

That's a cool idea to use it for AlfaOBD real-time sensor data, my laptop would be a bit too large for that.

My truck came with an 8.4 w/4C NAV. As you likely know, the NAV function sucks immensely, although the GUI is practical. I plan to remove/disable the Sierra Wireless card ASAP, so an alternative NAV system is required.

And, I don't appreciate how the Uconnect displays a tiny version of g maps with Android Auto, the fine detail sucks for my vision without reading glasses. Then again, maybe, there isn't any fine detail once you link the Uconnect via AA.

Also, AA won't link my Instant Message App to Uconnect because it's not a google product. F'ers! In other words, when I enable AA, my Instant Message App is blocked from Uconnect.

I fished out my old Galaxy 10.1 Tab and we'll see if the processor/OS can handle google maps and my preferred IM App.

I'm tempted to purchase that bracket now and work out the tab details later, even if I have to buy a newer pre-enjoyed tab to use for google maps.

How does the bracket mount to the radio bezel?

.

 

[SitKneelBend]

Thanks for the info.

That's a cool idea to use it for AlfaOBD real-time sensor data, my laptop would be a bit too large for that.

My truck came with an 8.4 w/4C NAV. As you likely know, the NAV function sucks immensely, although the GUI is practical. I plan to remove/disable the Sierra Wireless card ASAP, so an alternative NAV system is required.

And, I don't appreciate how the Uconnect displays a tiny version of g maps with Android Auto, the fine detail sucks for my vision without reading glasses. Then again, maybe, there isn't any fine detail once you link the Uconnect via AA.

Also, AA won't link my Instant Message App to Uconnect because it's not a google product. F'ers! In other words, when I enable AA, my Instant Message App is blocked from Uconnect.

I fished out my old Galaxy 10.1 Tab and we'll see if the processor/OS can handle google maps and my preferred IM App.

I'm tempted to purchase that bracket now and work out the tab details later, even if I have to buy a newer pre-enjoyed tab to use for google maps.

How does the bracket mount to the radio bezel?

.

AAWireless has a feature setting that allows you to change the DPI on screen for Android auto to make it as large or as small as you like. IN addition, their "might" be a setting to force apps into AA compatibility on all head units (it's something from a previous root I had done to get youtube to play via uconnect).