Confused on radios

[nitewatcher769]

I am a little confused on rams radio. I have a 2014 1500 quad cab SLT 3.6 now I have the RA2 radio and been looking at upgrading to the 8.4 radio but options and dam trying to figure what will work. I thought these were plug and play but it seems now some have issues.. now also changing the media hub. I just need a little direction on which way to go .. been reading on the forum on the radios and now more confused then ever .. what I am looking for is Nav and if I can get Apple CarPlay bonus which is 2018 if I am correct but then if I find one from a wrecker do I still need to change the media hub and will I need the module that mounts to right side of the dash by the door .. if someone can help with a little guidance I would be grateful
Thanks everyone

 

[Graygoose]

@Mpgrimm2

the man to talk too.

 

[JOHRY]

There are a few threads already but the gist is:
1. RA3 (No Nav) or RA4 (Nav), HVAC Module, 4/7 Speed Conversion Harness, No Media Hub Swap Required
2. If you want CarPlay you need a UAS, HVAC Module, 4/7 Speed Conversion Harness, Media Hub

 

[Mpgrimm2]

2) continued...
Also for upgrading to a 2018 UAQ (nav) or UAS radios that support AA/CP... You will need to get Auto Temp Control (ATC) ... Which can be built into the conversion harness for much less than adding it later. 1500's require both cabin Temp and humidity sensors/wiring to get ATC working correctly.



M² Mods.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

So: If using a 18 UAQ or UAS radio (Android Auto/CarPlay) you will need


18/19 RADIO: 68331631AH (UAQ 4c Nav)
or 68331635AH (UAS 4c)

18 Premium USB Hub (Supports Apple vs stock one)
PN: 68328704AC (RAM)
or 5XG28DX9AC (Compass)

UAx USB Hub Adapter harness (from M² Mods)

* 18 HVAC module (vs 13-17)

* 14-18 ram 1500's (& 19 Classic) have a variable displacement compressor (typ. associated with the 7 speed fan)
>> 14-17's w/RAx = 68268186Ax HVAC module (ie RA4 Radio)
>> 18/19's w/UAx = 68366552AA HVAC module (ie UAQ Radio)


& the current thinking is to match the HVAC module to the 8.4 radio year, but there usually are HVAC Blend/Temperature issues with the UAx radio upgrade that are fixed with the ATC Mod.



M² Mods.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

If you want additional info, feel free to message me your phone number and we can set up a time to talk by phone.

Mike G.

M² Mods.

 

[89grand]

It's crazy how expensive it is to add the 8.4" later. Luckily mine came with the 8.4 and upgraded gauge cluster, and both are only a $695 option (electronics group). Very few Express trucks seem to have that option though.

 

[Michael]

It’s much easier to upgrade to an aftermarket market radio then to the 8.4. The aftermarket ones are better quality and offer more features. I had the ra2 like you. I wasn’t happy with it and upgraded to a unit that has wireless android auto and Apple CarPlay. I personally would never go back to ram oem unit.


I know the voices in my head aren’t real, but man, do they ever come up with some great ideas.

 

[nitewatcher769]

What was the aftermarket that you went with

 

[Michael]

What was the aftermarket that you went with

The pioneer 4500nex

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130AVW4500/Pioneer-AVH-W4500NEX.html


I know the voices in my head aren’t real, but man, do they ever come up with some great ideas.

 

[nitewatcher769]

Thanks I will check into that one as well thank you for the info