Fathers day

[BiGMERF]

Ok guys, im exited for fathers day.. wife gave me the ok to replace my stock radio... Let me see your 4th gen aftermarket head units, please...should i be looking at double dins? i have the uconnect 5.0, anything i need to know?

 

[Ramm5.7]

Lucky you!!!!

 

[troutspinner]

Very cool! I won’t show mine as I replaced an 8.4 so our looks will be different.

You need to decide what you want out of it in the long haul. Are you adding amps now or down the road? Do you want to go active with the speakers or would you be happy with front / rear and sub outputs. Do you want CarPlay or Android Auto or built in navigation or none at all? Do you want a CD or DVD player or do you call those things coasters?

One thing I would say is a must is using a Idatalink Maestro to maintain vehicle options and steering wheel controls if you have them.

 

[TomT]

Not sure about fitment (I have the 8.4) but I’m planning to get the Kenwood DDX9905S with the iDataLink unit.

http://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/excelon/ddx9905s/

There’s also one that includes Nav but I use my iPhone for that.

 

[2010 Infantry Vet]

Alpine 8” screen X108U and has the ability to control (8) different devices just by touching the screen. That way you dont have to buy a switch pod to control lights, winches, bed lights, etc. alpine is the only brand that has this. I looked at all of the aftermarket radios, and the alpine took the win.
Bought mine as a display model used on ebay for $1,100. It walks circles around the factory 8.4
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500X108U/Alpine-X108U.html

 

[BiGMERF]

This idata thing, Is that something you get for steering wheel ? Only buttons i have are the cruise control stuff on the right and on the left are the arrows for the dash menu and Vr or handset buttons. I don’t need the Idata right. ? I never even touched the vr or handset button

 

[2010 Infantry Vet]

When i called crutchfield, they told me the expensive idatalink contoller gives you the ability to see gauges you already have on your radio. I didnt see the need to spend $140 on a harness for that, so i didnt buy it. This pic is what idatalink will give you. Seems like a waste of money to me.

 

[Chief_6.7]

Alpine 8” screen X108U and has the ability to control (8) different devices just by touching the screen. That way you dont have to buy a switch pod to control lights, winches, bed lights, etc. alpine is the only brand that has this. I looked at all of the aftermarket radios, and the alpine took the win.
Bought mine as a display model used on ebay for $1,100. It walks circles around the factory 8.4
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500X108U/Alpine-X108U.html

View attachment 130699

View attachment 130700

Did you still maintain factory controls at the steering wheel with this? What about factory mic Bluetooth or is it a separate mic?

 

[troutspinner]

This idata thing, Is that something you get for steering wheel ? Only buttons i have are the cruise control stuff on the right and on the left are the arrows for the dash menu and Vr or handset buttons. I don’t need the Idata right. ? I never even touched the vr or handset button

I am not that familiar with the 5.0 radio. I know the 8.4 has settings for the truck incorporated, like locks, wiper, headlights, etc. If the 5.0 has settings as well I would think you would want to retain that. If not, one less thing to worry about. Like @2010 Infantry Vet mentioned, if you buy a HU that has vehicle gauges that is something you may want. I don’t use my gauges often in my HU but I’m happy they work when I want to play around.

 

[2010 Infantry Vet]

Did you still maintain factory controls at the steering wheel with this? What about factory mic Bluetooth or is it a separate

Did you still maintain factory controls at the steering wheel with this? What about factory mic Bluetooth or is it a separate mic?

I would have had to buy a PAC steering wheel control. It was like $50 so i didnt buy it. Alpine has a built in microphone, so its nice not running a wire for it. But you have the option to wire up an external mic if you want.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541SWIRC/PAC-SWI-RC-Steering-Wheel-Control-Adapter.html

 

[WadXpress]

I have a pioneer avic 7200nex. I did the idatalink maestro and I was able to keep steering wheel controls and volume. I started with a 5.0ra2 then to a 8.4ra4 and ended up with the pioneer

 

[WadXpress]

The RR kit will keep your steering wheel controls with the idatalink

The Uram will make the ports in your jumpseat work.mayne center console too. Not sure

 

[BiGMERF]

i checked my radio.. All i see on my head unit under menu is headlight and lock control.. im guessing the maestro lets you keep that ? i didnt even know those setting where there.. lol.. ive never used them

 

[McBroom]

i checked my radio.. All i see on my head unit under menu is headlight and lock control.. im guessing the maestro lets you keep that ? i didnt even know those setting where there.. lol.. ive never used them

There’s more options in your factory radio than what your saying. If you’ll go inside each of the options you’ll find things like the equalizer, auto volume, headlight and wiper on function(turns headlights on when the wipers are turned on) and a lot of other nice settings.
I have the 5.0 and wish it was the 8.4 but... I’m glad I have what I’ve got. I’m great full for the options that are in my truck.


I Love My 2018 RAM 2500HD 4x4 Off Road. 6.4L. USMC (ret)

 

[adrianp89]

Maestro is the way to go - hands down. Do it once and do it right. You can use either the factory mic or the aftermarket one. It will give you the ability for gauges (as shown), as well as tire pressure, door open alerts. More importantly it gives you the ability to see and clear check engine codes. Most important it retains all your factory settings in your current radio. Lastly it plain out works better than every other option out there.

 

[McBroom]

Maestro is the way to go - hands down. Do it once and do it right. You can use either the factory mic or the aftermarket one. It will give you the ability for gauges (as shown), as well as tire pressure, door open alerts. More importantly it gives you the ability to see and clear check engine codes. Most important it retains all your factory settings in your current radio. Lastly it plain out works better than every other option out there.

Is it an Apple or droid platform


I Love My 2018 RAM 2500HD 4x4 Off Road. 6.4L. USMC (ret)

 

[BiGMERF]

Maestro is the way to go - hands down. Do it once and do it right. You can use either the factory mic or the aftermarket one. It will give you the ability for gauges (as shown), as well as tire pressure, door open alerts. More importantly it gives you the ability to see and clear check engine codes. Most important it retains all your factory settings in your current radio. Lastly it plain out works better than every other option out there.

yea im beginning to see the benefits of it after researching last night and this morning... i see i can get the maestro rr ads unit and the ch wiring harness for about 125.. hte radio, im looking at the kenwood ddx375... would i need anything else for install @adrianp89 ?

 

[adrianp89]

Is it an Apple or droid platform


I Love My 2018 RAM 2500HD 4x4 Off Road. 6.4L. USMC (ret)

I am not sure what you are asking?

@BiGMERF you need a dash kit and antenna adapter as well.

 

[troutspinner]

yea im beginning to see the benefits of it after researching last night and this morning... i see i can get the maestro rr ads unit and the ch wiring harness for about 125.. hte radio, im looking at the kenwood ddx375... would i need anything else for install @adrianp89 ?

Goto Idatalink's website and input you truck specs and then the radio you are looking to install. It will show all of the things you need and then some optional equipment. Read the descriptions on the optional stuff and it should be self explanatory on what you want / need.

 

[BiGMERF]

Goto Idatalink's website and input you truck specs and then the radio you are looking to install. It will show all of the things you need and then some optional equipment. Read the descriptions on the optional stuff and it should be self explanatory on what you want / need.

thats what i did

ended up buying

kenwood - DDX375BT head unit

Maestro - Radio Replacement and Steering Wheel Interface for Select Vehicles - Black

iDatalink Maestro - URAM Media Hub circuit board to USB adapter for select Dodge RAM Vehicles - Black

Metra - Installation Kit for Select 2013 and Later Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 Vehicles - Matte Black

Metra - Antenna

Maestro - Plug-and-Play Installation Harness for Select Dodge and Jeep Vehicles - Black