Question about RA4/8.4an

[Cleave]

I've been toying with the idea of replacing my RA2 with either an RA4 or an aftermarket double din head unit and need some info.

Can anyone tell me what type of audio adjustments are available on the RA4? Equalizer? Loudness? Sub level control (highly unlikely)?

It doesn't have RCA pre-outs does it? I'm currently using a line out converter to get signal to my sub amp and I don't like it. The signal isn't as clean.

Also, does the RA4 have an RCA input? My truck didn't come with a backup camera and my plan is to add an aftermarket one because I don't want to spend $275 on the Mopar kit.

I'd like to go with an RA4 and retain the factory look, but from what I've gathered so far, it's looking like an aftermarket double din may serve me better.

 

[Ricks Ram]

From what I have seen it doesn't have the sub level contro and not sure abot the RCA input.l but it does have all of the audio controls such as speed control volume base treble and mid adjustments. I actualy think they sound prety good for a factory radio. A lot if guys have added amps and subs and seem to like them. Rember your trucks radio is designed to work with your truck and it's can bus system and an RA4 will work seamlessly with your trucks features such as bluetooth steering wheel controls and vehicle settings that you change with your head unit now. Also features of the RA4 Nav like real time traffic,Travel link ect. Since the RA4 conversion has been perfected and can be installed with the factory 8.4 bezel I would think.pretty hard before I went aftermarket and lost or hinderd a lot of my trucks features.

 

[Cleave]

From what I have seen it doesn't have the sub level contro and not sure abot the RCA input.l but it does have all of the audio controls such as speed control volume base treble and mid adjustments. I actualy think they sound prety good for a factory radio. A lot if guys have added amps and subs and seem to like them. Rember your trucks radio is designed to work with your truck and it's can bus system and an RA4 will work seamlessly with your trucks features such as bluetooth steering wheel controls and vehicle settings that you change with your head unit now. Also features of the RA4 Nav like real time traffic,Travel link ect. Since the RA4 conversion has been perfected and can be installed with the factory 8.4 bezel I would think.pretty hard before I went aftermarket and lost or hinderd a lot of my trucks features.

Thanks for the input. I agree with wanting to keep the features and factory look. What I struggle with is the lack of sound adjustments and overall cost of upgrading to an RA4. If I can't use an aftermarket backup camera with it, I'm looking at ~$800-$900 to get the features I want vs ~$400 to install an aftermarket double din, backup cam & retain steering wheel controls.

 

[cptwing]

Aw c'mon if your gonna go aftermarket go big! Here is a unit that will allow you to keep all the can-bus features that the RA4 has (actually more).

Alpine X009-RAM In-Dash Restyle System Navigation receiver — custom-fit replacement radio with 9" screen for select 2013-up Ram trucks at Crutchfield.com

Aint cheap though

 

[Cleave]

Aw c'mon if your gonna go aftermarket go big! Here is a unit that will allow you to keep all the can-bus features that the RA4 has (actually more).

Alpine X009-RAM In-Dash Restyle System Navigation receiver — custom-fit replacement radio with 9" screen for select 2013-up Ram trucks at Crutchfield.com

Aint cheap though

Hahaha yeah that's just a bit more than I'm looking to spend

 

[Ricks Ram]

The RA4 will run you 700 to 750 for the complete install with the factory 8.4 bezel. It just a matter of what is important to you and how much you feel comfortable spending. did mine for 730. If you look around you can find the parts pretty cheap.If you decide on a RA4 make sure you get one out of a Ram pickip and make sure it's a VP4 NA.

 

[Cleave]

The RA4 will run you 700 to 750 for the complete install with the factory 8.4 bezel. It just a matter of what is important to you and how much you feel comfortable spending. did mine for 730. If you look around you can find the parts pretty cheap.If you decide on a RA4 make sure you get one out of a Ram pickip and make sure it's a VP4 NA.

Thanks for the info. As much as I'd like to stay with a stock look, adding that cost plus the cost of the Mopar backup cam really puts me over what I was hoping to spend. Did your RA4 have an rca input or any type of pre outs? I'm assuming no but want to make sure before I make a final decision.

 

[Ricks Ram]

No I don't think it did. If you go look on e Bay you can see a pretty good picture of the back of one so you can see for sure Just make sure it is the VP4 NA you are looking at. It's amazing how many are listed wrong. It seems like the wrecking yards are pretty confused over which is which.

 

[cptwing]

No the RA4 does not have RCAs on it, you can fab or buy a jumper harness that has RCA hook ups. There are also aftermarket backup cams that come with a RCA jumper harness. There are a variety of flavors for doing this, but the cost will be about the same and in some cases more than the OEM kit.

You may luck out though my truck was already wired for the cam I just had to install the cam and the small jumper to run it, and of course the XAC dealer flash, my truck is 2014 tradesman 3500drw and came with the RA1 and no camera.

Here are a few examples, there are many more out there and at better prices, but still I think the OEM kit is the more practical choice
http://www.oemautopartsco.com/products/uconnect-84-rear-camera-interface

http://www.oemautopartsco.com/products/ram-tailgate-handle-camera

 

[Cleave]

No the RA4 does not have RCAs on it, you can fab or buy a jumper harness that has RCA hook ups. There are also aftermarket backup cams that come with a RCA jumper harness. There are a variety of flavors for doing this, but the cost will be about the same and in some cases more than the OEM kit.

You may luck out though my truck was already wired for the cam I just had to install the cam and the small jumper to run it, and of course the XAC dealer flash, my truck is 2014 tradesman 3500drw and came with the RA1 and no camera.

Here are a few examples, there are many more out there and at better prices, but still I think the OEM kit is the more practical choice
UConnect 8.4 Rear Camera Interface

Yeah it seems like the OEM kit might be the better choice. Appreciate all of the info. Looks like I have some research to do and a decision to make because the RA2 isn't cutting it.

Ram TailGate Handle Camera

Yeah it looks like the OEM kit is probably the best option if I decide to go with the RA4. I guess I have some research to do and a decision to make because the RA2 isn't cutting it. Thanks for all the info.