Suggestions for mech-less receiver

[csuder99]

When recently switching trucks from a 1500 to 2500 (2013) it included a downgrade from the RA2 with handsfree and backup camera to the RA1. I rarely listen to music and care even less for any video features (besides backup camera) but I'd like good phone handsfree, text message read/reply and Apple Carplay.

Does anybody have a suggestion for a "mech-less" (no optical drive) receiver with these features ? The truck is a Tradesman without steering wheel controls but as I understand I still need an electronic interface module, which one ?

Thx !

 

[Tl806]

I went with the Alpine ILX-W650. It is a fantastic head unit. It’s only 2” deep and loaded with every feature you need.



View attachment 194548

 

[csuder99]

Thx, that's what I had in mind. Looks good !

 

[PNW-Ram]

I went with the Alpine ILX-W650. It is a fantastic head unit. It’s only 2” deep and loaded with every feature you need.

Crutchfild says I have to remove the rear support under the dash ('17 3500) to install this. Since it's only 2" deep, that seems odd.

Did you have to cut a piece out of the dash?

 

[Tl806]

Crutchfild says I have to remove the rear support under the dash ('17 3500) to install this. Since it's only 2" deep, that seems odd.

Did you have to cut a piece out of the dash?

I did have to trim a small piece of the plastic lip. It was about 1/4” straight across the top plastic surround. Easily done with a dremel. You do not have to do cut the rear metal bracket.

 

[Tl806]

Crutchfild says I have to remove the rear support under the dash ('17 3500) to install this. Since it's only 2" deep, that seems odd.

Did you have to cut a piece out of the dash?

 

[PNW-Ram]

I did have to trim a small piece of the plastic lip. It was about 1/4” straight across the top plastic surround. Easily done with a dremel. You do not have to do cut the rear metal bracket.

Thanks for the info & photos

 

[bmclark25]

I installed Pioneer 2550NEX for the carplay. It is wired carplay but the next model up does have wireless carplay. I did have to remove the rear support. It was just a metal support that went across the back. I used a dremel and only took about 5 minutes.

 

[chri5k]

I posted this in another thread.

PAC and Metra make some pretty nice aftermarket radio integration kits. The extra 5" LCD below the radio for A/C and other stuff is pretty cool looking. I already invested, well not really an investment since I am not making any money, in a factory upgrade to a UAQ radio and ATC. If these were available then I would have been real tempted to go aftermarket.

https://catalog.pac-audio.com/catalog/radio-replacement-kits/rpk4-ch4101
http://www.metraonline.com/part/99-6527B

The PAC has an add-on harness to allow an additional 5 cameras which would be sweet for my trailer cameras.