Best way to add a backup camera?

[jdraker62]

This last month I had to have my neck fused with a bunch of titanium hardware. With that said I am looking to add a rear backup camera to my stock 2006 2500 Megacab. We have a 2012 SRT Challenger that I added an alpine camera to when we bought it new and I have been able to use the camera at all times when I am driving by cycling the radio on/off twice. That way the radio plays but I see what is behind me and it makes it real easy to change lanes. I now need to do the same thing to the truck. It doesn't have the navigation radio. I figured I have two options:

1. Upgrade to a aftermarket Double DIN Nav Radio and Camera System.
2. Purchase the Edge CTS2 Programmer with Camera.

I priced them out today and they seem to be around the same amount of money. Truck has 114k miles on it and I put in a Double Deep Maghytec Transmission pan and rear Diff cover when it was new. I also installed Boost, EGT and Transmission temp when it was new. I am not sure I will need all the gauges that the Edge programmer offers. I wouldn't mind having more power especially out in East TN where they have shot on ramps. However I don't want to grenade my 48RE like I did in my 01.

Which would you choose and if you know of another way what is it?

 

[SnoKing]

and if you know of another way what is it?

Go test drive a new truck! SNOKING

 

[jdraker62]

I have and I really like them. However everything is paid off and $1000 bucks is cheaper than a car payment.

 

[bigceltic]

I have had an inexpensive Peak brand wireless backup camera I got at Autozone for under $100 for about 5 years. It works very well - I extended the wires so the transmitting unit was closer to the front of the vehicle so my interference is minimal. It turns on when reverse is engaged - wired into the reverse light of drivers side taillight - and it has the green-yellow-red bars to help see how close you are to an object. I use it to hook up my trailer, and for parking. My only complaint is it turns itself on a lot due to random signals (have even picked up TV!). I just manually turn off when not using it.

George

 

[CBari]

Aftermarket double din head unit is what I did and love it. If you are very mechanically inclined you can go with crutchfields and buy it really reasonable and install it yourself.

 

[Shadrach]

I have the Nav radio from a newer truck in my 08 and a bu camera in the license plate frame. The Previous Owner put it in. Works great and I too can turn it on all the time if I want to.
David

 

[dodgesst]

In my 07 I started with the edge/pod/ licience plate camera. While it worked the screen size was really small. I also didn't have the nav, so out came the stock radio and a new pioneer deck went in. That was the ticket. Much better radio, hands free pairing with my phone, blue tooth and video inputs. Nothing compared to a new 8.4 but gets the job done nicely.

 

[WalterJ]

I too have been window shopping since seeing my sons' 2015 3500. Jonesing is more like it. I see this offer on Ebay [just for example] & seems too good to be true, i.e. retro fitting my radio section for this.

GPS-Navigation-Double-DIN-Bluetooth-USB-Radio-Backup-Camera-Dodge-Ram-Dash-Kit

Details about GPS Navigation Double DIN Bluetooth USB Radio+Backup Camera+Dodge Ram Dash Kit

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GPS-Navigat...ash=item280de5156d:g:IjgAAOSw5IJWdFVG&vxp=mtr

Anyone out there install one of these retro's???? My bumper says I need this real bad! lol

 

[08_2500]

I have the Edge C2 insight with the camera while the screen is about 5 inches i also like having the additional information the edge gives me. It works really well and i did not want to change the radio (steering wheel controls) or rear view mirror (auto dimming). I have it set to look just above the ball to be able to hook up quick and alone!

 

[jdraker62]

I ended up adding a Pioneer head unit (AVH4100-NEX $600) and a backup camera for $100. After installation I was into it ~$800 total. However I didn't stop there, I took out all the speakers and replaced them with Punch speakers and added a 12" sub that has been laying around in my garage since the late 90's. I do not regret my decision. That pioneer head unit integrates with my iPhone and I have the camera on at all times. It sits right above my hitch and I can hook up our horse trailer in a snap. This has given me a good piece of mind since my surgery fused C1 through T3. Our Challenger SRT has the Alpine camera installed, I just need to add a back up camera to my Kabota and Ill be set.