GPS Antenna on 2014 RAM 3500 SLT

[3500]

Does anyone have any experience with a slide-in camper where the cab-over bed would be completely over the GPS antenna? Would it still receive the satellite signal? I am planning on ordering a RAM 3500 SRW Regular Cab TD, 8' box soon.



Thank you for replying.















Trading in a 2009 3500 SLT Big Horn SRW TD.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I have experience. I took a magnetic satellite antenna and attached to the hood just in front of the windshield on my 2008 RAM 3500. The Satellite antenna was located at the back of the cab. My 2013 has the antenna located at the front of the cab just above the windshield. I will be loading my TC this afternoon or tomorrow and will post the results.

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[NickSullivan]

With my 2012 the antenna was on the passenger side at the back of the cab just above the rear slider. This still worked but I could tell it was a weak signal because it would loose the signal every once in a while and if I was under any kind of tree coverage it lost it right away. The new 2013 and 2014 have a different antenna that is at the front of the cab were the cab lights would be. I am hoping this works even better than the version that was on my 2012.

 

[Bill Stockard]

With my 2012 the antenna was on the passenger side at the back of the cab just above the rear slider. This still worked but I could tell it was a weak signal because it would loose the signal every once in a while and if I was under any kind of tree coverage it lost it right away. The new 2013 and 2014 have a different antenna that is at the front of the cab were the cab lights would be. I am hoping this works even better than the version that was on my 2012.

I too am interested in how the GPS antenna works on the '14 that will be under the camper overhead. Is the satellite radio on the same antenna? How well will that work?
Also, does the factory GPS show elevation?

My portable Garmin works fine on the dash of my "03 which is a little further under the overhead than it would be on a '14 crew cab. My '03 doesn't have satellite radio.

I would like to hear some owner's comments on how effective/helpful the CHMSL camera is for loading a slide-in camper too.

Bill

 

[NickSullivan]

The AM/FM radio antenna is separate from the satellite antenna. Go to the Ram website, look at the Exterior photos and there is a picture of the cab lights on the top of a truck. You can see the antenna in that picture. Yes, the truck will give you an elevation.

I would not think the CHMSL camera would be very effective for loading a camper. Definitely good for a fifth wheel or gooseneck.

 

[Bill Stockard]

The AM/FM radio antenna is separate from the satellite antenna. Go to the Ram website, look at the Exterior photos and there is a picture of the cab lights on the top of a truck. You can see the antenna in that picture. Yes, the truck will give you an elevation.



I would not think the CHMSL camera would be very effective for loading a camper. Definitely good for a fifth wheel or gooseneck.

Thanks for the info. Yes, I am aware of the location of the GPS antenna on the '13/'14 Rams and I presumed the satellite radio antenna was built into it similar to my wife's Honda. There have been discussions on several RV forums how to replace the GPS antenna mounted on the rear of the cab roof on earlier 4th gen Ram trucks. GM trucks also have their GPS antenna at the front of the cab roof and I haven't read many complaints about their reception when hauling slide-in campers. I was curious about '13/'14 Ram trucks.



Doesn't the CHMSL camera show the center of the truck bed and back towards the end of the bed? I will be interesting to hear your comments when attempting to load your Eagle Cap camper after your truck arrives. My local dealer finally received a new '13 3500 dually with the CHMSL camera (and an Aisin transmission) just this last week. I'll stop by and check out the camera view before the truck is sold. Oh, don't worry... it's a black truck and I would NOT buy it. I've owned one black vehicle in my life... never again! It's Bright White or nothing!





Bill

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Loaded my camper Saturday morning and drove a few miles. The Satellite radio worked intermittently but good enough that I doubt I add the auxiliary antenna.

As far as the camera, I have to take my tailgate off the truck and NO CAMERA while backing under the camper.

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[NickSullivan]

Jumbo,

What a great setup you have now. What gears did you get? How is the power in the new truck? Mine should arrive early next week and then I'm taking it to Torklift so they can verify fitment of their Magnum hitch and frame mount camper tie downs. They also plan on installing Stableloads. Pretty excited and the closer I get to taking delivery the less I am sleeping!

Loaded my camper Saturday morning and drove a few miles. The Satellite radio worked intermittently but good enough that I doubt I add the auxiliary antenna.



As far as the camera, I have to take my tailgate off the truck and NO CAMERA while backing under the camper.



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[Bill Stockard]

Loaded my camper Saturday morning and drove a few miles. The Satellite radio worked intermittently but good enough that I doubt I add the auxiliary antenna.

As far as the camera, I have to take my tailgate off the truck and NO CAMERA while backing under the camper.

How well did the GPS work? I'm really not worried whether or not the satellite radio works. We don't use/listen to the one in my wife's Honda.

Bill

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I never returned to this thread to answer any questions.

As most have probably found out, there are two different antennas in use. One, the puck type mounted on the front of the cab, and the shark fin type mounted on the rear of the cab. I added an external antenna to my truck on Tuesday.

Good information can be found at: http://www.rambodybuilder.com/year.pdf Select your truck year and then view the contents. Satellite Radio & Cellular Antenna
Relocation Guide Lines can be found at: http://www.rambodybuilder.com/2013/docs/cc/dddpsrca.pdf

 

[Ram4Sam]

On my '14, they moved the shark fin up front where the pucks are................

Sam

 

[Dieselnerd]

With the Lance camper installed on my 2014, the Navigation works perfect with no problems. The satellite radio works fine sometimes. Depends on the direction I'm headed and how many trees are around.

As I reported earlier, sometimes I have background static on all audio (AM, FM, Satellite). This comes and goes and almost seems like a static build up that bleeds off. It started when I mounted the camper. I won't be taking the camper off until October and I don't want to take it to the dealer now in case it is the camper causing it. If it is still there without the camper, then I'll take it in. I suspect it will be gone. Lot of electronics in the camper too that might cause noise in the radio.

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[MJWenrich]

Ron....Do you need an extension hitch to tow a tag trailer with the Lance 850 is on board?

Mike

 

[Dieselnerd]

Ron....Do you need an extension hitch to tow a tag trailer with the Lance 850 is on board?

Mike

No extension needed with the 850. I believe it's the only Lance that doesn't need one. One of the selling points for the 850 in the Lance brochures.

 

[MJWenrich]

Thanks...I have been leaning towards the Lance 850 but have not seen one in person and none on lots close to me. Going to have to make a road trip. Also looking at some of the larger pop ups that have a shower and toilet. Just don't like the low entry door as I am 6ft 2in and old. Can't bend my frame as well as I used to. Noticed a used one recently that said it had the full size door option so I guess those might be available. Thanks for the feedback.