uConnect upgrade

[JonathanRoss]

Hi guys,

I asked a dealer here to price out replacing my uConnect 5.0 (am/fm/sxm/bt) with a uConnect 8.4N with backup camera and nav. Sure thing, no problem, they'll get right back to me. 11 days (and multiple nudges from me later), they come back with "unfortunately, uConnect 8.4n radios are incompatible with your truck, our recommendation is to go with an aftermarket camera/nav unit."

I smell BS. How could a factory option for this truck be "incompatible?" I was ready to pay for new wiring, bezel, etc. because I wanted factory fit and finish -- I don't like stuff hanging off the windshield, or the idea of hacking into my dashboard. I also don't want to trade my truck in because these two options are the only ones mine is missing, and black 6-speeds don't come around often up here.

Has anyone done any uConnect swaps in any Dodge/Ram vehicles? Is it truly "incompatible," or is the dealer blowing smoke because they don't want to do the job?

Thanks,

-Jonathan

 

[sag2]

I always advise against trying it. It usually ends up as a big steaming turd. New vehicles are no longer as simple as they used to be. The expense if it does work will be more than it's worth. Besides the display you have different A/C control head and different wiring. It will most likely require a dash harness too.

 

[kthaxton]

Businesses typically don't turn down business for no reason, I don't smell BS on their response.

 

[MoparBob]

Alpine just released there 9-Inch In-Dash Restyle System to replace the 5.0 systems. Looks really nice (albeit expensive).

 

[mfurrh55]

Alpine just released there 9-Inch In-Dash Restyle System to replace the 5.0 systems. Looks really nice (albeit expensive).

cough, cough, 3400.00

 

[kthaxton]

cough, cough, 3400.00

I wonder, if it were possible for the factory swap, if the price would be similar...or even more.

 

[mfurrh55]

I got the 8.4 " in my jeep and if they said it was going to to cost 3400.00 for it, i would have left it off, what happens when the nav. is outdated? is there an upgrade for the Nav. The new system doesn't have a CD player in it either I looked on the invoice and it was 845.00 for the 8.4 uconnect

 

[Brocky]

Rand McNalley prints one hell of a good navigation system for $6.95 at Wally World... Worked real good for the first 4+ million miles and still does!!!

 

[MattandLana]

Rand McNalley prints one hell of a good navigation system for $6.95 at Wally World... Worked real good for the first 4+ million miles and still does!!!

Yeah, I tried one, but no matter how often I tapped it with my finger, the front cover just refused to open.

I figured it needed charging, so I plugged it in to the wall socket. As soon as the flames are out, I'll try it again.

 

[RVTRKN]

Its different in price from Factory installed to Dealer installed. Purchasing Bezel, wiring, Radio, misc items then the labor, it seems to be a good alternative. Lets say the conversion would cost $2500.00, which I think is a low estimate, so it costs a Grand more, but the features are awesome and beyond the 8.4. I would consider it, but my 2014 Tradesman is company owned, and even though its mine to drive and take home, it would have to stay in vehicle if I were to leave the company, when I returned the truck.

 

[Wingate]

Theres no way i would let a dealer try it. Too many things being intergrated into that unit. Id go with aftermarket.