I'm pretty sure your options are limited. I know there's people who have upgraded to a factory RA4. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

not a problem, any and every help is totally welcome to me making a decision...

 

First WELCOME from Maine!
I am no help with the radio but I have the 5.0 in my 2015 SLT . Not sure if there is a wiring harness difference,
and I think the 8.0 you may need to change the bezel as well.. You will have to get the unit flashed to work in your truck at the dealer, Hopefully a gear head will chime in with good info for you.

Also try the search box I think there is info posted.. I'll see if I can find any threads on it and I'll repost ..

Found on the Cummings Forum there is a thread for the RA2 to the RA 5.0 Try google yyou may get lucky.. I willalso see what I can find FYI I am Tech Tarded so take that into consideration lol

 

Ram trucks from 2013 + came with 4 radio options, none have a CD player within the radio itself

RA1 3.0 radio didn't come with Bluetooth, Chrysler calls it Uconnect
RA2 5.0 radio comes with Bluetooth & i believe a touch screen
RA3 8.4A radio comes with Bluetooth, touch screen & is compatible with Navigation, but adding it is about $600 to 700 add on
RA4 8.4AN radio is the same as the RA3, except that Navigation comes with it & costs less than buying & then adding Nav to the RA3

The radios can be found below, along with a description of what they are capable of doing
https://www.infotainment.com/collections/all/2014-ram-1500

To save money, i would buy a RA2 5.0 & a stand alone Navigation device with Lifetime Maps & Traffic, like a Garmin, Tom Tom, Magellan, etc. or use Google Maps or Waze on your Smart Phone

The stand alone Nav devices are much better than the Ram navigation maps that always get you lost when traveling to places where you have never been before

Make sure your radio choice is compatible with a Ram or the more expensive Jeep models, like Grand Cherokee, If you find one on sites like eBay or Craigslist

Good Luck

 

Ram trucks from 2013 + came with 4 radio options, none have a CD player within the radio itself

RA1 3.0 radio didn't come with Bluetooth, Chrysler calls it Uconnect
RA2 5.0 radio comes with Bluetooth & i believe a touch screen
RA3 8.4A radio comes with Bluetooth, touch screen & is compatible with Navigation, but adding it is about $600 to 700 add on

Good Luck

GREAT info


You are right the RA2 5.0 Has Blue Tooth and Touch Screen and you can add the Back up camera

 

thanks alot guys for all of your input. it helps a TON. if i can find the RA2 then i will get my hands on it, i have a Garmin i bought last year i can use for navigation. ill check some sites and Ebay to price them..

 

IMO from what I have read the factory is not great. I love my Garmins, not sure if the 5.0 can be upgraded but to get the code it is around 4/500 $
Also look in the for sale section here you sometime see radios .not sure what aftermarket radios may be better but wort checking out

 

This explains how to upgrade your radio

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty6eWjjKa2g

 

This explains how to upgrade your radio

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty6eWjjKa2g

That is a great video That should answer all OP questions and for anyone looking

 

well this all is allot to consider. the OEM radio units are good replacement but they cost quite a bit where as i can get an aftermarket radio which wont cost as much but there there is the compatibility issue. ill just take my time in deciding, im not in a rush to grab something but id like to make sure what i decide ill stick with for a long time . all of your input helps me. thank you all of you. i will look into every possibility and make sure i can have all my questions answered

 

Sounds like a good plan . figuring out all the options before laying out the cash I believe there may be a few threads here or on the other RAM forums about aftermarket radios.. I believe the issue some had was with climate control and steering wheel controls ! If I were you I would start another thread about After Market Radios so things do not get lost in this thread ! That will help alot of people