Upgrading the infotainment system in your Ram 1500 is one of the most impactful modifications you can make. The factory radio, while functional, often lacks the modern connectivity, crisp displays, and intuitive interfaces that today’s drivers expect. Swapping it out can completely revitalize your truck’s interior, bringing it into the modern age with enhanced entertainment and navigation capabilities.
Whether you’re looking for a massive screen that integrates seamlessly with your truck’s dash or a high-performance unit from a trusted brand, the aftermarket has a solution. This roundup covers a range of options, from complete plug-and-play systems to the essential installation kits and harnesses you’ll need for a successful upgrade. Finding the perfect radio for your needs and budget is easier than ever.
The Best Aftermarket Radio Upgrades for Your Ram 1500
- Car Stereo Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2013-2018
- NuIth Single Din Radio Installation Dash Kit
- RED WOLF Stereo Wiring Harness Antenna Adapter
- RDBS Car Stereo Wire Harness and Antenna Adapter
- Cidava 13 Inch Car Radio for Dodge RAM 2019-2022
- Kenwood DMX9708S Digital Multimedia Receiver
- BOSS Audio Systems Elite BE10ACP-C Car Stereo
- Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX 10.1″ Mechless Receiver
- Alpine iLX-W650 7″ Digital Multimedia Receiver
Car Stereo Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2013-2018
This Android-based head unit is designed for a direct fit in 2013-2018 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models with manual climate controls. It features a vibrant 9-inch IPS touchscreen that provides a clear and responsive interface for all your media needs. Running on Android 13 with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, it offers a smooth and capable platform for various apps and functions.
Connectivity is a major advantage with this unit, as it includes built-in Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows for seamless smartphone integration to handle calls, navigation, and music with voice commands. It also supports Bluetooth, WiFi, and includes a backup camera input for added safety and convenience. It’s a comprehensive upgrade that modernizes the cabin of your older model Ram.
NuIth Single Din Radio Installation Dash Kit
For owners of older Ram trucks (1994-2001), this installation kit is an essential component for upgrading the factory stereo. It includes a single-DIN dash kit that fills the space left by the original radio, providing a clean and professional-looking mount for your new aftermarket head unit. The kit is designed to fit a wide range of Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
Along with the mounting bracket, this package comes with a pre-wired harness. This harness connects directly to your vehicle’s existing wiring, significantly simplifying the installation process and reducing the need for cutting and splicing factory wires. Using this kit helps ensure that your new radio looks like it belongs and functions correctly with your truck’s electrical system.
RED WOLF Stereo Wiring Harness Antenna Adapter
This wiring harness and antenna adapter combo is engineered for a straightforward installation of an aftermarket radio in 2013-2019 Ram trucks and other compatible Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler vehicles. It is specifically designed for factory systems that do not have a premium amplified sound system, such as Bose or JBL. The plug-and-play design aims to make the wiring process much simpler.
It is important to note that this harness does not support factory amplified systems and will not retain certain features that are routed through the original radio, such as the factory backup camera, auxiliary input, or steering wheel audio controls. The red ignition wire from your new radio will also need to be connected separately, as the factory plug does not provide this power source.
RDBS Car Stereo Wire Harness and Antenna Adapter
Similar to the RED WOLF harness, the RDBS kit provides the necessary connectors to interface an aftermarket stereo with the factory wiring in your 2013 and newer Ram, Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler vehicle. This updated version has been improved for easier installation with certain models like the Dodge Dart. It ensures a secure connection for power, speakers, and the antenna.
This harness is strictly for use with standard, non-amplified factory sound systems. It will not work with premium audio setups. Be aware that some vehicle features, including the factory backup camera and steering wheel controls, may be lost when using this basic harness. For a full feature retention, additional interface modules would be required.
Cidava 13 Inch Car Radio for Dodge RAM 2019-2022
This massive 13-inch touchscreen radio is built specifically for the new body style Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, and 4500 models from 2019 to 2022 that originally came with a 5-inch or 8.4-inch screen. It is designed to integrate seamlessly into the dashboard, offering a factory-like appearance with significantly upgraded technology. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, it provides substantial power for multitasking and media storage.
The unit supports both Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone mirroring. It also includes built-in 4G LTE connectivity for internet access on the go, an upgraded DSP for better sound quality, and a fast boot feature for quick start-up. This is a top-tier option for owners of newer Rams who want a large, fully-featured display.
Kenwood DMX9708S Digital Multimedia Receiver
The Kenwood DMX9708S is a certified refurbished unit that offers high-end features at a more accessible price point. It boasts a 6.95-inch capacitive touchscreen, which provides a superior picture and responsive swipe controls compared to more common resistive screens. As a receiver from a leading brand, it brings reliable performance and excellent audio quality to your Ram.
This model includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration. It also features a 13-band graphic equalizer and digital time alignment, giving audiophiles precise control over their sound system. Wireless mirroring for compatible Android devices adds to its versatility, making it a strong choice for those who prioritize audio tuning and brand reputation.
BOSS Audio Systems Elite BE10ACP-C Car Stereo
The BOSS Audio BE10ACP-C features a large, detachable 10.1-inch touchscreen that fits into a single-DIN slot, offering a big display without a permanent double-DIN installation. This design provides flexibility and added security, as the screen can be removed when parked. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for full access to your phone’s key features through the capacitive touchscreen or voice commands.
This unit includes Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and it has inputs for a backup camera, enhancing safety while reversing. It’s a feature-packed head unit that provides a large screen experience for vehicles where a double-DIN opening is not available or desired.
Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX 10.1″ Mechless Receiver
The Pioneer DMH-WT7600NEX is a high-performance multimedia receiver known for its outstanding audio and video capabilities. It features a large 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen display that is both vibrant and highly responsive. As a “mechless” unit, it lacks a CD/DVD player, focusing instead on modern digital media sources like smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and USB inputs.
This receiver supports both Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, freeing you from cables. Pioneer is renowned for its advanced sound tuning features, and this model is no exception, offering a built-in parametric EQ and time alignment for audiophile-grade sound customization. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a large screen from a top-tier brand with a focus on digital media and superior sound quality.
Alpine iLX-W650 7″ Digital Multimedia Receiver
The Alpine iLX-W650 is a popular double-DIN receiver that combines a sleek, minimalist design with robust features. Its 7-inch capacitive touchscreen provides a clear and easy-to-use interface. Alpine’s reputation for building high-quality audio components is evident in this model, which delivers clean and powerful sound right out of the box.
This unit supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it’s important to note that the Android Auto connection is wired. It includes a built-in amplifier and a straightforward set of audio adjustments, making it a fantastic plug-and-play option for those who want reliable smartphone integration and excellent sound quality from a trusted brand without an overly complex setup.
What to Look For in the Best Aftermarket Radios for Ram 1500
Upgrading the stereo in my Ram 1500 was one of the best decisions I made for my daily drives. The factory unit just wasn’t cutting it anymore. But before you jump in and buy any head unit, there are a few key things you need to think about to make sure you get the right one for your truck and your needs.
First, you absolutely must check compatibility. Not every aftermarket radio will fit perfectly in a Ram 1500, especially if you have the larger 8.4-inch Uconnect screen. You’ll need a specific dash kit, and often a separate wiring harness to retain steering wheel controls and other factory features. I learned the hard way that skipping this step leads to a lot of headaches and extra costs. Crutchfield is a fantastic resource here, as they tell you exactly which parts you need for your specific model year.
Next, consider the display and user interface. Do you want a physical volume knob, or are you okay with touch-sensitive buttons? I personally prefer a knob because it’s easier to use without looking. Screen size and resolution also matter a lot. A bright, responsive capacitive touchscreen (like your smartphone) is far better than a cheaper resistive screen. Think about how you’ll use it—Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are pretty much essential for seamless smartphone integration, making navigation and music a breeze.
Don’t forget about audio outputs. If you’re an audiophile or plan to upgrade your speakers later, look for a unit with preamp outputs (RCA jacks). These provide a cleaner signal to your amplifiers than using the speaker wires. The number of preamp outputs (like 3-pair or 5-pair) determines how much you can expand your system. Also, if you have a factory amplifier, you’ll need a radio that can work with it or bypass it correctly.
Finally, think about future-proofing and extra features. A built-in HD Radio tuner is nice for crystal-clear local stations. Some units even have a built-in DVD player for passengers or can connect to a backup camera, which is a huge help for a big truck like the 1500. Weigh which features are must-haves for you against your budget. Getting the right aftermarket radio for your Ram 1500 completely changes the interior feel and your overall driving experience.
FAQ
Will I lose my steering wheel controls with a new radio?
Not necessarily! This is one of the most common concerns, and the good news is you can almost always keep them. You’ll need to purchase an additional interface module, like those from iDatalink Maestro or PAC. When you buy your radio from a specialist retailer, they can often bundle the correct interface for your Ram 1500. This little module translates the signals from your steering wheel buttons so the new radio understands them. It’s a bit of an extra cost, but for me, it was totally worth it to maintain that clean, factory look and feel.
Do I need a special dash kit for my Ram 1500?
Yes, you definitely will. The factory radio isn’t a standard size, so an aftermarket dash kit (also called an installation kit) is essential to make the new unit fit snugly and look like it belongs there. The kit you need depends heavily on your truck’s specific year and trim level, especially whether you have the standard radio or the larger Uconnect screen. Don’t try to force it without one; a proper kit makes the installation look professional.
What is the benefit of getting a radio with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
This was the main reason I upgraded. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto project a simplified version of your phone’s interface onto the car’s screen. It lets you use navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps, your music streaming services, make calls, and send messages using voice commands, all without touching your phone. It’s much safer and more integrated than a phone mount. It basically makes your radio future-proof, as your phone’s software handles most of the updates.
Can I install an aftermarket radio myself?
If you’re comfortable with basic wiring and following instructions, a DIY installation is possible. The process involves removing the trim panels around the factory radio, disconnecting the old unit, connecting the wiring harness to the new one, and securing everything with the new dash kit. However, the complexity can increase significantly if you have a factory amplifier, a premium sound system, or need to program a steering wheel control interface. For many people, paying for a professional installation is a good investment to ensure everything works correctly.
Will the backup camera still work with a new stereo?
In most cases, yes, your factory backup camera can be integrated with your new aftermarket radio. You’ll usually need an additional adapter or the correct wiring interface to convert the camera’s signal so the new head unit can display it. It’s another thing to confirm before you buy, but it’s a very common retrofit. Some of the best aftermarket radios for Ram 1500 even allow you to connect an additional aftermarket camera if you want a different view.