Replace the Factory Radio in Your RAM 1500 or 2500 Retains SWC, Reverse Camera, Factory Amp and Blind Spot Detection

Product Overview

The Stinger HRDG001 is a radio replacement kit for the Dodge RAM 1500 and RAM 2500 (2013–2019, 4th Gen DS-DJ-D2) fitted with a factory 3" or 5" OEM radio. It provides everything required to install an aftermarket single DIN (1DIN) or double DIN (2DIN) head unit, retaining factory steering wheel controls (with compatible head units), factory reverse camera, factory amplifier, blind spot detection, and clock/trip display.

The kit includes the replacement radio panel (BKCDK656), antenna adaptor (ST27AA14), and PAC RP4-CH21 radio replacement interface (PACRP4CH21). The 52-pin Chrysler-style factory connector plugs directly into the vehicle harness (plug and play to bare wires).

Not compatible with the 8.4" uConnect system. For 8.4" uConnect vehicles, use the PAC RadioPRO RAM Truck Kit (RPK4-CH4101) instead.

Pre-installation note: Once the factory head unit is removed, OE vehicle settings cannot be adjusted through the new head unit. Confirm and save all preferred vehicle settings in the factory unit before removing it.

Important limitations:

• Parking sensor tones are only lost if the factory radio was generating them; sensors not routed through the factory radio are unaffected
• Factory amplifier is retained, but it is a 2-channel audio input — fading (front/rear balance) is not supported
• AUX/USB retention is not included
• SWC retention requires a compatible major-branded head unit (see FAQ 3)

Features & Benefits

• Suits RAM 1500 and RAM 2500 (2013–2019) — covers both RAM platforms on the 4th Gen DS-DJ-D2 chassis with 3" or 5" factory radio
• Supports both 1DIN and 2DIN head units — the replacement radio panel accommodates single and double DIN aftermarket units
• Factory reverse camera retained — the PAC RP4-CH21 interface routes the factory reverse camera to the aftermarket head unit's camera input
• Factory amplifier retained (2CH — no fading) — the factory amp is preserved, but the 2-channel audio input architecture means front/rear fade control is not supported after installation
• Blind spot detection system retained — the factory blind spot monitoring system continues to operate after installation
• Clock and trip display retained — OEM clock and/or trip display is retained where this feature was controlled through the factory radio
• SWC retained with compatible head units — steering wheel audio controls are retained when using Alpine, Clarion, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, or Stinger head units; SWC button remapping is available via the manual programming feature on the interface
• Dual-press SWC function customisable — the dual-press function on SWC buttons can be reassigned via the interface
• 52-pin Chrysler-style connector — plug and play — factory connector plugs directly into the vehicle harness; bare wires at the head unit end
• Mounting brackets and antenna adaptor included — full mechanical and RF integration hardware in the box
• Parking sensor tones — conditional — parking sensor audio is only affected if the factory radio was generating the tones; sensors operating independently of the factory radio should not be affected
• AUX/USB retention not included — factory auxiliary and USB inputs are not retained through this kit
• OE settings must be configured before removal — vehicle settings accessible through the factory radio cannot be adjusted once it is removed; set all preferences before proceeding with the installation

Technical Specs

Compatible With / Goes Well With

• Dodge RAM 1500 (2013–2019) — 4th Gen DS-DJ-D2 — with 3" or 5" factory radio
• Dodge RAM 2500 (2013–2019) — 4th Gen DS-DJ-D2 — with 3" or 5" factory radio
• Not compatible with 8.4" uConnect-equipped RAM — use PAC RadioPRO RPK4-CH4101 for those
• SWC retention compatible head unit brands: Alpine, Clarion, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, Stinger
• Compatible with 1DIN and 2DIN aftermarket head units

Weight

Not specified

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my RAM has the 3"/5" radio or the 8.4" uConnect?

The 3" and 5" factory radios are found on base and mid-spec RAM 1500 and 2500 Express variants without the uConnect upgrade. If your truck has a smaller display without the uConnect branding and extended menu system, this kit is correct. The 8.4" uConnect screen is significantly larger and found on higher-specification trims — those vehicles require the PAC RadioPRO RPK4-CH4101 instead.

What does "factory amplifier retained — no fading" mean in practice?

The factory RAM amp is preserved after installation, so sound continues to be routed through it at the factory speaker levels. However, the factory amp in these vehicles uses a 2-channel audio input (rather than a full 4-channel), which means the aftermarket head unit cannot independently control front and rear speaker levels — the front/rear fade control will not function.

Which head unit brands retain steering wheel controls?

SWC retention through the PAC RP4-CH21 interface is confirmed with head units from Alpine, Clarion, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, or Stinger. Other brands are not confirmed. SWC button functions can also be remapped manually via the programming button on the PAC interface if the default assignments need adjustment.

What happens to the parking sensor tones?

This depends on how your RAM's parking sensors are configured. If the factory radio was responsible for generating and outputting the parking sensor alert tones, those tones will be lost after the factory radio is removed. If the parking sensors operate independently of the factory radio (with their own chime speaker or buzzer), they will not be affected by this installation.

Are there vehicle settings I need to configure before removing the factory radio?

Yes — and this is important. Once the factory head unit is removed, you will no longer be able to access or change OE vehicle settings that were accessible through the factory radio interface. Confirm all vehicle settings (such as door lock behaviour, reverse camera sensitivity, and other radio-controlled preferences) and set them to your preference before beginning the installation.