I have a 2010 Audi S4 and 2013 Toyota Prius and the nav in the dodge is the best of the bunch looks/ functions wise to me. However the voice input is terrible compare to the other 2. I don't listen to HD Radio because I can't stand the commercials. I love satellite radio for this reason and it works great.
8AN Stereo issues and class action suit.
So I got the nav installed units because I need the voice control.
As a contractor, my truck is as much a tool as a screw driver or tape measure.
I expect it to perform as advertised.
I have found the dealer/manufacturer claims to fall short of actual performance.
Because these units are so integrated into the truck, 3rd party units are not an option.
Discounts aside, I leased a $60,000.00 truck, and fully expect everything to be the highest quality available.
So when I discovered the HD Radio has the weakest reception since the crystal radio I built 45 years ago I was disappointed to say the least.
My trade in had a 2014 JVC top of the line head unit that did everything the 8AN unit does, and did it far better.
The connection issues are present because Ram did not bother to do any real programming.
The reception issues are because Ram decided to save money and not bother to install a digital signal amplifier.
I love the diesel engine, but even that is 3rd party.
The nav system is nothing but a loose patchwork dependent on 2 third party vendors, and Ram never bothered to do a real life test, or didn't feel like spending the money to make their electronics real world practical.
It is very unfortunate, because if they bothered to listen to contractors, or anyone else that has to spend many hours on the road, going to multiple address, and needing to change direction for new destinations mid route, they could have produced a world class unit that as a complete package would immediately take a good share of Ford customers.
As it is, I only experience frustrations and delays every day trying to obey the laws of hands free driving, while also trying to facilitate daily operations of my company.
The lower gas mileage of Ford is almost acceptable after having U connect shoved down my throat.
As for the HD radio, has anyone else discovered that most of their favorite HD stations are no longer available on the 8AN units?
I realize this is something a person would not know unless they had HD before the one in the new truck.
There were only 2 stations I listened to, and one of those is not received.
Anyone else seeing red after trusting the Uconnect to work?
Before anyone says it's my phone, no, it isnt. It is the cheap programming, because my phone works on every other OEM sync type service I have tried,
Toyota, Ford, and VW are what I have connected to besides Ram.
Besides, half of the Ram system works perfect, it's the half that they didn't bother with that sucks.
As a contractor, my truck is as much a tool as a screw driver or tape measure.
I expect it to perform as advertised.
I have found the dealer/manufacturer claims to fall short of actual performance.
Because these units are so integrated into the truck, 3rd party units are not an option.
Discounts aside, I leased a $60,000.00 truck, and fully expect everything to be the highest quality available.
So when I discovered the HD Radio has the weakest reception since the crystal radio I built 45 years ago I was disappointed to say the least.
My trade in had a 2014 JVC top of the line head unit that did everything the 8AN unit does, and did it far better.
The connection issues are present because Ram did not bother to do any real programming.
The reception issues are because Ram decided to save money and not bother to install a digital signal amplifier.
I love the diesel engine, but even that is 3rd party.
The nav system is nothing but a loose patchwork dependent on 2 third party vendors, and Ram never bothered to do a real life test, or didn't feel like spending the money to make their electronics real world practical.
It is very unfortunate, because if they bothered to listen to contractors, or anyone else that has to spend many hours on the road, going to multiple address, and needing to change direction for new destinations mid route, they could have produced a world class unit that as a complete package would immediately take a good share of Ford customers.
As it is, I only experience frustrations and delays every day trying to obey the laws of hands free driving, while also trying to facilitate daily operations of my company.
The lower gas mileage of Ford is almost acceptable after having U connect shoved down my throat.
As for the HD radio, has anyone else discovered that most of their favorite HD stations are no longer available on the 8AN units?
I realize this is something a person would not know unless they had HD before the one in the new truck.
There were only 2 stations I listened to, and one of those is not received.
Anyone else seeing red after trusting the Uconnect to work?
Before anyone says it's my phone, no, it isnt. It is the cheap programming, because my phone works on every other OEM sync type service I have tried,
Toyota, Ford, and VW are what I have connected to besides Ram.
Besides, half of the Ram system works perfect, it's the half that they didn't bother with that sucks.
1 - 3 of 23 Posts
I used to be a hardware tech for Apple. I understand highly functional hardware and software integration. The RAM is not Apple nor do I think any auto manufacturer approaches what Apple can do in that regard. That being said if you are truly reliant on using your truck for work forget the in app electronics and your bluetooth headset for that matter. Pair your phone to the truck and use its bluetooth it works good. For maps and traffic you should use a smart phone with google maps app. Google spends more money than anyone on mapping data and driving roads for accurate pictures of what is going and provides good real time traffic all for free. Its a free app and any smart phone rests easy in the cubby above the 8.4. If its paired to bluetooth as it should be it will give you voice commands over your speakers eyes free distraction driving. Smart phone apps will be constantly updated for free unlike the 8.4 which out of the box has older map data and will cost a substantial upgrade fee every couple years to get newer data. The smart phone probably has an APP to get whatever HD station you are looking for as well via I Heart Radio or something similar so problem solved on all fronts.
I understand your view and agree the RAM system could be better but I would say that for every manufacturer. For most people its pretty good. If you simplify your setup and forget the idea of a head unit upgrade and just use a good smart phone for everything that will always be on the cutting edge and transfer to any vehicle you own I think you could be happy
I understand your view and agree the RAM system could be better but I would say that for every manufacturer. For most people its pretty good. If you simplify your setup and forget the idea of a head unit upgrade and just use a good smart phone for everything that will always be on the cutting edge and transfer to any vehicle you own I think you could be happy
I don't think anyone needs to get personal. He is entitled to his opinions on the system and everyone else on theirs. I don't feel like he will get the hundreds of people to agree with him that attorneys will need to start a class though since we can all try before we buy.
1 - 3 of 23 Posts
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