Backup Camera and Audio System for Lehighton Ram 2500

A client from Lehighton recently contacted Mobile Edge to inquire about upgrading his 2006 Ram 2500 with a backup camera. We invited the client to our store so we could have a look at the vehicle and assess which camera solution would be best for his application. We proposed upgrading the truck with a new Pioneer multimedia receiver and let the client listen to the sound system in our demo truck. He loved the way the upgraded audio system sounded, so we designed a similar solution for his vehicle.

Ram Multimedia Receiver and Backup Camera

The new Pioneer radio not only gave the client enhanced technology, it also let him view his new backup camera.

The Maestro piece helps integrate the new radio with the truck electronics.

The output of the backup camera shows clearly on the screen when the client shifts to reverse.

We started the project by removing the factory radio to make way for a Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX multimedia receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We used an iDatalink Maestro RR integration module to connect the new radio to the wiring and steering wheel controls in the vehicle. Next, we installed an Audiovox CAM430MV backup camera just above the rear license plate so that the client can see everything behind the vehicle when parking or maneuvering.

Ram 2500 Speaker Upgrade

PVC adapters were installed to allow the new 6.5″ speaker to fit in the 6×9″ hole.

Once the mounting adapter was installed our techs applied Hushmat to the metal.

The final step in the speaker installation was to reinstall the factory moisture barrier.

The next step in this upgrade was to replace the factory and dash speakers with a set of Audison Voce-Series AV K6 component speakers. Our fabrication team created a set of PVC plastic mounting adapters for the 6.5-inch woofers that come with the component set to allow them to mount to the 6×9-inch openings in the doors. Unlike wood adapters, these plastic units are impervious to damage from water and will last the life of the truck. We added a layer of Hushmat sound damping material to the doors to help prevent buzzes and rattles and to lower the interior noise level while the truck is in operation. We finished the speaker installation by mounting the tweeters from the Audison set in the factory speaker locations at the corners of the dash.

Hertz System Amplifiers and Subwoofer System

The custom “Mega Cab” embossing was added to customize our enclosure even further.

A number of pieces of flat stock were bent and welded to provide a solid mounting surface for the amps.

The pair of Hertz amplifiers provided plenty of power for the audio system.

Our fabrication team created a custom subwoofer enclosure that fits behind the rear seat of the truck. The enclosure is home to a pair of Hertz ES300 12-inch subwoofers. Before wrapping the enclosure in light gray carpet, we added Mega Cab lettering to the top of the enclosure to personalize it for the client.

The subwoofers are powered by a Hertz HDP1 1,000-watt subwoofer amp, and a matching HDP4 powers the component set in the front of the truck. Our team created one of our trademark steel amplifier mounting racks to locate the pair of amplifiers under the driver’s seat. The mounting rack is made from strips of steel that are cut and bent to secure the amps in place using factory fastener locations. Once the strips are welded together, we paint the amp rack with black rust-preventive paint to ensure it continues to look great for years. We use Audison Connection 4-AWG power wire to feed the amps and ensure they have adequate voltage to operate efficiently.

Sound System Tuning and Delivery

With the equipment installed, the last step in this installation was to adjust the crossovers and sensitivity controls on the amplifier to work with the new Audison and Hertz speakers and the preamp output of the new Pioneer radio. Many shops don’t give this process the attention it requires, resulting in sound system upgrades that aren’t optimized or have a lot of background noise. With the tuning process complete, we gave the sound system a thorough audition before handing the vehicle back to the client to ensure we configured everything properly.

The client returned to Mobile Edge in Lehighton, excited to hear the new stereo in his Ram 2500 for the first time. He was thrilled with the clarity of the Voce speakers and loved the realism and impact that the new Hertz subwoofers provide. We showed him how to connect his smartphone to the new Pioneer radio and use the voice recognition feature to make phone calls and play music. Finally, we demonstrated how the Ram’s new backup camera image displays automatically as soon as the transmission is in reverse. If you are interested in upgrading your car stereo system, drop by our store and speak with one of our product specialists or click the red button below to schedule a personal consultation with our team.