I know I'm late to the party but like was mentioned below by some, all of the trucks are pretty much wired the same. It's up to you to do the digging to find all the plugs to hook up all the accessories. You can do a lot to these "lower-end" trucks. I bought my 2015 RAM Tradesman from Carsense with only 6,000 miles on it in 2016 but I didn't pay the new dealer price. It is a 4x4 crew cab with the 5.7 Hemi and the 5.7 bed to match but I have to thank you for doing all the digging around to find all the plugs and letting us know where they are and what we can hook up to them. This definitely makes it easier for us DIYers. Thank You again for posting this information.
Frank - you must have found the same truck we did... it is 3 years later than your post but we just picked up our truck after a five hour drive to the dealership in California... 19,000 miles on it with the same layout. I still think I am dreaming... don't pinch me! I will be installing the brake controller first. I am trying to figure out if I can install hands free communication for the cell phone (that will be next). Hope your truck is still serving you well!
This is how they save money. If they made several different writing harnesses for each model/option it wouldn’t be cost affective. So you make 1 harness for all. Then add the option to that order.
Thankfully ram does that. Not all trucks come that way. Upgrades are companies bread and butter with the decades long large truck craze. Can take a reasonably priced, capable ram and add hundreds of upgrades to the original platform. It's fantastic
You may have posted this five years ago - some of us are still watching and listening! My wife and I were able to purchase a 2014 RAM Tradesman 2500 5.7l Crew Cab 4x4 w/19,000 miles on it. I am preparing to use the existing wiring harness for upgrading brake controller, hands free phone and stereo as we own it. I still pinch myself thinking I am dreaming...
Well I appreciate you watching and making a comment. Any questions I can try to answer let me know. Also with the age of this video with the radio you might want to check out the Tesla style radio for the Dodge ram. I think it's awesome just a small recommendation
Informative video but this will only work on minor things like courtesy lights and such. Things like brake controller or radio options like back up cameras will need to be turned on at the dealership. They will charge you a good bit to do each one. I had a 2014 that I installed the backup camera, brake controller and towing mirrors. They charged to turn all those on in the computer. You can get around this with a product called Alpha OBD and this will let you change all of the different things to include tire upgrades and more.
This is great bud! I noticed the same with all accessories in my 02 pontiac firebird years ago. Literally every hook up is there. Power seats, traction control, rear trunk speakers! I had no idea to even check my 14 ram! So awesome to realize what's just a matter of ordering now👍👍
Thank you! I fond all these wires and freaked out when I found all these wires loose. I thought something had been Half Ass done at the factory. Now I know. After all I bought the cheapest truck I could find. Helpful video! Very Pro
The ram platform has some issues, but I love how modular it is. Perfect for folks who like to tinker. Buy a model you generally like, then do the rest yourself.
I have a 2014 dodge ram sport. Solid rear window instead of slider is only real difference. Anyways. All the upgrades I was able to do it...it is now pretty much a 2020 or 2021...just more miles. Tons and tons of easy upgrades. Even took off the ram badge on tailgate and replaced with the large R A M letter emblem. Even measured where they go from an actual 2020 truck like a creeper in a parking lot when I spotted the truck.... Lol. The main upgrades on mine is a solid steel front bumper with push bar and brush guard...all one piece. And then the solid steel rear bumper. Totally makes the truck stand out in a crowd of other dodges. Also have a rear Baja rack over bed. Under rail toolbox and hard plastic and metal fold away tonneau cover as well as two swing out toolboxes inside bed. Almost complete. Just need to add linex to full bed and bottom foot of truck along body line....to prevent rocks chipping lower portion of truck since I actually use it as a truck for fun and work. Added a 2 inch leveling kit to the front...new wheels and tires and all new led exterior lighting. As well as upgraded side mirrors for towing or regular street driving. Even w all these massive upgrades...it's still 20 k cheaper than a new model. I also only have 40k miles on it. Passion project for sure to keep my mind off the last 18 months and the loss of my mother. Nothing like upgrading your truck by yourself to help out your mood in a rough time. Sorry for blabbing!!
@ Lana Mama- Wow your comment mirrors my situation exactly! I too found out about the info in this video- makes it so easy to do these upgrades & it saves a lot of money! The rest of your comment- same. I also lost my mother & after the majority of the worst of it faded my truck (which I’d by then been driving a few years) became a “passion project” again & that & a couple of other things did help the head & heart. It’s like the novelty of the truck is back lol. You didn’t ramble your comment at all & im glad you wrote this because it’s an affirmation to me, which should mean it will do the same to others. Plus, this & the vid as a whole, bolsters the enthusiasm. Gotta say we have it pretty good nowadays compared to 25 years ago with all the aftermarket support, parts & enthusiasm- online community with all the forums & blogs, vlogs & being behind the wheel. Ramble over lol.
Same goes for the Fog lights. All you need is the kit with the light and the switch, and bang, you have have factory looking fogs. (did this in my 2005 Ram)
They've done this for a long time. I had a 98 Dodge dakota without cruise control. I bought all of the parts from the dealer for $200 and installed it myself. Not only was the electrical harness plug and play ready, but the vacuum line for the vacuum pump already had a "T" connection ready to plug in, and the bracket on the throttle body already had a square hole for me to plug in the throttle cable.
That plug underneath your rear seat is not only for the light but for the heated rear seats also. the reason why I know is because I got a Laramie and one day didn’t work so I started looking around and it was unplugged so I plugged it back in and it was good to go
My brother-in-law is a technician for a very expensive car company and we have two of the same vehicles just 3 years apart and to save money they usually keep the style other vehicle for multiple years and you can take headlights and other things like the wine artist and upgrade exactly what you're doing because it's easier just to have one wine harnessed and not make the connections than it is to make multiple wiring harnesses I've done the same exact thing as you buy the cheaper version and do the upgrades myself regardless if you have the express or the Laramie the motor if you have the Hemi so all the same so it's going to be the same wire harnessed but he was only realized and I think that is the greatest thing in the world that you're doing and saving yourself a huge monthly payment excellent video
@@Fangtian0303 yeah I never put periods in I just keep going on with the conversation I'm 43 I've been out of high school way too long I don't care about my punctuation long as I spell everything right that's all that matters
I just got my 2014 hemi 5.7L 2500 yesterday they had already started upgrading we have the huge tablet size screen and after this I know we are going to upgrade all the way around thank you
You are saving a small fortune by doing that stuff yourself as apposed to buying the truck upgraded that way and it also makes sense for them on the assembly line not to bother with different wiring harnesses even though it might not be quite as cost effective.
Thanks for the video and blowing my mind. It’s funny I always knew that you could swap some of these things out with higher trim parts. Thanks for blowing my mind.
And you MAY find some of the parts cheaper at a salvage yard. Adding an electric brake controller requires programming at the dealership. I looked into all this stuff. I've never needed to pull a trailer with electric brakes. I think there's a module you can add in the upper glovebox to have a usb input.
Hey, Anthony Papa thank you so much for the video I have the 2014 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi 4X4 outdoorsman with the trailer package and I am looking forward to your next video thank you, sir, and have a great one.
I had a 17 tradesman regular cab. I added all that stuff you mentioned plus auto dimming mirror, rear back up camera, RA2 radio, The compass module this one is normally mounted in the over head console, but I made my own harness and mounted with double sided tape to the defrost duct behind the gauge cluster, I put in the premium 7" EVIC gauge cluster, and The OE bed led lights. I started to install the power inverter the wires weren't under my seat, but the wires going from the dash to the passenger kick panel were, so I made my own harness going from the kick panel to the seat, I only had to run the wire from the inverter to the under hood fuse box, but sold the truck to a friend he's been on me to help him run it.
@@AN-kg4ei the instructions will tell you to go through the firewall and run the wire to the BCM. I found that the wire is already run from the BCM to the connector on the frame just behind the drivers front tire. Double check that it is there and just make your connection there. On my 2017 it was pin 19 iirc, bit I know some years have a different style plug. I used the factory ground on the frame near the drivers rear tire. Download AlfaOBD to your phone and buy the OBDlinkMX bluetooth adapter. With these you won't have to go to the dealer to have the lights activated. Unless this is the only thing you will be doing then just pay the dealer to do it. But it has to be activated no matter what
as a heavy truck dealership mechanic I can tell you this may also be true for many other vehicles you may find out some options still may not work due to different control modules options/power distribution box options(fuse box) or may just simply not have the fuse...now this may apply to many types of vehicles but some do have different harness that may or may not have the overlays from a standard harness to add the extras so just because you see an option on a similar vehicle and want it on yours you may or may not be able to add it, with out needing to add the appropriate wiring harness overlay and control module...we have to do this all the time for medium duty to heavy duty class 8 trucks...
Lots of car/truck manufacturers do that. (Use the fully loaded vehicle wiring harness). Pretty cool.. one of my cars didn't come with the fog light option but it was wired for them. So i just went on Ebay and ordered the fog light assembly for both sides ($40), the head light switch with the fog light option ($15) and installed the fog light relay ( a few dollars for several fuses packet) and boom i have working fog lights
Yeah my 14 Ram outdoorsman has the trailer brake control and the plug. Which is standard on mine. But I basically got it because of the 3.92 gears, crew cab and Ram boxes lol
Dodge has been doing this since their 2nd gen ram. You can buy a tradesman and add all the fancy crap for a fraction of that $15,000 upgrade package on the longhorns. You can even put the seats of a 5th gen ram in a 2nd gen ram
I have a 2014 sport also. Bought it used. it did not have trailer brakes. Went to dealer and they said same thing-pre wired for it. Had them install. And to my surprise it even comes on in in the dash with all the other displays. It was not there before.
I picked up an 18 Elantra, no cruise control, I bought a steering wheel control and put it on, even the radio controls work on it. So yeah, it's just a matter of what you want and aren't willing to pay dealer prices for. I'm going to start working on my tradesman 2500 soon.
Its all for ease of manufacture. From late 2013 on the truck has ALL options programmed but disabled in the body control module. Anything you want on this truck, you can add it with ALFA OBD
Have a 2017 with lots of upgrades... didn't have a CD player so I took the wire and added my own 10 CD capacity one out of site with remote.... $300, dealer was $675 for a 3 capacity...
Great video man! I have a 2020 model Classic DS in right hand drive and I have been loving upgrading it, but I had no idea of all the cool mods I could do until I saw your vid. Thanks a lot from Australia!
Awesome!! Doing all these upgrades asap... I've added an adjustable led red and white flexible arm map light and added another "dome light" in the rear seat area. I noticed how dark the inside of my same cab was and also changed out the factory dome bulbs and also switched them to led like u showed. Well done! Keep digging and popping panels! Lol thanks again. I'll be putting the under dash lights first. It's frustrating to have a 40 k truck that has a dark cab. I also added a 10.4 screen to my dash by linkswell...originally got a Tesla styled one and they don't fit without cutting a metal piece behind radio..(with my year truck at least....anyone looking for a never used smtesla styled radio or other brand new parts? I have extras that I gotband either didn't need. Or just didn't like the style.. we can work out a deal! Lol) however..if u cut it. U can never put factory stock radio back in. Tesla styled screen caters more towards iPhone. My linkswell is android powered which are the phones I always get. Not a fan of the overpriced iPhone. Haha. Anyways. Happy hunting and make more vids if u discover more goodies. Oh yeah I also added cheap air bags that fit inside rear springs....I can add air while pulling camper trailer to keep truck leveled off. Gives an extra capacity of up to 3 tons with sagging the ass of the truck. The product was like 59 bucks. I added a pump and controller to it but not necessary. U can just add air just like a tire to your desired psi. Makes towing a lot safer and easier on the truck w heavier loads. Can also use if ur healing rocks or dirt or anything heavy enough to sag rear end of the truck. I recommend it greatly if u have a family camper or work trailer
Great video man . Coolest video I've seen in a while , very useful . I just got a '13 ram a couple days ago . Now I can't wait to go to the junkyard and find some higher level trim options . Thanks !
Great info. Reviewed some other post stating 96 & 01 with same thing one harness for all. I go back a ways! As a fun truck I have a 1975 Dodge D100 at that year the most basic truck, note over time items my third. Hardnesses have been that way in most makes and most models. For example high end Dodges had the option of drivers side power seat, the wires and plug lays loose under the seat of my truck.
If you buy a Bluetooth OBD connector ( I have used a FYXD as well as a OBDLink MX) and buy the AlfaOBD app (only on the google play store) you can turn on all these lighting accessories and so on... I did this to make my New LED lights all around the truck work without a fault as well as turn on my fog lights for my day time running lights... you can make day time running light the fogs (what I chose), headlights low or high, turn signals or if you have a designated light in your headlight housing you can turn it on. Look up AlfaOBD for more instructions
Wanting to add fog lights to my 2015 Ram. Bought the fog light harness, used front bumper (painted it to match my color) and the OEM switch and lights off EBay. Now searching for the connector to plug it it.
I have a 14 so I assume u don't have the over head console. I went to the junk yard near me and took the complete harness starts at the driver door and all though the head liner. While I was there I got the top glove box, hood light, the rear platform, the self dimming 911, sos mirror for like 85$
Hey,... 100th Subscriber here! Keep it up. Just bought a 2014 Ram. So psyched to start modifying my truck like you did!!! Thanks for making these videos
Bought it a while back on Amazon look up 14 Ram Android radio. Also might want to look into a Tesla type radio I kind of like that one too. But no take off the bezel Plug and Play. If you have tethering on your cell phone turn it on you have full internet access. It doesn't do anything your phone or tablet will not do. Hope that helps
I love the tesla style radios, but hate that they dont integrate the satellite radio into them. That's the only thing that's kept me from getting the T style radio
If you had it the factory module is located on the passenger seat. To be honest it's cheaper toRun a 12 V inverter and integrated into the factory - plug so it looks factory
I’m in the collision repair business. You are correct most vehicles are built exactly like that. Trim levels and amenities are easy to upgrade. Fuse box is the same across the line diesel and gas.
Thomas Hilliard Cabin air filter was not available on my 2014 that I also did the conversion and put a K&N Cabin air filter in so I could just clean it instead of replacing every 12 months
I upgraded the side mirrors on my ‘09 Ram 1500 and discovered that it had proximity sensors for the key fob. Now when I approach, puddle and interior lights turn on.
@@cwilson375 I believe all the factory head units that came for these models is pre-wired for this. Pretty sure you don't need a particular head unit. But not 100% positive on that...
I’m not going to look through all 430 comments but there is also a software program you can buy called Alpha OBD you need the android device or tablet and a Bluetooth OBD reader and you can do almost everything A dealer can do As far as programming for example if you change your tire size and adjust the speedometer or if you add different mirrors with puddle lights or heaters you can turn on those accessories
just go to a auto wrecker and get all the lights ya need.. Do the cabin air filter asap if you dont all the dirt and dust plugs the AC condenser in the heater box.
Your absolutely correct my friend. I had a 2011 and it was the same way and I have a 2015 and it's the same. You can upgrade everything yourself and save a lot of $$$$. Double check that connection behind the rear seat I actually think that one is for the sub and it runs under that carpet and out the cut out/ hole you found. If yours is a 4x4 you can also order the skid plates and install them.
I got the sport bumper to swap and they say you have too tap into the fuse box. Any help would be amazingly appreciated. Would save so much time thank you
My 2014 Tradesmen has all the options already installed...trailer brake, USB port, foot lightning...the only thing it doesn't have is the upper glovebox and homelink
Can find home link on eBay I would go to the dealership or the upper glove box. Go online find a truck for sale that has it use the VIN number look up the part number and make sure your interior color matches four screws
I have a 16 Tradesman and would like to make some upgrades too. Thanks for posting this video! One question. Where did you find the aftermarket radio and what did it cost you?
Don;'t have a Dodge but considering it...this video has surely helped so many people. Thanks for making the video and keep it up for future buyers like me.....Great info to share!! This is great news as all of us can't or don't want the high payments of the higher model trucks and just like do upgrades our selves as we can afford it with families and retirement accounts....
Thanks for this info. This makes a lot of sense doing these upgrades instead of spending 1000's on a higher level truck trim. I've been wondering if these were modular b/c I noticed all the extra lights in the dash for options I don't have. I was thinking maybe they had a universal wiring harness. I have a '14 tradesman, so I have the towing brake switch you were talking about. What I don't have is the overhead map lights, which is irritating. The dome light is almost useless. I was wondering if wires were up there where the map light area is. Another one is wires for a backup cam on the tail gate? Since I have a 100% rear seat, I had to fabricate a 100% floor for mine, which I will be showing in a video. I noticed under the carpet under the seat appears to have a bracket attachment point for a 60/40 seat.
I've got a 2015 ram big horn and added the backup camera. The wiring harness is not there from the factory. It's a lot of work to do that upgrade. I let the dealer do it. Cost about 8 bills. There is a youtube video out there that shows how to do it.
@@jeffr532 Is added a 10.4" screen and a tailgate backup camera and it snapped together like like legos and toys it was super easy maybe you just caught a bad break it all depends on what type of backup camera you choose as well and what you're viewing it through I have another camera on my rear view mirror that records at all times during the night or while driving the other cameras are for backing up and security. Just gotta make sure you hook up the red wire into the rear backup lights or even the 3rd light at the top since it's a brake light and backup light. Other than running though Meyers the entire way across the truck it was pretty simple there are tons of little grammates with squish squishy plastic covers that you can pop out to conceal wires throughout the body of the vehicle from the front firewall all the way to the ass end of the truck you just need to search for them. Mine is a 2014 ram 1500 sport
To be honest don't need it I live in Georgia. Obviously from the videos I'm from New York so it's not very cold down here to me plus always had auto start on the truck with heat on
I had a 2015 express and when I was trying to trade it in and sell it, the vin popped up as a tradesman. The truck was only a year old at the time and Carmax wanted to give me like 10k less than I expected. I looked it up on KBB and saw the same thing. I looked over the paperwork from carmax and I also saw tradesman. I was getting mad that I had a year old $40k truck with only 25000 miles and everyone only wanted to give me $17k, so I tried another dealership with the same result. When they scan the vin, the vin shows Tradesman. They apparently build all their trucks off the base model tradesman and add the other packages to the base truck, and the vin doesn’t show the upgrade. I was very ticked and lost out hard on that truck. Nobody understood what I was telling them. They all would say, that’s what the vin says, sorry. I would tell them the vin shows a truck with rubber floors instead of carpet, black bumpers, no dual exhaust, little cheap steel wheels, etc. and that is not what I have.
You have a Tradesman with the Express package. That adds the carpet, body colored bumpers and grill, dual exhaust, 20' wheels, and (IIRC) the tow hitch receiver.
They all use the same wiring harness on all the trucks for ease of manufacturing. Where they make up the money difference is when base model truck owners go to the dealership to buy the OEM factory upgrades. That's why the dealership charges a 500% mark-up on the parts.
after install dealer has to flast ECU or as they say add sales code.. i had a recall on the truck one time. i asked the service manger if that could add the code and they did.. 100.00 in my pocket.. Hope that helps
Ya your turning it into a Laramie,that's what I have,a 2013..last best ram you'll find..14 and up have sealed trannies and the dial shifter..mines a gear shifter in the middle...laramies have all the bells and whistles..bad ass truck really
These upgrade "technology and comfort packages" for vehicles from the manufacturers are the biggest scam since bottled water. Everything wiring wise is already on the truck but they screw you out of $100 worth of parts because you didn't spring for a $2500+ package but the hassle, time and costs to for it yourself is almost counter intuitive. It would take 5 minutes.ore at the factory to fully load the friggin thing.
You already have the right steering wheel, if you change the instrument panel to the LCD version your wheel switches can be used to accesses your trucks computer. You can buy a blank key FOB and activate the installed security system. Take your truck to a shop with a good OBD-2 scanner and find a dozen things your truck has that can just be turned on. Do you have an 45RFE transmission? Is it a 4 speed w/OD? Would you like to make it a 5 speed 545RFE w/OD?
I just bought a ‘12 BigHorn without the trailer brake controller. This leads me to think the wiring is behind the stock blank panel and I can just get the module and put it in. I’ll have to look into it.
Yo awsome video just got me a 2015 base model and was wondering about adding led running board lights and how to plug up. Thanks for video lots of help and that cabin filter gotta check that next again thanks for video.. much appreciated
My 2014 tradesman 1500 has floor lights thanks to you. Thanks buddy.
I know I'm late to the party but like was mentioned below by some, all of the trucks are pretty much wired the same. It's up to you to do the digging to find all the plugs to hook up all the accessories. You can do a lot to these "lower-end" trucks. I bought my 2015 RAM Tradesman from Carsense with only 6,000 miles on it in 2016 but I didn't pay the new dealer price. It is a 4x4 crew cab with the 5.7 Hemi and the 5.7 bed to match but I have to thank you for doing all the digging around to find all the plugs and letting us know where they are and what we can hook up to them. This definitely makes it easier for us DIYers. Thank You again for posting this information.
Frank - you must have found the same truck we did... it is 3 years later than your post but we just picked up our truck after a five hour drive to the dealership in California... 19,000 miles on it with the same layout. I still think I am dreaming... don't pinch me! I will be installing the brake controller first. I am trying to figure out if I can install hands free communication for the cell phone (that will be next). Hope your truck is still serving you well!
This is how they save money. If they made several different writing harnesses for each model/option it wouldn’t be cost affective. So you make 1 harness for all. Then add the option to that order.
Thankfully ram does that. Not all trucks come that way. Upgrades are companies bread and butter with the decades long large truck craze. Can take a reasonably priced, capable ram and add hundreds of upgrades to the original platform. It's fantastic
CEO of digging
You may have posted this five years ago - some of us are still watching and listening! My wife and I were able to purchase a 2014 RAM Tradesman 2500 5.7l Crew Cab 4x4 w/19,000 miles on it. I am preparing to use the existing wiring harness for upgrading brake controller, hands free phone and stereo as we own it. I still pinch myself thinking I am dreaming...
Well I appreciate you watching and making a comment. Any questions I can try to answer let me know. Also with the age of this video with the radio you might want to check out the Tesla style radio for the Dodge ram. I think it's awesome just a small recommendation
@@anthonypapa8676 never heard of it! I'll check it out! Thank you!! Happy Holidays!!
Just bought a ‘13 Ram yesterday. Cool to come across a video like this
How's it driving,mines a 2013..good year, anything new has a dial shifter..I have a Laramie,what do you have? How many miles?
Informative video but this will only work on minor things like courtesy lights and such. Things like brake controller or radio options like back up cameras will need to be turned on at the dealership. They will charge you a good bit to do each one. I had a 2014 that I installed the backup camera, brake controller and towing mirrors. They charged to turn all those on in the computer. You can get around this with a product called Alpha OBD and this will let you change all of the different things to include tire upgrades and more.
This is great bud! I noticed the same with all accessories in my 02 pontiac firebird years ago. Literally every hook up is there. Power seats, traction control, rear trunk speakers! I had no idea to even check my 14 ram! So awesome to realize what's just a matter of ordering now👍👍
They are there! Just keep popping panels and look at wiring g harnesses. It's awesome
Thank you! I fond all these wires and freaked out when I found all these wires loose. I thought something had been Half Ass done at the factory. Now I know. After all I bought the cheapest truck I could find. Helpful video! Very Pro
The ram platform has some issues, but I love how modular it is. Perfect for folks who like to tinker. Buy a model you generally like, then do the rest yourself.
I have a 2014 dodge ram sport. Solid rear window instead of slider is only real difference. Anyways. All the upgrades I was able to do it...it is now pretty much a 2020 or 2021...just more miles. Tons and tons of easy upgrades. Even took off the ram badge on tailgate and replaced with the large R A M letter emblem. Even measured where they go from an actual 2020 truck like a creeper in a parking lot when I spotted the truck.... Lol. The main upgrades on mine is a solid steel front bumper with push bar and brush guard...all one piece. And then the solid steel rear bumper. Totally makes the truck stand out in a crowd of other dodges. Also have a rear Baja rack over bed. Under rail toolbox and hard plastic and metal fold away tonneau cover as well as two swing out toolboxes inside bed. Almost complete. Just need to add linex to full bed and bottom foot of truck along body line....to prevent rocks chipping lower portion of truck since I actually use it as a truck for fun and work. Added a 2 inch leveling kit to the front...new wheels and tires and all new led exterior lighting. As well as upgraded side mirrors for towing or regular street driving. Even w all these massive upgrades...it's still 20 k cheaper than a new model. I also only have 40k miles on it. Passion project for sure to keep my mind off the last 18 months and the loss of my mother. Nothing like upgrading your truck by yourself to help out your mood in a rough time. Sorry for blabbing!!
@ Lana Mama- Wow your comment mirrors my situation exactly! I too found out about the info in this video- makes it so easy to do these upgrades & it saves a lot of money! The rest of your comment- same. I also lost my mother & after the majority of the worst of it faded my truck (which I’d by then been driving a few years) became a “passion project” again & that & a couple of other things did help the head & heart. It’s like the novelty of the truck is back lol. You didn’t ramble your comment at all & im glad you wrote this because it’s an affirmation to me, which should mean it will do the same to others. Plus, this & the vid as a whole, bolsters the enthusiasm. Gotta say we have it pretty good nowadays compared to 25 years ago with all the aftermarket support, parts & enthusiasm- online community with all the forums & blogs, vlogs & being behind the wheel. Ramble over lol.
Same goes for the Fog lights. All you need is the kit with the light and the switch, and bang, you have have factory looking fogs. (did this in my 2005 Ram)
They've done this for a long time. I had a 98 Dodge dakota without cruise control. I bought all of the parts from the dealer for $200 and installed it myself. Not only was the electrical harness plug and play ready, but the vacuum line for the vacuum pump already had a "T" connection ready to plug in, and the bracket on the throttle body already had a square hole for me to plug in the throttle cable.
That's the one device I never use.
That plug underneath your rear seat is not only for the light but for the heated rear seats also. the reason why I know is because I got a Laramie and one day didn’t work so I started looking around and it was unplugged so I plugged it back in and it was good to go
How do you put in the lights and where do you get them
Your Laramie has heated rear seats? My 2013 Laramie doesn't,but my 2013 Durango did
@@kennylarkey3667 it’s a 2017
My brother-in-law is a technician for a very expensive car company and we have two of the same vehicles just 3 years apart and to save money they usually keep the style other vehicle for multiple years and you can take headlights and other things like the wine artist and upgrade exactly what you're doing because it's easier just to have one wine harnessed and not make the connections than it is to make multiple wiring harnesses I've done the same exact thing as you buy the cheaper version and do the upgrades myself regardless if you have the express or the Laramie the motor if you have the Hemi so all the same so it's going to be the same wire harnessed but he was only realized and I think that is the greatest thing in the world that you're doing and saving yourself a huge monthly payment excellent video
I feel I want to read the whole thing in one breath.
@@Fangtian0303 yeah I never put periods in I just keep going on with the conversation I'm 43 I've been out of high school way too long I don't care about my punctuation long as I spell everything right that's all that matters
@@josephmalinowski6817 Funny. I'm 40 and I still care. Just three more years for me! 😂😂😂
@@zondervon 3 more years and then you don't have to care lol
@@josephmalinowski6817 😂😂😂
I just got my 2014 hemi 5.7L 2500 yesterday they had already started upgrading we have the huge tablet size screen and after this I know we are going to upgrade all the way around thank you
I wish RUclips recommended this to me sooner. This is awesome, I have a 2014 Ram 1500 Express as well. Thanks for making this video dude!
Do we have an alarm where I'd someone tries to open our door or gotta pay extra?
You are saving a small fortune by doing that stuff yourself as apposed to buying the truck upgraded that way and it also makes sense for them on the assembly line not to bother with different wiring harnesses even though it might not be quite as cost effective.
Bulb # 194 LED will fit in that and make it look way nicer at nighttime!
Will fit where? Under dash? I think my rear cargo light on my 2010 Ram is a 193 or 194 LED...
Very interesting. Simple upgrades without the expensive cost.
Thanks for the video and blowing my mind. It’s funny I always knew that you could swap some of these things out with higher trim parts. Thanks for blowing my mind.
And you MAY find some of the parts cheaper at a salvage yard. Adding an electric brake controller requires programming at the dealership. I looked into all this stuff. I've never needed to pull a trailer with electric brakes. I think there's a module you can add in the upper glovebox to have a usb input.
Hey, Anthony Papa thank you so much for the video I have the 2014 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi 4X4 outdoorsman with the trailer package and I am looking forward to your next video thank you, sir, and have a great one.
I had a 17 tradesman regular cab. I added all that stuff you mentioned plus auto dimming mirror, rear back up camera, RA2 radio, The compass module this one is normally mounted in the over head console, but I made my own harness and mounted with double sided tape to the defrost duct behind the gauge cluster, I put in the premium 7" EVIC gauge cluster, and The OE bed led lights. I started to install the power inverter the wires weren't under my seat, but the wires going from the dash to the passenger kick panel were, so I made my own harness going from the kick panel to the seat, I only had to run the wire from the inverter to the under hood fuse box, but sold the truck to a friend he's been on me to help him run it.
Any hints or feedback on installing the bed lights?
@@AN-kg4ei the instructions will tell you to go through the firewall and run the wire to the BCM. I found that the wire is already run from the BCM to the connector on the frame just behind the drivers front tire. Double check that it is there and just make your connection there. On my 2017 it was pin 19 iirc, bit I know some years have a different style plug. I used the factory ground on the frame near the drivers rear tire. Download AlfaOBD to your phone and buy the OBDlinkMX bluetooth adapter. With these you won't have to go to the dealer to have the lights activated. Unless this is the only thing you will be doing then just pay the dealer to do it. But it has to be activated no matter what
My 99 is wired for the Cummins and loaded “higher” models they use 1 wiring harness for assembly ease , and cheaper manufacturing costs
as a heavy truck dealership mechanic I can tell you this may also be true for many other vehicles you may find out some options still may not work due to different control modules options/power distribution box options(fuse box) or may just simply not have the fuse...now this may apply to many types of vehicles but some do have different harness that may or may not have the overlays from a standard harness to add the extras so just because you see an option on a similar vehicle and want it on yours you may or may not be able to add it, with out needing to add the appropriate wiring harness overlay and control module...we have to do this all the time for medium duty to heavy duty class 8 trucks...
I have a 14 sport with large screen and like this aftermarket better, it looks more premium imo. Great finds!
Lots of car/truck manufacturers do that. (Use the fully loaded vehicle wiring harness). Pretty cool.. one of my cars didn't come with the fog light option but it was wired for them. So i just went on Ebay and ordered the fog light assembly for both sides ($40), the head light switch with the fog light option ($15) and installed the fog light relay ( a few dollars for several fuses packet) and boom i have working fog lights
Awesome, I been coming across these plugs and was wondering. Thanks !
And I find this video nine years after buying my 13 Ram.
How much you pay for it?
Keep up with the helpful videos. I own a 2014 express and I will be adding all the gadgets that you posted.
Thank You!
How much miles you got on it im looking at a 2014 with 90 k miles
Yeah my 14 Ram outdoorsman has the trailer brake control and the plug. Which is standard on mine. But I basically got it because of the 3.92 gears, crew cab and Ram boxes lol
Dodge has been doing this since their 2nd gen ram. You can buy a tradesman and add all the fancy crap for a fraction of that $15,000 upgrade package on the longhorns. You can even put the seats of a 5th gen ram in a 2nd gen ram
Mopar/Chrysler are the best manufacturers for inter changeable parts. That is known about about them. Notice your truck also has a huge engine bay.
You saved me a lot of money and my truck look great after a few runs to the pick a part! Thanks!
I don’t have a dodge...but this looks like a really helpful video and a great an example at what’s possible
All of these came with the 14 sport already done 🤘
I have a 2014 sport also.
Bought it used.
it did not have trailer brakes.
Went to dealer and they said same thing-pre wired for it. Had them install. And to my surprise it even comes on in in the dash with all the other displays.
It was not there before.
I picked up an 18 Elantra, no cruise control, I bought a steering wheel control and put it on, even the radio controls work on it. So yeah, it's just a matter of what you want and aren't willing to pay dealer prices for. I'm going to start working on my tradesman 2500 soon.
2011 1500 can roll the windows down with the key fob press and hold unlock 😁
Its all for ease of manufacture. From late 2013 on the truck has ALL options programmed but disabled in the body control module. Anything you want on this truck, you can add it with ALFA OBD
Yes I've seen that before. And I definitely agree with you. I was just at a dealer for a recall I took advantage
Have a 2017 with lots of upgrades... didn't have a CD player so I took the wire and added my own 10 CD capacity one out of site with remote.... $300, dealer was $675 for a 3 capacity...
I bought the 2015 tradesman w/ 2wd. I wanted it simple and upgrade what I wanted with luxury model 1500's. Thanks for much info
BTW: it's paid off July 4th 2023. Five more months baby!
Was this narrated by ray romano?
Nick Krantz
Lol. Not until you mentioned it. Now that's who i see ...
I give you helpful videos and that's what I get thanks LOL and actually he's my second cousin
@@anthonypapa8676 I do appreciate the video!
That's the 1st thing I thought too!! LOL!
But seriously, thanks for the video, very helpful for sure.
That's a good joke!
Great video man! I have a 2020 model Classic DS in right hand drive and I have been loving upgrading it, but I had no idea of all the cool mods I could do until I saw your vid. Thanks a lot from Australia!
Great video!!! I have a 2016 Big Horn and I did the same thing for the under hood light. Now you got the wheels spinning!
Have you done anything else to the big horn? I have the same yr and model.
Awesome!! Doing all these upgrades asap... I've added an adjustable led red and white flexible arm map light and added another "dome light" in the rear seat area. I noticed how dark the inside of my same cab was and also changed out the factory dome bulbs and also switched them to led like u showed. Well done! Keep digging and popping panels! Lol thanks again. I'll be putting the under dash lights first. It's frustrating to have a 40 k truck that has a dark cab. I also added a 10.4 screen to my dash by linkswell...originally got a Tesla styled one and they don't fit without cutting a metal piece behind radio..(with my year truck at least....anyone looking for a never used smtesla styled radio or other brand new parts? I have extras that I gotband either didn't need. Or just didn't like the style.. we can work out a deal! Lol) however..if u cut it. U can never put factory stock radio back in. Tesla styled screen caters more towards iPhone. My linkswell is android powered which are the phones I always get. Not a fan of the overpriced iPhone. Haha. Anyways. Happy hunting and make more vids if u discover more goodies. Oh yeah I also added cheap air bags that fit inside rear springs....I can add air while pulling camper trailer to keep truck leveled off. Gives an extra capacity of up to 3 tons with sagging the ass of the truck. The product was like 59 bucks. I added a pump and controller to it but not necessary. U can just add air just like a tire to your desired psi. Makes towing a lot safer and easier on the truck w heavier loads. Can also use if ur healing rocks or dirt or anything heavy enough to sag rear end of the truck. I recommend it greatly if u have a family camper or work trailer
Great video man . Coolest video I've seen in a while , very useful . I just got a '13 ram a couple days ago . Now I can't wait to go to the junkyard and find some higher level trim options . Thanks !
Great info. Reviewed some other post stating 96 & 01 with same thing one harness for all. I go back a ways! As a fun truck I have a 1975 Dodge D100 at that year the most basic truck, note over time items my third. Hardnesses have been that way in most makes and most models. For example high end Dodges had the option of drivers side power seat, the wires and plug lays loose under the seat of my truck.
My 2015 Outdoorsman trim has all these too, thanks for the insight!
That's awesome. Thanks for letting us know
Great video brother. I just picked up a 2015 2500 Tradesmen and did the cabin air filter mod and am now making a list of everything I want to upgrade.
If you buy a Bluetooth OBD connector ( I have used a FYXD as well as a OBDLink MX) and buy the AlfaOBD app (only on the google play store) you can turn on all these lighting accessories and so on... I did this to make my New LED lights all around the truck work without a fault as well as turn on my fog lights for my day time running lights... you can make day time running light the fogs (what I chose), headlights low or high, turn signals or if you have a designated light in your headlight housing you can turn it on. Look up AlfaOBD for more instructions
Wanting to add fog lights to my 2015 Ram. Bought the fog light harness, used front bumper (painted it to match my color) and the OEM switch and lights off EBay. Now searching for the connector to plug it it.
I have a 14 so I assume u don't have the over head console. I went to the junk yard near me and took the complete harness starts at the driver door and all though the head liner. While I was there I got the top glove box, hood light, the rear platform, the self dimming 911, sos mirror for like 85$
We had a saying in the Navy 'Fitted for but not with' for all the equipment we got that was always the bare bones model.
Hey,... 100th Subscriber here! Keep it up. Just bought a 2014 Ram. So psyched to start modifying my truck like you did!!! Thanks for making these videos
Bought it a while back on Amazon look up 14 Ram Android radio. Also might want to look into a Tesla type radio I kind of like that one too. But no take off the bezel Plug and Play. If you have tethering on your cell phone turn it on you have full internet access. It doesn't do anything your phone or tablet will not do. Hope that helps
Not finding it. What is the brand?
I love the tesla style radios, but hate that they dont integrate the satellite radio into them. That's the only thing that's kept me from getting the T style radio
If you had it the factory module is located on the passenger seat. To be honest it's cheaper toRun a 12 V inverter and integrated into the factory - plug so it looks factory
My 2105 ram Big horn had the best interior lights...they wasn’t led but there was lights everywhere
2105 ? Dang .... just got a 2014 and my interiors are super dull
I’m in the collision repair business. You are correct most vehicles are built exactly like that. Trim levels and amenities are easy to upgrade. Fuse box is the same across the line diesel and gas.
Thank you for the videos I plan on adding quite a few things you found
Why would a cabin air filter be an "option"? That blows my mind. It should come standard.
They changed it to standard equipment for 2016 models made late in the production run.
Thomas Hilliard Cabin air filter was not available on my 2014 that I also did the conversion and put a K&N Cabin air filter in so I could just clean it instead of replacing every 12 months
Mine doesn't have the cover for it....and it's a '15. So, i'll be buying the cover, so I can cut it out and replace the filter.
I upgraded the side mirrors on my ‘09 Ram 1500 and discovered that it had proximity sensors for the key fob. Now when I approach, puddle and interior lights turn on.
Best video ever! Thanks man!
The one sub won't work without the factory amplifier. The plugs for the factory amplifier is on the driver's side b pillar
Do you need a special head unit to run the oem amplifier/subwoofer?
@@cwilson375 I believe all the factory head units that came for these models is pre-wired for this. Pretty sure you don't need a particular head unit. But not 100% positive on that...
I’m not going to look through all 430 comments but there is also a software program you can buy called Alpha OBD you need the android device or tablet and a Bluetooth OBD reader and you can do almost everything A dealer can do As far as programming for example if you change your tire size and adjust the speedometer or if you add different mirrors with puddle lights or heaters you can turn on those accessories
Yeah I found out about that after the videos . I was at the dealer for a recall so at least got the trailer module out of them did the rest
just go to a auto wrecker and get all the lights ya need.. Do the cabin air filter asap if you dont all the dirt and dust plugs the AC condenser in the heater box.
Your absolutely correct my friend. I had a 2011 and it was the same way and I have a 2015 and it's the same. You can upgrade everything yourself and save a lot of $$$$. Double check that connection behind the rear seat I actually think that one is for the sub and it runs under that carpet and out the cut out/ hole you found. If yours is a 4x4 you can also order the skid plates and install them.
Is there a 110 in the 2011?
I got the sport bumper to swap and they say you have too tap into the fuse box. Any help would be amazingly appreciated. Would save so much time thank you
Very informative 👏
Thankyou! My curiosity bothered me about what the plug in was for
This is true for most of not all vehicles.
My 2014 Tradesmen has all the options already installed...trailer brake, USB port, foot lightning...the only thing it doesn't have is the upper glovebox and homelink
Can find home link on eBay I would go to the dealership or the upper glove box. Go online find a truck for sale that has it use the VIN number look up the part number and make sure your interior color matches four screws
Great video man!!
Great video.
I have a 16 Tradesman and would like to make some upgrades too. Thanks for posting this video! One question. Where did you find the aftermarket radio and what did it cost you?
Don;'t have a Dodge but considering it...this video has surely helped so many people. Thanks for making the video and keep it up for future buyers like me.....Great info to share!! This is great news as all of us can't or don't want the high payments of the higher model trucks and just like do upgrades our selves as we can afford it with families and retirement accounts....
Thanks for this info. This makes a lot of sense doing these upgrades instead of spending 1000's on a higher level truck trim. I've been wondering if these were modular b/c I noticed all the extra lights in the dash for options I don't have. I was thinking maybe they had a universal wiring harness. I have a '14 tradesman, so I have the towing brake switch you were talking about. What I don't have is the overhead map lights, which is irritating. The dome light is almost useless. I was wondering if wires were up there where the map light area is. Another one is wires for a backup cam on the tail gate? Since I have a 100% rear seat, I had to fabricate a 100% floor for mine, which I will be showing in a video. I noticed under the carpet under the seat appears to have a bracket attachment point for a 60/40 seat.
I've got a 2015 ram big horn and added the backup camera. The wiring harness is not there from the factory. It's a lot of work to do that upgrade. I let the dealer do it. Cost about 8 bills. There is a youtube video out there that shows how to do it.
@@jeffr532 Thanks
@@jeffr532 Is added a 10.4" screen and a tailgate backup camera and it snapped together like like legos and toys it was super easy maybe you just caught a bad break it all depends on what type of backup camera you choose as well and what you're viewing it through I have another camera on my rear view mirror that records at all times during the night or while driving the other cameras are for backing up and security. Just gotta make sure you hook up the red wire into the rear backup lights or even the 3rd light at the top since it's a brake light and backup light. Other than running though Meyers the entire way across the truck it was pretty simple there are tons of little grammates with squish squishy plastic covers that you can pop out to conceal wires throughout the body of the vehicle from the front firewall all the way to the ass end of the truck you just need to search for them. Mine is a 2014 ram 1500 sport
Thanks man I have the same truck an this video made my day
what radio did you put in and did you have do anything special to add it?
I've got heated seats, heated steering wheel, and other options that didn't come on yours. Love mine.
To be honest don't need it I live in Georgia. Obviously from the videos I'm from New York so it's not very cold down here to me plus always had auto start on the truck with heat on
I had a 2015 express and when I was trying to trade it in and sell it, the vin popped up as a tradesman. The truck was only a year old at the time and Carmax wanted to give me like 10k less than I expected. I looked it up on KBB and saw the same thing. I looked over the paperwork from carmax and I also saw tradesman. I was getting mad that I had a year old $40k truck with only 25000 miles and everyone only wanted to give me $17k, so I tried another dealership with the same result. When they scan the vin, the vin shows Tradesman. They apparently build all their trucks off the base model tradesman and add the other packages to the base truck, and the vin doesn’t show the upgrade. I was very ticked and lost out hard on that truck. Nobody understood what I was telling them. They all would say, that’s what the vin says, sorry. I would tell them the vin shows a truck with rubber floors instead of carpet, black bumpers, no dual exhaust, little cheap steel wheels, etc. and that is not what I have.
You have a Tradesman with the Express package. That adds the carpet, body colored bumpers and grill, dual exhaust, 20' wheels, and (IIRC) the tow hitch receiver.
They all use the same wiring harness on all the trucks for ease of manufacturing. Where they make up the money difference is when base model truck owners go to the dealership to buy the OEM factory upgrades. That's why the dealership charges a 500% mark-up on the parts.
Well done. Good eye
Deadly video bro!! So much info Thanks👍👍
I have a 2017 ram 1500 express i already added the homelink and the steering wheel controls for the radio. My next project is the parking sensors.
Where did you get the parts?
@@bobodean1
I got the parts on infotainment.com they have different kits for Rams. If i remember right the parts were 200.00
@@bobodean1
The homelink garage door opener i bought on ebay for 75.00
I did cabin air filter on my Trk. Not hard to die at all lots of good RUclips videos on it.
Did mine too
My 11 does not come pre wired. 13+ rams come with a ton more options configurable in the body control module
If you put an after market trailer break controller in all ya do is plug the wire under dash into it and game done. That easy
after install dealer has to flast ECU or as they say add sales code.. i had a recall on the truck one time. i asked the service manger if that could add the code and they did.. 100.00 in my pocket.. Hope that helps
Ya your turning it into a Laramie,that's what I have,a 2013..last best ram you'll find..14 and up have sealed trannies and the dial shifter..mines a gear shifter in the middle...laramies have all the bells and whistles..bad ass truck really
The wire behind the shiffter is for 4×4
Great video! I just bought a 2014 Ram 1500 Express and will be checking it out. Thanks!
The “trailer thing you squeeze for the brakes” is called a trailer spike.
I have 2o14 dodge ram 1500 express, i also did notice the same wires, wow did is really helpful. Hope you make for video on your truck
These upgrade "technology and comfort packages" for vehicles from the manufacturers are the biggest scam since bottled water. Everything wiring wise is already on the truck but they screw you out of $100 worth of parts because you didn't spring for a $2500+ package but the hassle, time and costs to for it yourself is almost counter intuitive. It would take 5 minutes.ore at the factory to fully load the friggin thing.
Nice thanks how but the mirror lights
The steering wheel has the punch out things for the volume and track adjustment buttons as well
You have too tell the pcm too turn these options on. That’s what he meant by flash.
you can buy the factory trailer brake parts and take it to the dealer and theyll unlock the software for it.
yes
Did you ever end up hooking up the stock subwoofer?
I put blue light bulbs in my door well lights, looks cool
yeah i like the white or blue
You already have the right steering wheel, if you change the instrument panel to the LCD version your wheel switches can be used to accesses your trucks computer. You can buy a blank key FOB and activate the installed security system. Take your truck to a shop with a good OBD-2 scanner and find a dozen things your truck has that can just be turned on. Do you have an 45RFE transmission? Is it a 4 speed w/OD? Would you like to make it a 5 speed 545RFE w/OD?
I just bought a ‘12 BigHorn without the trailer brake controller. This leads me to think the wiring is behind the stock blank panel and I can just get the module and put it in. I’ll have to look into it.
Yo awsome video just got me a 2015 base model and was wondering about adding led running board lights and how to plug up. Thanks for video lots of help and that cabin filter gotta check that next again thanks for video.. much appreciated