Getting a 2019 ram radio upgrade is honestly one of the best things you can do for your truck, especially if you're still rocking that tiny base-model screen that feels like it belongs in 2010. Whether you have the Classic body style or the then-new 5th Gen model, the stock head units from that year haven't exactly aged like fine wine. Technology moves fast, and while the Ram 1500 is an absolute beast of a machine, its infotainment system can sometimes feel like the weak link in an otherwise perfect chain.
If you've spent any significant time behind the wheel, you know the frustrations. Maybe your Bluetooth takes forever to connect, or perhaps you're tired of squinting at a 5-inch display that barely shows your backup camera feed. Upgrading that radio isn't just about having a bigger screen to look at; it's about making your daily drive a whole lot less annoying and a lot more fun.
Why Your 2019 Ram Needs a Tech Boost
The 2019 model year was a weird one for Ram owners. It was the "transition" year where you could buy the "Classic" (the older DS body style) or the "All-New" (the DT body style). Depending on which one you have, your 2019 ram radio upgrade options might look a little different, but the goal is the same: better connectivity.
Most of these trucks came with the Uconnect system. While Uconnect was pretty good for its time, it lacks the snappiness of modern smartphones. If you're still plugging in your phone just to get basic navigation, or worse, using a suction cup mount on the windshield because your truck didn't come with navigation at all, it's time for a change. Modern aftermarket head units offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means your phone stays in your pocket and your maps, music, and messages just pop up on the dash the second you start the engine.
Choosing Between Factory and Aftermarket
When you start looking into a 2019 ram radio upgrade, you'll basically hit a fork in the road. Do you go with a bigger factory Uconnect screen (like swapping a 5-inch for an 8.4-inch or even the massive 12-inch vertical screen), or do you go aftermarket?
The Factory Swap Route
Some people love the OEM look. They want the truck to look like it rolled off the assembly line with that big 12-inch screen. It's a clean look, and you keep all the factory settings exactly where you expect them to be. However, factory upgrades can be incredibly expensive. You often have to track down used modules, buy specific conversion harnesses, and sometimes even flash the truck's computer (the BCM) to get everything talking correctly. It's a bit of a headache, but for the purists, it's often worth it.
The Aftermarket Route
This is where things get interesting. Brands like Alpine, Kenwood, Sony, and Pioneer have been making some incredible units that fit the 2019 Ram perfectly. If you go this route, you're usually getting better audio quality. Aftermarket radios typically have better internal amplifiers and more "pre-outs" if you ever want to add a subwoofer or better door speakers later. Plus, you get features like customizable backgrounds, better equalizers, and often a more responsive touchscreen than the factory glass.
The "Tesla-Style" Vertical Screens
You've probably seen these all over social media. There are several companies making massive, vertical "Tesla-style" Android tablets designed specifically for the 2019 Ram. These are a popular 2019 ram radio upgrade because they completely transform the look of the interior.
They basically replace the entire center stack of your dash. You get a huge screen that handles your climate controls, your music, and your maps all at once. The "cool factor" here is off the charts. Just be aware that since these run on the Android operating system, they can sometimes be a bit more "fiddly" than a standard Sony or Alpine unit. You might have to deal with software updates or occasional glitches, but if you want that high-tech cockpit vibe, this is the way to go.
Keeping Your Steering Wheel Controls
One thing people always worry about when doing a 2019 ram radio upgrade is losing the buttons on their steering wheel. Nobody wants to reach over to the dash just to turn the volume up. The good news is that you don't have to lose them.
Thanks to interfaces like the iDatalink Maestro, you can keep almost all your factory features. This little box acts as a translator between your new radio and your truck's computer. It keeps your steering wheel buttons working, and in many cases, it can even show you engine data, tire pressure, and battery voltage right on your new screen. It's a "must-have" component for any modern truck install.
What About the Backup Camera?
The 2019 Ram has a decent backup camera, and you definitely don't want to lose that functionality. Most modern head units have a dedicated camera input. With the right wiring harness, your factory camera will plug right in, and the image will actually look better on a high-quality aftermarket screen than it did on the old low-res factory display. If you're feeling extra, some radios even support multiple cameras, so you could add a front-facing camera for parking or a bed camera for hooking up a gooseneck trailer.
The Installation Process: Can You Do It Yourself?
If you're even a little bit handy with tools, a 2019 ram radio upgrade is a totally doable weekend project. Ram made the dash on these trucks fairly easy to take apart. Usually, it involves removing a few screws hidden under rubber mats or behind panels, and then gently (but firmly) popping the trim pieces off.
The biggest challenge is the wiring. If you hate the idea of cutting and soldering wires, look for "plug-and-play" kits. Many retailers sell harnesses that are already pre-wired for your specific truck and your specific new radio. You literally just click the plastic connectors together. It takes all the guesswork out of it and prevents you from accidentally blowing a fuse or frying a module.
A quick tip: Get yourself a set of plastic trim removal tools. They're cheap, and they'll save your dash from getting scratched or gouged by a metal screwdriver. Your interior will thank you.
Improving the Sound Quality
Let's be real—the base speakers in the 2019 Ram aren't exactly "concert grade." While a 2019 ram radio upgrade will make your existing speakers sound a bit better because of the improved power output, the real magic happens when you use the new radio's tuning features.
Most aftermarket units come with a 13-band or even a 15-band equalizer. You can dial in the bass, crisp up the highs, and actually make the music sound like it's coming from the dashboard rather than your feet. If you eventually decide to swap out the door speakers, your new radio will already be "ready" to push them to their full potential.
Final Thoughts on the Upgrade
Investing in a 2019 ram radio upgrade is about more than just a shiny new toy. It's about safety—having your maps at eye level so you're not looking down at your phone. It's about convenience—not fumbling with cords every time you jump in the cab. And honestly, it's about resale value. A truck with a big, modern, functional screen is a lot more attractive to a buyer than one with a dated, tiny display.
Whether you go for a massive vertical screen or a sleek, flush-mounted Sony unit, you're going to notice the difference immediately. The truck will feel years newer, and those long highway hauls or sitting in traffic will become a lot more bearable. So, grab some trim tools, pick out a unit that fits your style, and give your Ram the interior it deserves. You won't regret it.