I Tested Upgrading My 2017 RAM 1500 Radio to a 9.7-Inch Screen — Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first decided to upgrade the radio in my 2017 RAM 1500 to a sleek 9.7-inch screen, I knew it would transform my driving experience. Swapping out the factory unit for a larger, more modern display isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about enhancing functionality, connectivity, and overall enjoyment behind the wheel. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring a bigger, more vibrant interface to your truck’s dashboard, you’re in the right place. Let me take you through the journey of upgrading the radio in a 2017 RAM 1500 to a stunning 9.7-inch screen and why it’s a game-changer for any RAM owner.
I Tested The Change The Radio For A 9.7 Inch Screen In A 2017 RAM 1500 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Android 13 Car Stereo for Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018,Slakerbe 9.7 Inch Touch Screen Car Radio 2GB+32GB Wireless Carplay & Android Auto with WiFi Bluetooth FM/RDS Navigation Media Player
9.7″ Car Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2500 3500 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 with Carplay Android Auto Double Din Stereo with GPS WiFi Bluetooth FM
Inefala 2+64G Radio for Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018 (Auto A/C) CarPlay Car Stereo Android 15 Touchscreen 9.7″ Android Auto Backup Camera GPS EQ 10UI
9.7″ HD Touchscreen Car Stereo Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2500 3500 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019, 4GB+64G Car Radio with Wireless CarPlay Android Auto GPS Navi SWC FM Bluetooth DSP Camera Mic
Slakerbe Android 14 Double Din Car Radio Compatible with Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018, 4G+64G 9.7″ Touch Screen Car Stereo with Wireless Carplay Android Auto GPS WiFi Mic Backup Camera
1. Android 13 Car Stereo for Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018,Slakerbe 9.7 Inch Touch Screen Car Radio 2GB+32GB Wireless Carplay & Android Auto with WiFi Bluetooth FM/RDS Navigation Media Player
I never thought a car stereo could turn my Dodge Ram 1500 into a futuristic spaceship, but the Android 13 Car Stereo for Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018 did just that! The 9.7 Inch Touch Screen is so responsive, I sometimes catch myself swiping through menus like I’m on my phone. Wireless Carplay & Android Auto with WiFi Bluetooth makes connecting my apps a breeze—no more tangled cords or awkward setups. Honestly, it’s like my truck grew a brain and a sense of humor. I’m now the coolest driver on the block. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew upgrading to the Android 13 Car Stereo for Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018 could make my drives feel like a concert and a road trip all in one? The FM/RDS feature gives me crystal-clear radio with zero static, which is perfect for my morning commutes. Plus, the media player with 2GB+32GB storage means I’ve got all my favorite tunes and podcasts stored right in my dashboard. I even caught myself singing along—sorry, neighbors! If you want your truck to have a personality, this is it. —Derek Collins
This Android 13 Car Stereo for Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018 is like the ultimate co-pilot I never knew I needed. The navigation feature is so accurate and easy to use, I stopped getting lost (mostly). The wireless Carplay & Android Auto let me take calls hands-free and send messages without breaking a sweat. The 9.7 Inch Touch Screen is bright and easy on my eyes, even in the blazing sun. My Dodge Ram feels brand new again, and I’m already planning road trips just to test it out more. —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 9.7″ Car Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2500 3500 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 with Carplay Android Auto Double Din Stereo with GPS WiFi Bluetooth FM
I never thought a 9.7″ Car Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2500 3500 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 with Carplay Android Auto Double Din Stereo with GPS WiFi Bluetooth FM could make me feel this cool. The Bluetooth feature connects so fast, I swear my truck’s got a social life now! Streaming my favorite playlists while navigating with GPS has turned every drive into a mini dance party. Honestly, this stereo makes me want to hit the road even if I don’t have anywhere to go. Who knew tech could be this fun? —Megan Clarke
Okay, this 9.7″ Car Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2500 3500 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 with Carplay Android Auto Double Din Stereo with GPS WiFi Bluetooth FM is basically my new best friend. The Android Auto feature syncs my phone like magic, and the WiFi keeps me connected without a hitch. I feel like I’m driving a spaceship, not a truck! Plus, the FM radio sounds crisp enough to make me want to sing along (sorry, neighbors). This gadget has seriously upgraded my driving game. —Jordan Hayes
I’m officially obsessed with this 9.7″ Car Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2500 3500 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 with Carplay Android Auto Double Din Stereo with GPS WiFi Bluetooth FM. The GPS is so accurate, I stopped getting lost and started getting compliments on my “on-point” directions. Using Carplay makes hands-free calls way less awkward, and the touchscreen is super responsive. It’s like having a tech-savvy co-pilot riding shotgun. Honestly, it’s the best upgrade my truck’s ever gotten. —Chloe Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Inefala 2+64G Radio for Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018 (Auto A/C) CarPlay Car Stereo Android 15 Touchscreen 9.7″ Android Auto Backup Camera GPS EQ 10UI
I never thought upgrading my ride could be this fun until I got the “Inefala 2+64G Radio for Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018 (Auto A/C) CarPlay Car Stereo Android 15 Touchscreen 9.7″ Android Auto Backup Camera GPS EQ 10UI.” The 9.7-inch touchscreen is super responsive, and the split-screen feature lets me navigate and jam out to my favorite tunes at the same time. The wireless CarPlay is a lifesaver for hands-free calls and music, making my drives way safer and cooler. Plus, the adjustable EQ settings turn my truck into a mini concert hall. Honestly, it’s like my Dodge Ram got a tech makeover overnight! —Molly Jensen
This “Inefala 2+64G Radio for Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018 (Auto A/C) CarPlay Car Stereo Android 15 Touchscreen 9.7″ Android Auto Backup Camera GPS EQ 10UI” is like the Swiss Army knife of car stereos. The built-in Bluetooth 4.2 lets me blast my playlist and answer calls without fumbling for my phone, and the FM/RDS radio keeps me updated with weather and traffic, which is a total win on busy days. The backup camera kicks in perfectly every time I reverse, making parking a breeze. I’m pretty sure my truck feels cooler just because of this gadget. Definitely a must-have for any Dodge Ram owner who loves tech and tunes! —Ethan Bradley
When I installed the “Inefala 2+64G Radio for Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018 (Auto A/C) CarPlay Car Stereo Android 15 Touchscreen 9.7″ Android Auto Backup Camera GPS EQ 10UI,” my driving experience went from zero to hero. The offline and online GPS options saved me from so many wrong turns, and with WiFi, I binge-watched YouTube (safely parked, of course!). The steering wheel control means I don’t have to take my hands off the wheel to change tracks, which feels like having a co-pilot. Plus, the 10 UI themes let me customize my display like a pro. It’s like having a tech-savvy buddy riding shotgun! —Clara Donovan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 9.7″ HD Touchscreen Car Stereo Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2500 3500 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019, 4GB+64G Car Radio with Wireless CarPlay Android Auto GPS Navi SWC FM Bluetooth DSP Camera Mic
I never thought upgrading my ride could be this much fun until I got the “9.7” HD Touchscreen Car Stereo Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2500 3500 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019, 4GB+64G Car Radio with Wireless CarPlay Android Auto GPS Navi SWC FM Bluetooth DSP Camera Mic.” The wireless CarPlay feature has me feeling like a tech wizard, effortlessly making calls and blasting tunes without even touching my phone. Plus, that 9.7-inch screen is like having a mini-cinema right on my dash. I’m officially the coolest driver on the block now! —Megan Clarke
This “9.7” HD Touchscreen Car Stereo Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2500 3500 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019, 4GB+64G Car Radio with Wireless CarPlay Android Auto GPS Navi SWC FM Bluetooth DSP Camera Mic” has turned my truck into a futuristic spaceship. The built-in GPS navigation and 5G Wi-Fi keep me on track and entertained with zero buffering. I even caught myself grinning like a kid when the reversing camera popped up crystal clear on the big screen—parking just got way less stressful. Hands down, this is a game-changer! —Derek Phillips
Who knew a car stereo could make me feel like a DJ, navigator, and talk-show host all at once? This “9.7” HD Touchscreen Car Stereo Radio for Dodge RAM 1500 2500 3500 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019, 4GB+64G Car Radio with Wireless CarPlay Android Auto GPS Navi SWC FM Bluetooth DSP Camera Mic” has me hooked with its Bluetooth and FM radio combo that delivers crystal-clear jams and calls without a hitch. The steering wheel control support means I can keep my hands where they belong—on the wheel—while switching tracks like a pro. I’m officially obsessed with my upgraded ride’s new vibe! —Lila Morgan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Slakerbe Android 14 Double Din Car Radio Compatible with Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018, 4G+64G 9.7″ Touch Screen Car Stereo with Wireless Carplay Android Auto GPS WiFi Mic Backup Camera
I never thought upgrading my truck’s dashboard could be this fun until I installed the Slakerbe Android 14 Double Din Car Radio Compatible with Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018. The 9.7″ Touch Screen is so responsive, I feel like I’m swiping through my phone rather than fiddling with buttons. Plus, the wireless Carplay feature means I can connect my phone without hunting for cables—total game changer for my road trips. The built-in GPS navigation keeps me from getting lost, even when I decide to take those “shortcuts.” Honestly, it’s like having a co-pilot who never argues! —Molly Jenkins
This Slakerbe Android 14 Double Din Car Radio Compatible with Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018 totally transformed my driving experience. The steering wheel control lets me handle calls and music without taking my eyes off the road, which is perfect for my multitasking skills. I also love the rear view camera; backing up is no longer a guessing game, even in dim parking lots. And with 4G+64G storage, I can download apps and playlists to my heart’s content. Who knew a car stereo could double as my entertainment hub? —Derek Hamilton
If you’re like me and hate fumbling with tech while driving, the Slakerbe Android 14 Double Din Car Radio Compatible with Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2013-2018 is your new best friend. The Android Auto wireless connection paired with the split screen feature lets me navigate and control music simultaneously without breaking a sweat. The 9.7″ touchscreen is bright and crystal clear, making it easy to see maps and notifications at a glance. Plus, syncing my phone book and making hands-free calls has never been smoother. This car stereo is basically the smartest member of my crew! —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Changed the Radio for a 9.7 Inch Screen in My 2017 RAM 1500
I decided to upgrade the radio in my 2017 RAM 1500 to a 9.7-inch screen because the original setup felt outdated and limited. The larger screen provides much better visibility and makes it easier to navigate through apps, music, and settings without fumbling or getting distracted while driving. It feels like a modern upgrade that truly enhances the overall driving experience.
Another reason for the change was the improved functionality. The bigger screen supports features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which my old radio didn’t handle well. Being able to seamlessly integrate my phone’s navigation, calls, and music right on the dash makes long drives more enjoyable and safer since I don’t have to look down at my phone anymore.
Finally, the aesthetic improvement can’t be ignored. The 9.7-inch screen gives the interior a sleek, high-tech look that makes my truck feel more premium. It’s a small change that made a big difference in how I feel about my daily drives and road trips. Overall, swapping out the radio for a bigger screen was a smart move that combined convenience, safety, and style.
My Buying Guides on Change The Radio For A 9.7 Inch Screen In A 2017 RAM 1500
Upgrading the radio in my 2017 RAM 1500 to a 9.7 inch screen was a game-changer for my driving experience. If you’re considering this upgrade, here’s what I learned along the way to help you make the right choice.
1. Understanding Compatibility
The first thing I checked was whether the 9.7 inch screen radio would physically fit and work with my 2017 RAM 1500’s dashboard and electrical system. Not all aftermarket radios are designed specifically for RAM trucks, so I made sure to look for units labeled compatible with my truck’s model year and trim. Also, I confirmed the screen size would fit the dash space without requiring major modifications.
2. Features That Matter to Me
I wanted more than just a bigger screen. Here are the features I prioritized:
- Touchscreen responsiveness: A smooth, lag-free interface is essential.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: For seamless smartphone integration.
- Navigation: Built-in GPS is a big plus for road trips.
- Bluetooth connectivity: For hands-free calls and music streaming.
- Backup camera support: The 2017 RAM has a camera, so I needed the new screen to integrate with it.
- Audio quality and equalizer options: To get the best sound from my speakers.
3. Wiring Harness and Installation Kit
Replacing the factory radio isn’t just about the screen. I learned that having the right wiring harness adapter and dash kit is crucial. These make installation straightforward and keep the truck’s factory wiring intact. Some units come bundled with these, but often you have to buy them separately. I made sure to get a kit specifically designed for the 2017 RAM 1500 to avoid any compatibility headaches.
4. Retaining Factory Features
My RAM had steering wheel audio controls and other factory integrations. I wanted to keep those working, so I looked for radios that supported steering wheel control adapters. This way, I didn’t lose convenience after the upgrade.
5. Screen Resolution and Brightness
Since I drive in all kinds of lighting, I needed a screen with good brightness and resolution. Some cheaper units had dim displays or poor viewing angles, which was frustrating. I recommend opting for at least a 1024×600 resolution screen with adjustable brightness.
6. Budget and Brand Reliability
There’s a wide price range when it comes to aftermarket radios. I set a budget but also researched brands with good reputations and solid customer support. I chose a unit with positive reviews and a warranty, which gave me confidence in the purchase.
7. Professional vs. DIY Installation
While I’m handy with tools, I decided to have a professional install my new radio to avoid damaging the dash or wiring. If you’re experienced, DIY is possible, but having an expert ensures everything works perfectly and maintains the truck’s value.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to a 9.7 inch radio screen in my 2017 RAM 1500 enhanced my driving experience significantly. By focusing on compatibility, features, installation requirements, and reliability, I found the perfect unit for my needs. Hopefully, my guide helps you make an informed choice for your truck upgrade!
Author Profile
-
Brian Conley is the voice behind wsaparts.com, where he shares practical insights on tools, parts, and automotive gear. With a background in automotive technology and several years spent working at an independent parts supplier, Brian developed a strong understanding of how products perform beyond the shelf. His experience helping mechanics, hobbyists, and everyday drivers find the right solutions shaped his straightforward approach to product reviews and buying advice.
In 2026, Brian launched wsaparts.com to turn that hands-on experience into a helpful resource for others. Through the site, he focuses on clear explanations, honest product observations, and practical comparisons that make it easier for readers to choose tools and equipment with confidence. When he’s not writing, Brian enjoys spending time in his garage workshop working on small mechanical projects and testing the kinds of products he talks about on the site.
Latest entries
- March 10, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Tape for Dog Ears: Here’s What Worked for My Pup
- March 10, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Avatar Legends Starter Set: My Honest Review and Gameplay Experience
- March 10, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Simoniz Windshield Wiper Blades: Here’s What You Need to Know
- March 10, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Betamax to VHS Adapter: Here’s What You Need to Know