The latest salvos in the Heavy-Duty Truck Wars involve camera technology. Recently, (presumably a 2017 model, possibly revealed at the State Fair of Texas in September) will offer a high-tech option that will use seven cameras to provide safety and possibly towing benefits.
Having just attended Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' What's New media event, we've just seen the next-generation Uconnect system on the 2016 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, and there are some interesting camera upgrades that will make those who tow more confident about what's going on behind them.
Two years ago Ram was the first HD truckmaker to offer a rear-cab-mounted camera to give drivers a view of the bed cargo or fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailer. At the time, images from the tailgate camera showed up in the 8-inch navigation screen, while images from the cab camera showed up in the rearview mirror, a much smaller image. That's changed now.
The new Uconnect camera system provides two separate touch points on the screen that allow the user to toggle back and forth between the tailgate- and cab-mounted cameras, both on the big screen. Additionally, since the new system works more like a smartphone or tablet, owners can drag and drop any of the available trucks apps to the screen bottom to provide instant access to your favorite features, acting as a "shortcut" if you will.
Look for more camera technology to make its way into more full-size pickups as new models debut with lane departure warning and more safety features for towing.
Cars.com photos by Mark Williams (Hand Model shall go unnamed)
