How to Import Waypoints

[Opus]

I have just upgraded from a 2014 to a 2019 Ram Longhorn. There is a lot to like about the truck, but here in the 21st Century, isn't there clear step-by-step instructions on how to import all my Garmin waypoints?
I can export them from my GPSmap 64 to a .GPX file and likely suck them into a spreadsheet and reformat any way Chrysler would prefer, but there are only bits and pieces of directions spread over the internet. Surely I am not the only frustrated truck owner.

 

[boogielander]

not aware if the UConnect supports importing GPX for waypoints, and even if it does I still prefer running a dedicated navi using an iPad (any iPad that has GPS module) or an Android Tablet running apps like Gaia or OnX.

map data is more current and constantly updated vs the UC system that you have to go download update files from the site and leave the truck on for at least an hour to update.

 

[Opus]

A workaround isn't really what I was looking for. I could plug my Garmin into a 12V outlet. It would be nice to use the navigation system that is part of the vehicle. It is a nice big screen and was meant to be helpful to the driver. There has to be a way to put any number of waypoints into the memory without having to sit for hours in your truck and typing on a flat screen through multiple menus. Do these forums get monitored by Chrysler service people?

 

[boogielander]

A workaround isn't really what I was looking for. I could plug my Garmin into a 12V outlet. It would be nice to use the navigation system that is part of the vehicle. It is a nice big screen and was meant to be helpful to the driver. There has to be a way to put any number of waypoints into the memory without having to sit for hours in your truck and typing on a flat screen through multiple menus. Do these forums get monitored by Chrysler service people?

Ram Cares sometimes pop up here and there and let me just tell you it is much better just to run an ipad (or a Garmin in your case) even with UC5 and 12" screen (what i have):

• the map data updates automatically (at least when I run Gaia)
• i can create route on webpage and it automatically sync via wifi to the tablet, no manual labor involved. just create, sync, put the device in the truck and done.
• you're not limited to routing that has existing street/ road - meaning, if you plot a route down a road that does not exist in the UC5 map data, you're out of luck because there's no street there for the onboard navi to create a route to get to a waypoint that is not on any known road. That wouldn't be an issue with Gaia or Garmin where you can create your own route outline to follow.
• To update the map data from 2019 to 2025, assuming that IF there is an update map pack, you will need to leave your truck on for an hour or however long it takes for the head unit to read and write the data. In the case of my 2022 UC5, to go from 2022 to 2025 it is a 18GB data pack. Instruction says an hour but God knows how long it will actually take. Updating map data is crucial because roads can change, new roads can be added, old roads taken out, etc.

Now those are the drawbacks, here's why it is not happening:

• You have UC4 or 4.5, which is an outdated OS system that I don't think is being updated at all.
• The map data/ navi does not come from Ram/ Chrysler/ Stellantis but from an outside third party vendor. In UC5 it is from TomTom, so is yours. Therefore, Ram/ Chrysler/ Stellantis can't do anything even if they come on the forum and read.
• The map data/ navi system is LOCKED. There is no customization for adding things.
• The ONLY (remotely close to) customization that I've seen in UConnect systems is on Jeeps, with the TrailsOffroad trail guide app. But, even with that, it is data "mirrored" from your phone and running it on an app in the headunit, and not what you are looking for.

Now, if you insist on NOT using a workaround:

• You can try to hack the OS, if you are good at coding and computer wizardry. While you're at that, might as well update the map data too.
• Use Apple Carplay. Run Google Map or Gaia or Garmin app and mirror it to the 12" screen, but for your truck you will need to figure out a way to do so.
  • Even then, if you are running something other than Google or Apple map, it CAN be very laggy.
  • When I tried running Gaia using Carplay, it was very laggy and beyond usable. I would move for 30 seconds before the 12" screen register I've moved for 30 seconds already, which causes missing a turn or going down the wrong path. Could be because I'm running wireless Carplay, could also be because of Gaia itself. But it never happened when using Google Maps or Apple Maps.
• Accept what you want is not feasible (despite what you described sounds good and nice) and run your Garmin and call it a day, and use the onboard navi as a last resort "i got no cell signal and my 'workaround' is broken and i'm lost" like any normal person would.

Hope that helps you understand

 

[Opus]

I appreciate your reply. Map upgrades are not a big problem for me. I do not travel many places that are constantly in flux. I am amazed and disappointed, though, that with all of the USB inputs (A and C) as well as for SD cards and even bluetooth, that the engineers that designed this system would supply no path to the RAM. Two programmers locked in a closet with a large pizza and a couple of Pepsis could have added that ability.

 

[boogielander]

I appreciate your reply. Map upgrades are not a big problem for me. I do not travel many places that are constantly in flux. I am amazed and disappointed, though, that with all of the USB inputs (A and C) as well as for SD cards and even bluetooth, that the engineers that designed this system would supply no path to the RAM. Two programmers locked in a closet with a large pizza and a couple of Pepsis could have added that ability.

if you take the usb "inputs" out you'll find it's USB-A and C interfaces on surface, but the "media hub" still runs on USB-B to connect to the headunit.
therefore, even with the onboard USB-C interface, charging speed is slower than your normal USB 3.2 dongles or the PCIe cards found on PCs. It is like running a USB-A to C adapter, you'll only be able to plug things in and read and write (to update OS or map), but not get 100% of the bandwidth for things that require more data processing.

Which is completely understandable, because why mess with something that works already and add features that 99% of the people won't use?

Also completely understandable that not everyone is as tech savvy, so when/ if more customization is allowed, someone WILL F something up. The best course of action, for the OE developers, is to design something that is simple and user friendly with great UI, especially with the budget, resources, and timetable given. Think of it as developing a game. It is always faster and easier to develop a game with set variables than an "open world" game, that's why it takes forever for GTA6 to come out or it takes so long for Battlefield to release Battlefield 6 (destroyable world) versus Call of Duty's annual release - more customization/ user initiated changes/ freedom, more coding, more bugs, more things to go wrong vs creating a "box" and set specific "rules" (or physics, in game terms) and let players/ users play within the ruleset.

Another one is the OS... not sure what kind of OS core system it is, but it is definitely not opensourced or consumer-tier android based like those aftermarket ones are. That goes to all OE head unit development. Everyone locks their system, especially in today's world where almost EVERYTHING is CANBUS connected and can/ are controlled via the head unit. It is not only a copyright/ brand specific issue, but also a safety issue as well.

i guess what i'm trying to say is, it's not as simple and easy as telling the programmers to code in user programmable route information. there are lots of constraints in vehicular design and operating systems than what's on the surface. Being in the aftermarket industry myself, in both manufacturing and installation/ repair side of things, I used to think "how hard can it be?" until I realize how stupid people can be and how complicate things will lead to issues later (that's why I ALWAYS have to write the product descriptions and such in detail and include "please verify your vehicle's year, model and trim before purchase. if you are not sure please call us for verification. purchaser will be responsible for return shipping and restocking fee due to purchase without verification" you'd think people know to check their year, model and trim before purchase...)