Looking for new head unit

Hey TW! My stock head unit keeps freezing and turning off, so I’m guessing it’s time for a new one. I’ve got a 2014 with the back-up camera that displays on the unit. Anyone have a recommendation for a new one that’ll also display the backup camera on it? I’ve seen the Joying unit thread, but I’m looking through it, it won’t display the back up camera on it because it doesn’t have the wiring port that’s already in my truck ready to go. Would prefer something with Apple CarPlay. Thanks!

 

No specific recommendation but tale a look on Crutchfield that may have something that will work for you

 

Can't really go wrong with Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood, JVC, etc. and they all generally come with CarPlay and Android Auto. They have models with just wired Carplay and others that also have wireless Carplay, which IMO is unnecessary and then you would also need to install a wireless charger. Certainly doable... but, why? These all have standard video input jacks. You may need some sort of adapter to connect the Toyota video feed to that. I don't have that system in my Tacoma... my OEM cam displays to the mirror... so I don't know what that situation looks like.

One caveat about the wireless/wired Carplay issue... To use wired CarPlay you will need to run one or 2 USB cables and mount the jacks in your dash, the glovebox, or like I did in a blank switch plug. If your truck came with some remote USB jacks (mine didn't) maybe you can adapt those to the new head unit. But I don't know anything about how to do that. If you get wireless CarPlay you can skip that, I suppose. Then use a regular cigarette lighter adapter power supply to charge your phone, until/unless you set up a wireless charger.

 

Have you tried updating the software from entune?

 

Thanks for the feedback and advise. My truck does have the USB jacks already, so I’ll look into that. Don’t really need wireless, you are correct! Wired is perfectly fine and doesn’t need the extra step of the wireless charger.
I haven’t taken it out yet to see the back situation with the plug for the back up camera, Just know from posts on the joying thread That it isn’t compatible. So was looking for an easy plug and play situation, if not then I’m fine doing the leg work of re-wiring.

 

F*** lol where is that at?

 

I haven't followed the Joying thread so I don't understand what the issue with the cam input might be, but I would think it would also have a standard video input? So maybe the other mainstream head units would also have the same issue with integrating the OEM cam. I dunno anything about trying to tap the OEM cam for aftermarket head units but I have seen some threads here about that. You might do a good search to find those... or maybe a helpful someone will post a link here. Worst case is you install a new cam for the new head unit, mount to the license plate. That's actually what I did with my Pioneer. So I have my OEM cam in the mirror and the second cam on the plate... and can move to the bike rack when it is installed.

 

Usually, integrating the backup cam plug requires a Maestro RR unit to go along with the headunit. With the Maestro, you keep steering wheel controls, and can add gauges to the headunit along with keeping the camera. But it’s around $160 last I looked. Crutchfield sells them, alng with the adapter to make the USB port below the headunit work as a direct connection to the new headunit.

The other option, is the PAC harness, that ties the camera in, but you need each harness for whichever function you want to keep.(steering wheel controls, camera, etc.). I think the catch with PAC is it’s only 1 or 2, not “original” functionality.

I do recommend Crutchfield, for the addons for install, instructions, and after-sale support on the phone. If you hit a snag, they’ll walk you through the fix over the phone. They won’t rush you, they’ll make sure it works before you’re done. Find that somewhere else included in the purchase.

Maestro RR - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_794ADSMRR/iDatalink-Maestro-RR-Interface-Module.html
Toyota harness(not “necessary”, but adds EVERYTHING to new unit) - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_794HR...ADS-MRR-or-ADS-MRR2-module-also-required.html
USB connector adapter - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120TOYUSB/Metra-AX-TOYUSB-USB-Port-Cable.html?tp=3486
PAC camera harness - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_541CAMTY12/PAC-CAM-TY12-Backup-Camera-Cable.html?tp=3486

 

You can get entune through iTunes or Google play. Then you register your account and when your phone syncs via Bluetooth with entune on, the radio should connect to a server to see if you have updates. It will use your cell data or wifi depending on what your phone is currently connected to. I've had the same problem as you in the past and the updates have helped.

 

I replaced my OEM 2014 with a Kenwood DMX from Crutchfield. Has Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Super pleased and the back up cam and all other OEM switches plugs work (steering wheel, Aux, USB). Did speakers also.
I have an OEM unit that still works if you are interested.

 

I have the Joying Unit and made my own harness to make the backup camera work. Cost at the time 25 dollars. You can get the stock Usb to work with unit too. See this post. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-joying-head-unit-thread.706997/page-13#post-26349680

 

Nice, ok thanks I was just checking out the post. Are you happy with the unit overall? Apple CarPlay freeze up at all?

 

When I use a cord it takes zero time connecting. When using wireless car play it could be instant to 30ish seconds. I think you will be surprised how fast wireless drains the phones battery. My Family and I just did a 30 day almost 10,000 mile road trip and I have to say it worked flawlessly. Car accidents on the highway, traffic backed up for over an hour and all we did was watch YouTube and Netflix. No one bitched for even a second about sitting there. For the money one of the best mods to the truck, looks stock and has a bigger screen than you can even purchase from Toyota.

 

Nice!! That helps a lot, I’m gonna check those out tonight and the harness you have in your photo some more. Steering wheel controls still work? Do I need to buy a seperate harness for that feature to remain?

side note, 30 day 10,000 mile road trip sounds awesome! My goal!

 

How did you watch Netflix and YT? Download the respective app onto the Joying? Play thru phone?

I'm just getting my Joying setup.

 

YouTube was already installed on the Headunit. Just need to download the APK for Netflix. https://youtu.be/rB099ADDynA

 

I just upgraded my stock 2014 Tacoma HU with a Kenwood DNX997XR. Hands down best mod I've done to my truck.

I still have my 2014 Entune non-jbl unit with nav if you want to buy it. I also have a NIB Kenwood DDX907XR for sale as well.