Help 2nd gen touch screen advice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8KpKyvmIww&ab_channel=MargaretBecker-Topic

Does anyone know anything about these?

Saw on a youtube video where a guy run onX overland navigation app. on his unit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyGpkN6pQBM&ab_channel=AlpineTactics

Brian

 

There's a 62 page thread here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tesla-style-head-unit.737247/

 

Thanks

 

I personally am not a fan of a giant glowing iPad in my face while driving.

Looks cool, has great features, but it is too visually distracting.
Having NO Physical button or dials is also a detriment.

but that’s my 2c.

If you put it on ur ride wonder what it’s like.

 

yeah, i'm pondering it. Getting ready to overland build my truck for maybe a trip to south africa. I'm a pastor as my screen name mentions and I'm thinking about taking a 6 month leave to do missions work @ a hospital. But, I am also an avid off roader. My father is selling his house and I might take some of the money and rebuild my truck for overlanding.

So how would a big gps be any different or other devices that have lights? I would think you could turn down the brightness on the unit as it hooks into the dimmer switch for the dash like the other one. If I mess with the dimmer switch on my dash the lights get dim including the factory crap radio. This I would have to check on.

The thread that Naveronski gave me will help me. This might be discussed.....the brightness.

Thanks for you help.

Brian

 

Not familiar with that unit/style but I can't imagine you couldn't adjust brightness somehow. Double check it of course but even on my single DIN Pioneer that's an option.

 

For the GPS / Over-landing / getting lost specific aspect.
I’m not familiar with said or similar systems that’s integrated to a vehicle.

Well for starters, let’s say you install it.
works great, looks great, you love it and you head out.

With a hand held device, if your vehicle craps out mechanically or electronically.
You can walk to to rescue knowing where to go and where you are.
You can program all your maps/route/ and plan from a computer, then transfer the data to the GPS.

All it is, you are not solely relying on a single point of failure on an already complicated vehicle.
When I’m off-roading, redundancy, reliability, and ease of repairs is paramount. Especially in the middle of know where, or in a area with limited knowledge of complicated consumer electronics. Been to many places in the world, 1st world countries, and most developing countries have the privilege of availability in both parts and technicians.

And you are going to off-roading in South Africa with the Tacoma? Or similar region.
Yeah……… you don’t want to signal to certain crowd.

but you can do it install it. But bear in mind the potential future headaches.

 

Redundancy or a backup plan is good, so maybe an inReach would be nice for international adventures: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/561269


That said, OP, you're going to an area where landcruisers are all over the place, more reliable and less expensive than your 2009 Tacoma. Consider the cost of shipping your truck and maintaining it in an area that doesn't have the parts network for it.

 

Blu,
So handheld is better? Never thought of that. The cool factor is through the roof with this, but I will have to check and see if the onX app will download onto a handheld gps. The unit comes with non-AI and AI and it has more storage. The non-AI and AI are a difference of $100. There is also more memory storage with AI, BUT we know AI is completely nuts, so which one would you get?

Naveronski,
Thanks and HiLux's are down there I'm sure with similar engines. Hey, I might even pick up a diesel while I'm their ......lol! I will check out the garmin. I wish I had guys around me that where we could help each other work on each others rigs.....BROTHERHOOD!
Checked out the garmin......SAWEET!

 

You'll find plenty of like-minded petrol heads, but they'll be for other Toyota products, not the Tacoma. There are a ton of products that started in SA - Smartcap is one example.

 

I believe a handheld GPS is a better option than one integrated into a vehicle.

You can’t exactly walk around in a forest with a pickup truck in your pocket.

Sorry AI? I don’t follow. Do you mean Artificial Intelligence? (That’s a thing now?) I can’t comment on AI

In my “off-roading kit” regarding navigation, handheld colour GPS, IPad/iPhone with all maps and trail(we all have a smartphone now) , a very old and dated paper map of the region , accurate compass.
Also a computer but I keep that at home and use it for planning.
If literally everything fails, I can use the sun to guide me (unless there is a cloud).

It’s up to you if you believe an integrated infotainment/Navigation/and climate control is important to you, then go for it.

 

Thanks guys.....taking it all in