Which front camera mod?...Car Solutions or Anytime?

Which one do you guys recommend for a 2020 Taco? The CS one seems easier since I dont have to get under my dash to wire up a separate switch. Any downsides other than the camera comes on for a little while when you put it in drive?

 

I was in this position. All of the units to get a front camera working with the factory head unit represent a fair amount of what it would take to get an aftermarket head unit that already has this functionality. Ended up going that route and got all the other benefits therein.

 

What did you end up going with? Does replacing the Toyota Entune unit have any downsides as far as normal operation of the truck?

 

I used this:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-carplay-wireless-and-oem-audio-plus.620897/


No downsides. It's more reliable than my factory Entune, has a massively nicer screen, CarPlay, front camera support, a much better amp, and so on.

You can even color match the buttons to match the Toyota blue:



Carplay:

 

Does this support an “anytime” feature where you can turn the front or rear camera on at any time?

 

I would stay away from "anytime" I made a purchase with them and received a broken switch. When attempting to get the problem fixed i was just ignored and not responded to. I ended up getting car solutions. I have zero issues with it and it was an easy install.

 

CS gets my vote. Quick double click of MODE and camera is on. No fussing around for button.

Having the camera turn on when put into drive is not necessarily a bad thing. Helps you see any kids or pets that could be in front, out of view.

 

Yes.

 

@Pogue_Mahone

I went with a stand alone setup, for many reasons. Here's what I did:

Stand alone Front Camera 2019 SR5

 

Did you use the actual camera that CS sells? If so, how’s the quality?

 

i have the anytime backup camera unit because i prefer the switch (i want my truck to feel like a spaceship). it's been over 2 years now and no complaints.

 

No. Ended up buying a Natika on Amazon. Worked really well for exactly 1 yr. Then just died.

$40 NATIKA Backup/Front View Camera,IP69K Waterproof Great Night Vision HD and Super Wide Angle Metal OEM Style Reverse Rear View Backup Camera for Cars Pickup Trucks SUVs RVs Vans (Black)

Here's the link to it.

Then I bought a cheaper one.

Front/Side/Rear View Camera,Chuanganzhuo Universal Normal Image Car Reverse Front/Side/Rear View Bakcup Camera for All Car,Black

DO NOT buy this. FOV is pretty bad. I'm considering buying another Natika.

 

Anytime for me mainly bc I want the switch. Taking apart the dash radio area is not that hard just held on my clips. I followed some of dash meso install guides before I did mine.

 

Excellent, thanks. Just bought the Natika. Seemed like best available option.

 

I’ve had both. Started with the ABC with a Natika. All worked great. Decided to upgrade to the CS and kept the same camera. Really happy still.

Great camera choice!

 

I bought the Car Solutions for when I'm off roading. I liked not having to take my hands off the wheel to turn the camera on.

I regret the Natika camera I bought. It's angle is too wide so it distorts the picture so much that it is difficult to use off road.

 

Car Solutions and Natika camera in my 2021.

Put the same system in my wife's RAV4 2 years ago, and it is still working great!

 

Which head unit do you have in your 2021, I have what I think is the basic one and wonder if the Car Solutions will work? How did you mount the front camera?

 

I like the switch of the anytime instead of the CS version. Upgraded to a nakita camera and made my own bracket to work on the 2020 TRD grill.

Figure out how you would like to activate the camera. Getting to where to plug in the switch isn’t hard at all to install in the dash.

 

I have the JBL system. There is an actual camera mount that you can buy that screws right into the standard grill. I ordered that and it was easy to install, two screws and grill was already setup to accept it.
There is a video on installing the CS system. Let me know if you need any hints.