CLEAN head unit recommendations

Has anyone used the app “Waze” with this head unit for navigation? Does it work? Could someone please test it out and see?

 

Would you mind posting a couple pics of your Alpine installed?

 

My problem with that one is it’s expensive and doesn’t really offer anything special at all besides being plug and play. It doesn’t retain all the stock features, and it costs a fortune. I’d argue 99% would benefit more from a regular aftermarket unit of their choice and then get the proper components to make it work. The only reason it sells successfully is because it's sold plug and play...but there are better options. Of course, that depends on the buyer on if that compromise is a big deal or not.

You've got it pretty much all correct.

I can not confirm if that large Pioneer works with the aftermarket mounting kits, but I would think so. I saw other folks talk about drilling holes and reusing the stock brackets, I'm guessing because they're nice sturdy metal, rather than flimsy plastic.

Otherwise, you're good to go, however I would highly suggest the Maestro RR2 over the RR. It has increased functionality which you may or may not care about, but it's a better product to purchase because the original RR has issues with the radio randomly rebooting. The Maestro actually takes over and powers the radio, so that flaw in the maestro causes the radio to restart occasionally. It's harmless but annoying. May as well get the better Maestro that doesn't have any reports of this issue, the price is not all that different between them.

You should be good otherwise. You'll need to splice your radio harness to the speaker wires on the Maestro HRN harness unless you pay Crutchfield for the readyharness option. That is not a big deal. EDIT: nevermind, I see that adapter harness you linked. Never seen that before.

You will need to plug in the maestro to your laptop and use the idatalink software to program the steering wheel controls how you want them. I highly recommend swapping the volume and seek controls, setting volume to up/down and seek to left/right is fantastic. I don't care that the functions don't match the button labels.

The antenna adapter kit from idatalink will let you use your factory satellite antenna for XM if you get the XM tuner, and will also have an adapter to let you use the factory GPS antenna rather than the typically crappy GPS antenna supplied with aftermarket head units.

 

With WC6600NEX and Android Auto, I used Waze almost exclusively. I'm on the beta version, so it works with the new coolwalk interface.

 

Well I did it. Doing the pioneer HU installed and getting remote start put in as well, taking it to the local car audio place that specializes in that stuff. By the time you add the HU, all the modules to make it work with factory controls and the remote start came out to 2400 bucks including tax and I don’t have to F with the install.

 

Less headache for you, congrats! You’ll enjoy it!

 

Guess I’ll just ask this now too. Is there a way to bypass the parking brake sensor so my front seat passenger can watch videos while the truck is in motion?

 

Ground the parking brake sense wire.

The Maestro provides that for the radio. So you can either snip it between the two, or snip it between the maestro and truck. I would snip it for the radio and not the maestro.

the shop probably won’t do it for you if that’s what you’re after.

 

On the Pioneer Headunit, you can bypass it via software. So you don't need to snip a cable or ground the parking brake sensor.

There are two hidden buttons on the source off screen which you have to press for 10 seconds one after the other, the timing is somewhat strict so it takes a few tries to get it.

I have a Google TV attached to the HDMi port, and my passenger would watch YouTube or something as we drive downtown.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4g97WW5OB8

 

Oh yeah, here is a picture of Waze running on the WC6600NEX.

 

Hope you’re opting for the RR2 and not the RR.

 

i'd recommend the Sony XAV-9500ES trail grid pro has kit. I personally have in my taco.
https://trailgridpro.com/products/sony-xav-9500es-plug-play-bundle-16-22-tacoma/

 

How are you guys streaming video? Roku, firestick? There’s an hdmi port in the back of the stereo but not sure if a Roku will work, don’t know that there’s a power source for it back there anywhere. What are others doing for video streaming?

 

I'd second the Sony. Final ripped out the last of the JBL and couldn't be happier. While the image shows Apple Carplay, I put a dedicated Android device in my center console as Android Auto works better in my opinion. That weird lag from the wireless Carplay? Gone with Android Auto. Personally despise the Android software, but they get this right.

Waze layout and usage – better.
Spotify layout and usage – better.
Apple Music – .

For the bezel haters (because I am one), not noticeable during normal use. The shortcuts at the bottom utilize some of that space as well.

Last note, if you mount it correctly, you can actually get it pretty close to the dash. There will always be a preference between larger screens and flush mounts ... Make up your mind and go with what you like. Besides, ain't none of us riding in your truck anyways.

Hope this helps.

 

I went with the Pioneer and love it so far. Apple CarPlay, live television with Roku. It’s pretty kick ass and looks stock.

 

Is that android auto in your pic here?

 

Yes.
This is the newer coolwalk UI.

 

Looks great!

I would also recommend adding one or two washers to the mounting bracket, so it will push out the headunit to sit flush with the trim piece.

 

@Rainoffire if you wouldn’t mind helping me with another question. First of all I see you’re in Guam, couple of my buddies were stationed there I’ve heard some fun stories. Secondly, on this new pioneer head unit it has Bluetooth, Alexa, Apple CarPlay. I have found that if I hook up Bluetooth and configure Alexa is conflicts with CarPlay and actually made the CarPlay icon go away. I had to completely remove and re-pair my phone to get it back. Is it not possible to have both Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay connected at the same time, and would I ever need them connected at the same time? Trying to understand more about how CarPlay works with Bluetooth and Alexa and Siri. Maybe it’s CarPlay and Siri or Bluetooth and Alexa, depending upon what you prefer to use as your setup?