Hamilton Upgrade Kit for CarPlay® and Android Auto

Has anyone installed one of these?

https://www.hamiltonmotorcompany.co...carplay-upgrade-module?variant=50345971024186

 

I’ve been wanting something like that, how about you order it report back. I’ll base my purchasing decision off your review lol

 

Anyone order this? I'm thinking about doing it.

 

Not yet. Sign up for their email list and they will give you $35 to $50 off.

 

Looks similar to this one but more money and no reviews?

$329 Wireless/Wired Adapter for CarPlay Android Auto Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2014-2019 Entune 2.0 High Definition Audio High Screen Resolution.

https://www.amazon.com/2014-2019-Definition-Resolution-Mirroring-Compatible/dp/B0CB2ZR6QZ

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...6-and-2017-models.792198/page-6#post-29526178

 

I have the CarSync tech version mentioned above. It works great and has better resolution than the other options on Amazon. CarSync Tech also has great customer service. Wireless CarPlay works great and you still retain all of the factory deck features. Remember, it only works on units up until 2018 or 2019 (whenever CarPlay was introduced from the factory). If you want to retain your stock deck and want wireless CarPlay, this is one of the few options... don't hesitate and do it!

 

any degradation of audio (or hopefully same or better) with either one of these units?

 

Not with the CarSync version. It connects audio through the stock Bluetooth connection. Can’t speak to the Hamilton solution but it looks pretty similar.

 

How's the install for someone who has never done any audio installs before?

 

You need to understand basic head unit removals. The Tacoma isn't horrible. It requires removing the panel around the head unit. The panel will pull off with both heater vents. Then you have 4 bolts to unscrew the head unit, slide it out, remove the plethora of harness plugs.

Once you've removed the head unit, the install of this unit can be a bit tricky as it requires removing/installing ribbon connectors. If you have no experience with these type of connectors, might be better to have someone else help you.

But, if you're handy and know how to work on things... I'm sure you can do it... watch the video instructions for both headhunt removals and the installation of this product (watch both the CarSynch Tech and Hamilton videos). If you're comfortable with what they're doing in the videos, you should be set. The only way to learn something is to try it the first time.

 

Have a Carpuride from Amazon. Installed in my Ford Edge before it died due to a cracked flexplate. It worked well with Ford Sync. Tested with Iphone 13 and Iphone 16. Would crash occasionally but starts right up when hard power off. Resolution was great. Probably will still work with my new to me 2016 Tacoma Limited with JBL Sound System.

 

There are a few on the Lexus GX forums that installed this system. One of the posters on the forum did a self-install and stated they were not super mechanically inclined. I was looking at one of these for my GX460. The Lexus Guys seem to like it.

 

I just ordered mine should be here shortly. I'm on vacay so great time to take my time tearing down the head unit and updating it with the Hamilton. Their site says it ends up being much better visually than other units from China. I guess I will find out soon if $400 is worth it...lol

 

I’m definitely interested too. Has anybody used this in conjunction with an anytime rear backup camera? Maybe I missed it in the thread.

 

Hi...I purchased the Hamilton Motor Company CarPlay unit for my 2017 Tacoma...and it has been great. Took about an hour to install and I retained the satellite radio antenna module box. Both the steering wheel and on radio controls work with the unit as does the backup camera. Been about a month now and I am most pleased...looks factory with great sound and mine is not JBL. I use Google Maps and Amazon Music and they work flawlessly.

 

It sounds good but is there bigger version of it? I think that looks smaller than OEM screen

 

It uses the OEM screen and head unit. It is a CarPlay module that installs on the head unit itself. Here is a photo. If you haven't glanced at Hamilton's install video for the Tacoma, it will answer a lot of your questions.

 

I just ordered one for my 2018. $349 with discount code: WELCOME50
A $12 shipping insurance is automatically added and I removed that. Free 3 day shipping from NC to WV.

 

Just ordered and installed. I took a chance and kept the xm radio module connected. It was a bit tight getting everything back in there, but it all fit. It seems to work well except I can’t seem to get my OBD Fusion app to display. That was one of the high ranking reasons to get CarPlay. Anybody else have the same situation?

 

Just a guess, but CarPlay only displays the first eight apps on the Home Screen. It then displays the next eight on screen two. I'm told that IOS 18.4 will display more apps if your screen is large enough. Mine has a limitation of those 16 apps unless I rearrange them in my iPhone CarPlay settings.