Review: CartrimHome C12 14.6" Screen for the 3rd Gen Tacoma

Here’s my quick written review of the CartrimHome C12 14.6” screen for the 3rd Gen Tacomas. My install video and a link to the product will be in the first comments

Fits: All Trim Levels of the 2016-2023 3rd Generation Toyota Tacoma (both JBL and non-JBL)
Install time: About 1-2 hours (if you follow my video)
Retains: Steering wheel controls, front/rear camera systems, manual HVAC controls, HVAC vent volume, OEM look/feel.
Options: Silver or Black,Additional storage and RAM
Main Features: Large 14.6” screen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Integrated HVAC vents for stock airflow, video streaming, etc.
Purchase: I purchased directly from CartrimHome and it took about 1 week to arrive from China to California. They also have units available on Amazon under the name “High Flying”
Warranty: 1 year warranty through CartrimHome directly, although if you purchase through Amazon, you can purchase up to 2 years

Install: Since there were no instructions, my install took a bit longer, but I filmed an install video to help those installing. Even without install instructions, the install was pretty straight forward. The biggest hurdle was determining which main wiring harness to use. Pulling the existing Toyota screen out was easy - just four 10mm bolts and unplug everything. I pre-mounted the bracket and pre-wired all harnesses going into the new CartrimHome screen. Then, it’s go time! I used a box to go over the shifter to make for a platform to work inside the truck laying the screen face down. I started plugging in everything that fits leaving about 4 plugs no longer needed from the dash to the screen. Lift the screen, align it with the bracket and click the entire unit into the dash. Drop in the two screws on the backside of the screen and pop the covers on and you’re done.

Initial startup/Apple CarPlay: After firing up the truck, I connected my bluetooth connection to SYU-Android and entered into the Carlink 2.0 app to access Apple CarPlay. Then I used the app launcher app to tell the unit that every time I start the truck to automatically connect to Apple CarPlay - this process takes between 10-15 seconds - usually quicker than getting my seatbelt on and shifting into drive. I tested the steering wheel controls, back up camera and everything that the stock radio would be controlling and everything works great

The Android Side: AMAZING! You do have to connect a wifi signal from your phone - I use my hotspot feature. You then have access to pretty much every video streaming app through the Google Play Store. I have tested YouTube, Netflix and Paramount+ and they all work great once logged in to your account. The video quality is excellent and having that large screen makes for great lunch hours or keeping passengers busy (I do not connect video while driving, though). There is a cool home screen that has truck options that includes everything you’re doing with your truck like driving, reversing, lights, door ajar, etc. You can control the color of truck, license plate, etc, although only the 4th gen Tacoma and the Cybertruck are available. I’m, sure there’s other cool stuck, but that’s all I have ventured out to.

Day to Day usage: AMAZING! I’ve had it installed for about 2.5 months now since launch and it’s just amazing when I get into the truck. The navigation screen (both Google Maps and Apple Maps) is now larger to view and easy to glance at when in areas for the first time. The sound after I messed with the equalization app is amazing - better than stock and almost feels like an amplifier is powering my Kicker speakers (Listening to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”). The vents actually work great, probably even better airflow now, than with stock round vents. I though I’d miss the volume knob, but the steering wheel controls is my default now - there is a swipe feature on the screen, just place two fingers and move up or down to control the volume (great for your passenger as well).

Positives:

• Screen Size Matters! The real estate is amazing and so easy to glance at things
• Vents are Great! This was my biggest obstacle when buying - losing the all round vents - but they function great and barely notice the difference (in shape) in the cab. They function better than stock (airflow)
• Ease of Install (Use my video) and you’ll have this up and running in about an hour if you’re handy, 2 hours if you’re a first timer
• OEM look - Everyone I’ve showed this to asks “How’d you get the 4th gen screen in the 3rd gen, are they compatible? They think it’s a Toyota product right off!
• Video Streaming - I love lunch breaks or just extra time in drive-throughs, etc. as you can easily stream video to pass the time
• Wireless CarPlay - I’ve tested many dongles with the Stock radio and this unit connects in less than half the time of the best unit I’ve tested. Usually 10-15 seconds at most and it’s connected EVERY time without fail. A previous dongle would be good for 10 out of 15 starts.
• Support - Between CartrimHome directly and their CTH Owners FB group, they are super easy to deal with and the beta testers help trouble shoot issues in a forum style.

Negatives:

• No Instructions - That’s why I have a video!
• Screen Protector - The C12 comes with a shipping screen protector with a pull tab, which I removed and also a pre-installed protector from the factory. Unfortunately, there’s a few 2-3mm wide bubbles likely caused by dust when they installed it.
• Vents don’t close - Not a deal breaker for me, but my wife likes to shut the vents from time to time and these two vents cannot fully close.
• Volume Knob - It took me a good month to not instantly try to grab the volume knob that wasn’t there anymore. There are the steering wheel controls and the swipe feature on the screen, but an optional wireless knob for the center console would be cool.
• You Won’t go Back to Stock - I’ve already decided, I can never go back to that tiny 7” screen.

If you’re on the fence about this upgrade, buy with confidence. I’ve had many regrets on certain upgrades on my Tacoma and this is NOT one of them. If my CartrimHome screen go damaged somehow, I would buy another immediately!

 

Here's my install video: https://youtu.be/zGX5WDHGt9c
Here's a link to the product: https://amzn.to/41vpCuU

 

Which model did you get? Their page shows default unit and default unit plus wired and wireless carplay dongle. Also wondering if the DMM mount would work with this as well?

 

ill be interested to see how long it last.

 

I've heard the different style mounts will not work with this unit as the screen stock slightly above the dash. I got the base model (Memory and Storage) in Black

 

I was skeptical as well - it comes with a 1 year warranty (normal for electronics) or you can buy a 2 year warranty through Amazon. My unit has been installed for almost 3 months and no issues. If this thing dies tomorrow, I'd still buy another one...it's that good

 

Are you able to plug in an XM antenna to it?

 

No, that's one of the stock plugs that's left hanging in the dash. I've found myself using all of the apps now in CarPlay - like for radio, I use iHeart radio (which sounds so much better than normal radio) - so you can do the same for XM/Sirious

 

First off...NO OFFENSE MEANT AT ALL!!!

But, why in the hell does anyone need a 14" screen when you are supposed to be driving/watching traffic???

Not just you, but all vehicles seem to be making larger and larger infotainment centers - DISTRACTED DRIVING???

 

I only mentioned that because I look at the Chinese stereo systems in the audio threads and people post about issues after a few years.

 

I had those same thoughts until I rented an F150 a few weeks ago. That thing had a big head unit, it was awesome. The res on the cameras was superb too. I was my Taco had that same setup.

BTW, how was the camera resolution on this unit?

 

None taken! - Probably the one thing I like about the 4th gen is the screen, the rear bumper (ARB) and the Pro Grill. Since this was a plug and play, I could always revert back if I need to, but the screen size is pretty nice, especially for maps - and contrary to being distracted, you can easily glance over on a 14" screen vs. a 7" screen much easier.

 

Probably my biggest gripe (outside of my review because I'm still trying to solve it) is the camera resolution.....and it's not the screen's fault. Toyota put in RCA plugs to transfer video data. ANALOG video data, so no matter what you do, you can't get a better image from that camera and that line. The best it will ever be is 480p

 

Yeah, it's always a gamble, but I had a different feeling about this one. I joined their testing group on FB prior to purchase and was able to see the ins and outs of the unit prior. Plus notated any issues and saw how the company dealt with it. Although this is made in China, it's pretty decent

 

These Chinese headunits come with old version (13 I believe) Android and most likely will not see many updates. With that being said, I paid about the same money for my Sony xav 9500es, it doesn't play Netflix, Xbox. My Sony only has a 10 inch screen, but it's 3 sets of RCAs, wireless CarPlay and it's a quality name brand. No offense towards your purchase

 

I didn't buy one. I have a Kenwood excelon 905. I'm skeptical of the durability of these off name brands

 

What you’re saying sound’s intuitively correct, but consider this: the larger a screen is the easier it is so gather whatever information it is you need at a glance. Likewise, if you are interfacing with the screen it’s easier to do touch what is needed if you have a larger target for your inputs. This actually makes the use of the screen less distracting than a smaller screen, requiring less concentration and fine motor skills.

 

I have a smaller (6" or 7") GPS unit mounted to the right of my steering wheel (near the top of the dash)- piece of cake to see the street names/locations. I use it all the time for working in unfamiliar locations. No idea what interfacing means???

Again, not trying to cause trouble here.

 

INTERFACE

1. 2.
   COMPUTING
   a device or program enabling a user to communicate with a computer.
   "a graphical user interface"

I was referring to when you’re in traffic dicking around with your radio or gps or whatever else the screen allows you to interface with.

 

Thanks for the definition!