Best Apple Car Play Module? (11 Viewers)

[Perfectmax]

Tech changes quickly, figured I’d ask what the current best option is. Don’t mind spending a few $$ and taking dash, etc apart to install. Want a wireless option if possible. Hoping sound quality of music still remains great, etc.

What are the best solutions at this time? Truck is a 2019 LC, no back TV’s (if that matters).

Thanks!

 

[jwmNC]

Here are a couple of past threads that still have fairly up to date information. Users in these threads will be helpful if you repost your question there:

EC Offroad CarPlay Solutions For 2016+ 200 Series LC (NEW SEPT 2020 MODEL)

I'll download several versions of Netflix later today when I either take a break from work or am done for the day and get back to you, but yeah the file sizes definitely need to match. Assuming the APK file is good, I'm pretty sure you should be able to either tap it or press and hold to get an...

forum.ih8mud.com

Tesla head unit install (pre2016 LC) - first impressions and a couple bugs to figure out

As a software developer (but firmware / Android isn't my wheelhouse), I find the userdebug and test-keys stuff mildly amusing, but I would honestly prefer to see production versions in use. They're probably keeping costs down by using questionable development / test licenses. The other thing I...

forum.ih8mud.com

I have the EC Offroad interface box that goes behind the factory screen and it's been fine for me. I crimped one cable on the first install and they sent me a new one, ever since then it's been solid: Interface Module unit to suit LandCruiser 200, Car Play & GPS. Android

 

[Perfectmax]

Here are a couple of past threads that still have fairly up to date information. Users in these threads will be helpful if you repost your question there:

EC Offroad CarPlay Solutions For 2016+ 200 Series LC (NEW SEPT 2020 MODEL)

I'll download several versions of Netflix later today when I either take a break from work or am done for the day and get back to you, but yeah the file sizes definitely need to match. Assuming the APK file is good, I'm pretty sure you should be able to either tap it or press and hold to get an...

forum.ih8mud.com

Tesla head unit install (pre2016 LC) - first impressions and a couple bugs to figure out

As a software developer (but firmware / Android isn't my wheelhouse), I find the userdebug and test-keys stuff mildly amusing, but I would honestly prefer to see production versions in use. They're probably keeping costs down by using questionable development / test licenses. The other thing I...

forum.ih8mud.com

I have the EC Offroad interface box that goes behind the factory screen and it's been fine for me. I crimped one cable on the first install and they sent me a new one, ever since then it's been solid: Interface Module unit to suit LandCruiser 200, Car Play & GPS. Android

Thank you @jwmNC

In reading through the threads, still seems like these are a science project. Hummm.

 

[Docwyte]

I'm really happy with my BeatSonic wireless carplay. Install was really easy and their support is phenomenal

 

[dnh1]

I have Naviplus. The local audio shop installed it. I wasn’t interested in a science project either. I also have a 2019 LC.

 

[dnh1]

CarPlay works in a 2020 Land Cruiser

After seeing @BloggerL build thread for his Heritage Blogmobile I had to jump on the NaviPlus unit. Confirming wireless Apple CarPlay works on 2020 Land Cruiser.

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Perfectmax]

EC off-road probably looks to be the best, most comprehensive and most like an OEM Apply Play setup (found in newer cars). Most expensive though. Not looking to install random microphones, etc.

Would everyone else agree?

 

[jwmNC]

EC off-road probably looks to be the best, most comprehensive and most like an OEM Apply Play setup (found in newer cars). Most expensive though. Not looking to install random microphones, etc.

Would everyone else agree?

I think that sounds right. I will add that I've found EC Offroad customer service to be pretty helpful - not perfect, but they've responded and helped me out with a cable replacement when my first LVD cable got crimped (my fault, I wasn't careful where it ended up when I put everything back together).

 

[Casual Cruiser]

I think that sounds right. I will add that I've found EC Offroad customer service to be pretty helpful - not perfect, but they've responded and helped me out with a cable replacement when my first LVD cable got crimped (my fault, I wasn't careful where it ended up when I put everything back together).

Does the EC Offroad unit automatically boot into CarPlay when car is started? Does it return to CarPlay if surround cameras are turned on? I assume it returns to CarPlay after reverse camera comes on? Will it search for multiple different phones on start up or only the last used one? I may switch if EC Offroad addresses some of these pitfalls of the Naviplus system. Other than these items I am pleased with Naviplus.

 

[jwmNC]

Does the EC Offroad unit automatically boot into CarPlay when car is started?

Yes, with one caveat. When I created my Google Play account to download and install other apps onto the EC Off-road Android system, I created the account with 2 layer authentication. For some reason, this resulted in me having to hit a little unlock icon when the system first boots up to get into CarPlay. I only have to do this once at the beginning of the drive, but it didn’t require this extra step when I first installed it. I emailed EC Off-road and they said the 2 step auth is why, and for some reason they don’t have a fix. Not a big deal, it’s just hitting one button, no password entry needed.

Does it return to CarPlay if surround cameras are turned on?

Do you mean if you switch into reverse and activate the cameras? Or hit the camera button when the car isn’t moving? Yes to the first one, I’d have to check to confirm the second but I believe so.

I assume it returns to CarPlay after reverse camera comes on?

Yes, see above.

Will it search for multiple different phones on start up or only the last used one?

I think it defaults to the last phone that was connected, if that one is present and has Bluetooth turned on. Otherwise, I usually initiate the connection from the iPhone I want to use, going into Bluetooth settings to select the EC unit (you can change the name so I named mine LC CarPlay) and sometimes I also step into the wifi settings to select the Android hotspot if the connection isn’t immediate. It’s all second nature now.

I may switch if EC Offroad addresses some of these pitfalls of the Naviplus system. Other than these items I am pleased with Naviplus.

 

[Munson]

Installed Beatsonic in 2021 LC a few months ago. Seems like factory integration. Wish I had done it earlier and wish I could do it in my 2014. You can set it up to use the car Bluetooth for calls so you aren’t messing with and additional microphone to install. Sometimes my iPhone plays to the Toyota Bluetooth media player and I have to select the CarPlay option within whatever app I am playing sound from. I recall having to fight something like this with the bluetooth before the install, so this does not bother me that much. Now I just need to figure out how to add a physical control for the AC/heater fan and increase the mpg by 15 and I will have the perfect car.

 

[Docwyte]

Beatsonic is factory integration. It reuses the factory mic and bluetooth for calls in/out. It pairs automatically, all you do is long press the up button and you're on the CarPlay screen.

 

[NKP Garage]

For our 2017 LX570 I went the Amazon route. For $289 shipped. It works great:

The exact kit I purchased was this one:

https://amzn.to/3rpHQ0Z

-
Install video here:

 

[Casual Cruiser]

Do you mean if you switch into reverse and activate the cameras? Or hit the camera button when the car isn’t moving? Yes to the first one, I’d have to check to confirm the second but I believe so.

Let me clarify. You can set the Toyota surround cameras to automatically come on at slow speed for parking or off-road assistance then they turn off as you speed up. Naviplus defaults to Toyota screen rather than CarPlay when the surround cameras turn off in this instance. Naviplus defaults to CarPlay when the reverse camera turns off as expected but for some reason the surround cameras don't play the same with Naviplus. I would like to know what EC does in this case.

I think it defaults to the last phone that was connected, if that one is present and has Bluetooth turned on. Otherwise, I usually initiate the connection from the iPhone I want to use, going into Bluetooth settings to select the EC unit (you can change the name so I named mine LC CarPlay) and sometimes I also step into the wifi settings to select the Android hotspot if the connection isn’t immediate. It’s all second nature now.

Do you need to manually connect ever or does it automatically connect all the time when using the same phone?

 

[Casual Cruiser]

Beatsonic is factory integration. It reuses the factory mic and bluetooth for calls in/out. It pairs automatically, all you do is long press the up button and you're on the CarPlay screen.

Let me ask the same questions of Beatsonic that I did for the EC Unit. Does the Beatsonic unit automatically boot into CarPlay when car is started? Does it return to CarPlay if surround cameras are turned on? I assume it returns to CarPlay after reverse camera comes on? Will it search for multiple different phones on start up or only the last used one? Thanks for your feedback on this.

 

[Perfectmax]

For our 2017 LX570 I went the Amazon route. For $289 shipped. It works great:

The exact kit I purchased was this one:

https://amzn.to/3rpHQ0Z

-
Install video here:

Looks like this is specifically designed for Lexus. Do you think it would work for a '19 Land Cruiser?

 

[NKP Garage]

Looks like this is specifically designed for Lexus. Do you think it would work for a '19 Land Cruiser?

I think that one is specifically for the lexus. Looks like this one is listed as being compatible with the Land Cruiser and many other toyota models: https://amzn.to/3sisX10

 

[residualboulders]

I had Naviplus and it had many problems. It always required that you navigate into it when you start up and it would glitch out, a lot. The only way I could get it to work again was to pull over, turn off the car and start over. I sent it back and tried a second unit which had the same problems. I returned it.

I replaced it with EC Offroad and it's been great. It auto loads at start up and starts playing where I left off. Sound is good. I don't use the stock screen for anything really and don't use AM/FM or XM radio. Just stream with apple or spotify. Any maps program I would use is within carplay - so if you are one that uses the stock navigation, XM, AM, FM it may not be as convenient for you. For my use, it's great.

 

[Casual Cruiser]

I had Naviplus and it had many problems. It always required that you navigate into it when you start up and it would glitch out, a lot. The only way I could get it to work again was to pull over, turn off the car and start over. I sent it back and tried a second unit which had the same problems. I returned it.

I replaced it with EC Offroad and it's been great. It auto loads at start up and starts playing where I left off. Sound is good. I don't use the stock screen for anything really and don't use AM/FM or XM radio. Just stream with apple or spotify. Any maps program I would use is within carplay - so if you are one that uses the stock navigation, XM, AM, FM it may not be as convenient for you. For my use, it's great.

You can set the Toyota surround cameras to automatically come on at slow speed for parking or off-road assistance then they turn off as you speed up. Naviplus defaults to Toyota screen rather than CarPlay when the surround cameras turn off in this instance. Naviplus defaults to CarPlay when the reverse camera turns off as expected but for some reason the surround cameras don't play the same with Naviplus. I would like to know what EC does in this case.

 

[residualboulders]

You can set the Toyota surround cameras to automatically come on at slow speed for parking or off-road assistance then they turn off as you speed up. Naviplus defaults to Toyota screen rather than CarPlay when the surround cameras turn off in this instance. Naviplus defaults to CarPlay when the reverse camera turns off as expected but for some reason the surround cameras don't play the same with Naviplus. I would like to know what EC does in this case.

I know my back up cam comes on and defaults back to EC Offroad when I put it in gear. I'm pretty sure the 360 cams still work the same as well. I'll double check when I get home. Not sure if I am remembering [360 cams] correctly on the 200 or the other rig.