Hamilton Motor - Apple Carplay Conversion Kit

[Ratchey]

It turns out that the 2009 to 2011 LX570 unit isn't officially released. They potentially have a vehicle to use for development in October.

As I said before, I'm still an extremely happy customer. I'll keep pressing the voice button on the steering wheel after shifting from reverse to drive; it's a minor step that I've lived with for a year.

That is correct. I am one of the testers (for the 08/09 years) but because I am in Montana and not local to them on the East Coast, connecting with them to do changes and updates and getting info from the Canbus has been challenging. They were able to locate one locally that they will have access to in Oct. The big issue is the 08-09s are completely different than the 10-11s. So they will be two different units.

I am surprised you are having issues with the screen returning after going into reverse. That is the only camera function that currently works. We are working on getting the front and side cameras functioning as well as the screen returning after the parking sensors are triggered.

 

[Jdubsalot]

That is correct. I am one of the testers (for the 08/09 years) but because I am in Montana and not local to them on the East Coast, connecting with them to do changes and updates and getting info from the Canbus has been challenging. They were able to locate one locally that they will have access to in Oct. The big issue is the 08-09s are completely different than the 10-11s. So they will be two different units.

I am surprised you are having issues with the screen returning after going into reverse. That is the only camera function that currently works. We are working on getting the front and side cameras functioning as well as the screen returning after the parking sensors are triggered.

I don't have the front and side cameras turned on but the parking sensors do work.

I'm sure they'll get it all sorted. I did offer to help them if they wanted me to do some testing.

 

[open country]

The install video for the 2016 mentions supplying an extra cable to integrate with the rear seat screens. Has anyone confirmed that works and what functions does it do? Assuming it would allow streaming from CarPlay apps to the rear screen AUX input or maybe mirror the front screen?

 

[Tennessee80]

OK folks, I am about to pick up a 2008. I want to upgrade to an Apple CarPlay system

What’s my move? I will likely get a local installer in the Nashville area to do the work.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Tennessee80]

Looks like (after reading this thread) the Hamilton is the way to go. I may try to install it myself if folks on here have done it. I don’t like electrical, but if it’s straightforward, I’ll take a crack at it

 

[elcie200]

Looks like (after reading this thread) the Hamilton is the way to go. I may try to install it myself if folks on here have done it. I don’t like electrical, but if it’s straightforward, I’ll take a crack at it

Defn take a crack at it. It’s pretty easy. Taking the dash apart is a little intimidating if you’ve not done that before. But it’s totally doable. The wiring up part is dead simple. Check out the install videos, they’re really good.

I say this as I’m a “1 banana “ range car wrenches.

 

[Jdubsalot]

Looks like (after reading this thread) the Hamilton is the way to go. I may try to install it myself if folks on here have done it. I don’t like electrical, but if it’s straightforward, I’ll take a crack at it

It's not really any electrical work, just unplug A, plug into B, plug C into A's old spot. Taking things apart is the bit that requires patience.

 

[Ratchey]

Looks like (after reading this thread) the Hamilton is the way to go. I may try to install it myself if folks on here have done it. I don’t like electrical, but if it’s straightforward, I’ll take a crack at it

There probably won't be a unit ready for the 2008 until later in Oct. It is still in the testing phase. There are a few kinks to work out.

 

[Artie]

Looks like (after reading this thread) the Hamilton is the way to go. I may try to install it myself if folks on here have done it. I don’t like electrical, but if it’s straightforward, I’ll take a crack at it

I have a ECoffroad unit in my Cruiser and the Hamilton replacement screen in our LX. Both are great, if my ECoffroad ever goes out I’ll go with the Hamilton just because the customer service is great and they are located in NC. The one thing I do like with the ECoffroad is it will automatically switch to the aux port for sound if I go from radio/xm to some audio from CarPlay.

If you’re handy with tools and can watch a video and follow the steps I’d say try to install yourself. It’s really straightforward. It’s all plug and unplug and popping off trim panels.

 

[Tennessee80]

There probably won't be a unit ready for the 2008 until later in Oct. It is still in the testing phase. There are a few kinks to work out.

I’m not in any hurry, just starting to look at options! Thanks

 

[Valgrind]

I have a ECoffroad unit in my Cruiser and the Hamilton replacement screen in our LX. Both are great, if my ECoffroad ever goes out I’ll go with the Hamilton just because the customer service is great and they are located in NC. The one thing I do like with the ECoffroad is it will automatically switch to the aux port for sound if I go from radio/xm to some audio from CarPlay.

If you’re handy with tools and can watch a video and follow the steps I’d say try to install yourself. It’s really straightforward. It’s all plug and unplug and popping off trim panels.

The ECoffroad seems like you can add a front camera, unlike the Hamilton.

 

[Artie]

The ECoffroad seems like you can add a front camera, unlike the Hamilton.

I honestly can’t say since we use the OEM cameras on both ours. I’m sure those more knowledgeable than I can chime in. I have seen that both units have the ability to run apps like Netflix for video but I have not gone down this rabbit hole either. Both units are very capable.

 

[Dan Higgins]

I just ordered the Hamilton kit for my 2021 HE. I watched the video a couple of times. I'm pretty squeamish when it comes to messing my my cars but I have installed the Redarc trailer brake controller and a couple other simple things. The only part that worries me is taking apart the dash. But the guy in the video made it look easy! (I also watched the BeatSonic install video. It was helpful to see two different videos where they took apart the dash. The BeatSonic was a bit more detailed and the guy was a bit more cautious. Between the two I think I can do this.)

There are a lot of things I love about my LC. Looking at the recent offerings from Toyota/Lexus (new LC, GX550 OT+, etc) they just don't measure up to the 200 series and I don't trust the new engines. And with my 2021 LC I have it setup up just right for me: 2" OME lift, ARB compressor, Slee sliders, Gamiviti roof rack, ARB drawer (left side only), Gobi ladder, 3rd row seat (right side only, usually not deployed) and the small light that fits in the tailgate release button on the tailgate.

But the one thing I do like about the newer vehicles is CarPlay. (I use a Peak Design phone mount now and though it is pretty good, it is still only a phone screen.) I have monitored the prior options for adding CarPlay but none of them gave me a lot of confidence. It seems to me that Hamilton has addressed the various issues that existed with the prior options. So I pulled the trigger. We'll see how it goes. And now I see no need to consider the "more modern" vehicles.

 

[Artie]

I just ordered the Hamilton kit for my 2021 HE. I watched the video a couple of times. I'm pretty squeamish when it comes to messing my my cars but I have installed the Redarc trailer brake controller and a couple other simple things. The only part that worries me is taking apart the dash. But the guy in the video made it look easy! (I also watched the BeatSonic install video. It was helpful to see two different videos where they took apart the dash. The BeatSonic was a bit more detailed and the guy was a bit more cautious. Between the two I think I can do this.)

There are a lot of things I love about my LC. Looking at the recent offerings from Toyota/Lexus (new LC, GX550 OT+, etc) they just don't measure up to the 200 series and I don't trust the new engines. And with my 2021 LC I have it setup up just right for me: 2" OME lift, ARB compressor, Slee sliders, Gamiviti roof rack, ARB drawer (left side only), Gobi ladder, 3rd row seat (right side only, usually not deployed) and the small light that fits in the tailgate release button on the tailgate.

But the one thing I do like about the newer vehicles is CarPlay. (I use a Peak Design phone mount now and though it is pretty good, it is still only a phone screen.) I have monitored the prior options for adding CarPlay but none of them gave me a lot of confidence. It seems to me that Hamilton has addressed the various issues that existed with the prior options. So I pulled the trigger. We'll see how it goes. And now I see no need to consider the "more modern" vehicles.

We’ve done lots of mods to our Cruiser but having CarPlay is the one that gets used the most and adds the most convenience.

Ours is also a 2021 HE and I’ve been behind that dash several times. The one tricky part about disassembly is the getting the AC vents off. Idk if it’s like this for everyone but, on mine, it takes a fair amount of force to get them off. The first time you take it apart may be daunting, just take your time. Also, either remove or cover your gear shift knob with something as you’ll want to set that head unit on something to unplug it and that gear shifter is right there…it can scuff up that leather.

If you haven’t considered this before it is also a good time for a Gamiviti accessory panel that goes on top of the center dash speaker. That’s a great spot for some extra USB’s. Or run some elsewhere since you have all that dash stuff out of the way.

 

[sids911]

I am just about to purchase a 2017 LX 570 and looking at installing Hamilton's CarPlay solution. Any recommendations for installers in SoCal? Tearing up the interior would be too daunting(and time consuming) for me. Thanks!

 

[Dan Higgins]

We’ve done lots of mods to our Cruiser but having CarPlay is the one that gets used the most and adds the most convenience.

Ours is also a 2021 HE and I’ve been behind that dash several times. The one tricky part about disassembly is the getting the AC vents off. Idk if it’s like this for everyone but, on mine, it takes a fair amount of force to get them off. The first time you take it apart may be daunting, just take your time. Also, either remove or cover your gear shift knob with something as you’ll want to set that head unit on something to unplug it and that gear shifter is right there…it can scuff up that leather.

If you haven’t considered this before it is also a good time for a Gamiviti accessory panel that goes on top of the center dash speaker. That’s a great spot for some extra USB’s. Or run some elsewhere since you have all that dash stuff out of the way.

Thanks. I’ll keep all that in mind. And I’ll take a look at that accessory panel.

 

[lcjockey]

I'm still trying to understand what features the Hamilton or a new CarPlay integrated head unit brings over using BT? I know there's a ton of hype over these units but for $600+ what specifically are the advantages? Thanks

 

[Dan Higgins]

For me it is primarily about offloading and overlanding and long road trips (which we do a lot). Gaia, Trails Offroad specifically. The ability to download/save maps and routes offline. The type of information. Trail guide from Trails Offroad. On X works as well though Gaia and Trails Offroad work for me. And the for on-road trips Google Maps or Apple Maps and for the longer trips an app called InRoute (great for planning long trips). The map system that comes in the 200-series models is out of date, expensive to update and doesn't include all the info that Google or Apple have.

For the past few years I have used an iPhone on a Peak Design dash mount (actually works fairly well as far as holding the phone in a good position and solidly enough to stay put when I am bouncing around off road). But the screen is of course much smaller than the built in screen. Now I can go to a smaller phone. And I'll probably leave it in place in case I want to have something else displaying on the phone screen. I will use the OEM GPS screen for maps, routes, etc.

(I could care less about music and entertainment. And the "hands free Siri" has been fine for making calls and sending messages. For those the screen doesn't matter. But I don't do a lot of that anyway.)

 

[Chicago6MT]

I am just about to purchase a 2017 LX 570 and looking at installing Hamilton's CarPlay solution. Any recommendations for installers in SoCal? Tearing up the interior would be too daunting(and time consuming) for me. Thanks!

Have you looked at the install videos? Pretty straightforward. My replacement unit just arrived. Plan to install myself.

 

[Dan Higgins]

Have you looked at the install videos? Pretty straightforward. My replacement unit just arrived. Plan to install myself.

I also found the installation for the Beatsonic product to be helpful. They also go through how to disassemble the dash. Very similar process. But they offer a few additional points of advice regarding removing parts. The Hamilton install looks a bit simpler as they only have one "box" to install and they recommend placing it behind the head unit. But the tricks and suggestions for when and how to remove certain bolts and/or bits and parts was very similar. I have watched both multiple times - each time increasing my confidence that I can do this. And I am NOT someone who does mechanical stuff.

My Hamilton unit is apparently going to arrive early - today. So I will probably do this tomorrow and I'll let every know. I may post an install report and how well it works or doesn't after the install. I will be up in the mountains next week and will have a chance to see how it holds up while we are bounding around on some trails.