300 series head units compatability
Submitted: Saturday, Aug 12, 2023 at 16:49
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Member - bungarra (WA)
I am seriously considering signing up for either a GXL or VX to replace my 2014 200 series.
Very disappointed in Mr Toyota not bothering to consider any decent navigational aids in the GXL and only having sat nav in the VX.
I replaced the head unit in my current GXL 200 with an Android unit and its excellent. Displays all the Android apps that I use for offroad navigation. Specifically, Exploroz traveler that is my main use offroad along with a number of other special interest prospecting/geology apps.
Out of curiosity I tried Android auto on it the other day only to realise its completely useless as any decent Android app doesn't work. In fact, the only offline one was Mapsme...the handful of others were irrelevant for my purpose.
That aside, I'm hoping there are workarounds in particular for some Android apps?
Is that technology out there?
I note there is an aftermarket head unit for the 300 series GXL but not the VX owing to some other Toyota controls that are in it..so that may not ever come on the market.
I am hoping there is some workaround where I can retain the Toyota head unit but somehow use
Exploroz Traveller and a few other Android apps displaying on the OEM unit
Failing that the 300 may not happen as its fundamental for my purposes to have decent off-road navigation on the head unit and I am not prepared to use my phone or tablet in the cab..keeping clutter to the minimum.
Reply By: Stevemac - Saturday, Aug 12, 2023 at 17:07
Saturday, Aug 12, 2023 at 17:07
Get a Land Rover/Range Rover
AnswerID:
644265
Follow Up By: John Baas - Sunday, Aug 13, 2023 at 02:45
Sunday, Aug 13, 2023 at 02:45
How would that help...?
FollowupID:
924287
Follow Up By: Member - Boobook - Sunday, Aug 13, 2023 at 06:26
Sunday, Aug 13, 2023 at 06:26
Because you don't need a map if you always know where your 4wd is.
In your inner city, local Land Rover dealer's workshop
Or on the back of a tow truck that has its own navigator.
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Sunday, Aug 13, 2023 at 18:56
Sunday, Aug 13, 2023 at 18:56
Toyotas are not too far behind Boobook. Plenty of disappointed owners. 2 class actions .
FollowupID:
924289
Follow Up By: Member - PhilD_NT - Thursday, Aug 31, 2023 at 21:50
Thursday, Aug 31, 2023 at 21:50
If that were true, Boobook, then things must have changed since I had
mine.
I had an old 2 door RangeRover for 38 years before selling it. Even then it still had the original clutch, wheel bearings, universal joints. Engine and gearboxes need overhauling but not unexpected for it's treatment. Not too many leather oils seals left though. Simple electronics of radio and a breakerless ignition. Never recalled while I had it and no breakdowns requiring the Dealers workshop.
Compare that to our current 4x4 at one year or so into its life had a 6 week Dealer workshop stay for fault finding.
I just had a quick look at the Government recalls site and attached is the top 15. It seems that Landrover products aren't playing their part in keeping up with the public theory of unreliability.
Vehicle recall totals, top 15
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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Sunday, Aug 13, 2023 at 21:17
Sunday, Aug 13, 2023 at 21:17
I’ve got a Vhedia head unit in my 79 series, but when I checked their website, they don’t appear to have a unit for the 300’s yet? However, did find the following, but know nothing about them.
300 series head unit.
Bob
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Keith B2 - Thursday, Aug 31, 2023 at 20:06
Thursday, Aug 31, 2023 at 20:06
I recently bought a 10 inch Android unit from RC Off Road for my 200 Series at a cost of about $1350.
I mention this because the unit (which looks pretty good) came with absolutely no documentation. No fitting instructions. No operating instructions. Nothing.
They expect you to troll through YouTube videos, which are worse than hopeless, to get the relevant information. And this is a fairly complex piece of gear with lots of menus and operating options. If you can find them.
I contacted the company and had a big whinge and they have just sent me some video links, which I haven't downloaded yet. I also bought a mechanical milk frother from Aldi for $9.50. It came with a its own little instruction book.
So, when it comes to product documentation, RV Off road really need to gather their excrement into one spot.
Hope you have better luck with your 300 Series.
Keith
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - PhilD_NT - Thursday, Aug 31, 2023 at 21:07
Thursday, Aug 31, 2023 at 21:07
I tried an EC Offroad unit in our
Ranger, but after issues with lack of support with an issue of physical incompatibility with some connectors I returned it for a refund. There are other suppliers with better support.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: RMD - Monday, Aug 14, 2023 at 19:09
Monday, Aug 14, 2023 at 19:09
Bungarra.
I know I often see things differently to many other conformist but, I wouldn"t replace the head unit but use a small, ie, phone screen easily viewed at corner of dash and near line of sight. When that is not enough info you can stop, ie, use brakes, and switch on and
check a larger tablet screen when needed. Both of those are then portable to be used in other vehicles/ mates truck, caravan/tent or when walking. Way better in my view! Such versatility is then available to you at lower cost. I resume you already have a phone and tablet.
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Reply By: Member - bungarra (WA) - Monday, Aug 14, 2023 at 19:12
Monday, Aug 14, 2023 at 19:12
Thanks, but as I said I can do that...but I won't do.
"Failing that the 300 may not happen as its fundamental for my purposes to have decent off-road navigation on the head unit and I am not prepared to use my phone or tablet in the cab..keeping clutter to the minimum.
Doesn't suit my purposes for what I do Offroad.
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Reply By: ExplorOz - David & Michelle - Tuesday, Sep 05, 2023 at 01:26
Tuesday, Sep 05, 2023 at 01:26
Hi I only just saw this post. Please take a look at the info I’ve documented on the FAQ section which specifically looks at headunits on the
ExplorOz Traveller webpage as I have all the options there for you to consider.
Hope that helps
Michelle
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