Stereo Upgrade

After struggling with the stock stereo (6 disc CD changer) for the first couple weeks with my new truck (07 SR5), I decided I needed an upgrade, ASAP!!!
I hadn't used a CD in years or the radio, so every time I got in my ride I felt like I was transported back to the nineties. To make it worse, when I hit the button to change tracks it would turn on the radio! Also, it was barely louder than my desktop computer speakers, lol.
So, I talked the wife into getting me an early birthday present....

After browsing tons of reviews and forums, I decided on a mid-range headunit that would transport my truck to the current century. No CD, no DVD, just bluetooth and usb
I wanted a Kenwood, but went with the Pioneer, because of bang for the buck...
Here is what I ordered:
Pioneer MVH-2300NEX
Coolwoo Backup Camera
Apps2Car Bypass
Direct Wireharness
Metra DD Dashkit

The install was fairly straightforward, but ran into a few snags. The dash kit did not fit well, it took a lot of pushing and bending to get it to fit and it scratched the edges in the process. But once it aligned it looked good and matched the existing. The bypass wire colors did not match the wire harness (these wire colors didn't match the pioneer harness either), so I had to reverse engineer that a little and after some trial and error, I got it to work, (videos will play while driving, but I don't plan to do that). The camera wasn't easy, running cables through the truck in 90 degree heat wasn't fun. Once I got the stereo up and running, there was one more hurdle... upgrading the stereo firmware. After trying and failing with multiple fat32 formated usb drives, i instead tried a SD card USB stick and that finally did the trick.

The stereo is louder and better quality sound, its easy to use and looks great!!! Plus I can actually see what is behind the truck when I back up... although the license plate mount is low to the ground, would prefer to mount it higher next time.

Well, it's been a week and no issues and I couldn't be happier!

 

That looks 10000x better than the factory stereo. Nicely done!

 

I almost bought a license plate mounted backup camera for my 07 but decided on this instead - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DCRS89M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you decide you want to replace yours, I really recommend this one

 

Nice install, recently installed Pioneer as well. + 1 for this Tailgate latch / camera. Definitely Worth it.

 

Thanks for letting me know about this!! My tailgate hatch lever is badly sun faded and needs to be replaced anyway. I can't believe I missed these when I was shopping for cameras...
The one I bought has helped with backing up to my trailer though, so definitely worth the $20 bucks.

 

View from my new latch camera.

 

Looks great, thinking of doing the same for my '10, did you have to replace the microphone or can you use the stock one?

 

You bet. Very easy install and works perfectly fine.

 

Awesome! I replaced my stereo earlier this year in my 08 and couldn't believe the difference. I added an amp in mine and did not do the backup camera. My stereo is wired for it and I believe the truck is as well, but I didn't purchase one. That might be something I look into down the road.

 

Great choice on your headunit. Though between yours and a comparable one from kenwood, you would most likely have to have both side by side to notice much difference in a few minor features and such. They keep it pretty competitive.

One thing you can look foward to is all the amazing audio options and potential expandability if you're in to that. Network crossover mode and time alignment used to be only available in $5-600 ish DSP'S.

Looks great, man. Totally worth it.

Ps. If you havent already found it, typically under functions, Advanced Sound Retrieval (S.RTRV), Select "2" if you like to stream music through bluetooth.

 

I notice you have the usb cable hanging out at the lower part. Is your AUX usb input not working now? I am thinking of installing the AVH-2440NEX or MVH-2400NEX and it only has 1 usb port. I too want Android Auto and mostly play music from a USB drive. I see there is a cable that you can use to connect the AUX port to the unit. Do you find yourself swapping the usb drive out to plug in your phone a hassle?

 

The 6 disc factory unit in my '07 works fine, but it won't let me turn the volume up. I will replace it with a single disc Kenwood head unit next month, no camera or anything fancy though.

 

@parker44 do you have the stock speakers after upgrading the deck with an amp? My Stock stereo went out in my 2008 Tundra CM and I'm contemplating adding an amp with a new deck but not sure I'll get that much better sound with the stock speakers. I guess its a cost benefit thing.

 

No, I upgraded the speakers a couple of months before doing the new unit and amp. I started with the speakers to see if that would help, and while it definitely helped with the stock unit, I wasn't the sound I was looking for. If you are replacing the head unit as well as adding an amp, I would definitely go ahead and replace those speakers while you are at it.