I love the humility to be able to admit the shortcomings of the purchase. A lot of people refuse to admit the negatives, especially when they spent so much money on a thing. This video was great, you’re great, and this whole damn channel is great.

I do love that you go back and revisit your previous mods and installs so often to give followup observations... so many youtubers out there promise to do so, and never get around to it. Thank you and keep up the great content.

Loctite, as others have mentioned, is a good recommendation but I suggest using rubber washers in conjunction to mitigate the loose tolerances and rattle. You can squish them as tight as you need to and the Loctite will hold it in place.

Replacing the tweeters was the best upgrade. Huge difference! Then replaced all the door speakers with kickers, helped a lot but almost no bass. I added a cheap Rockwell powered sub, it’s amazing! Totally kills the Bose in my Infiniti . I don’t think you need to replace the whole unit….but that’s kinda what you get paid for right.

Your awesome Chloe keep up the good work on the reviews. I installed the stinger in my 2019 Tacoma and I’m loving it. I look forward to more of your videos.

I've got a 2019 TRD Sport with a 6-speed manual. In addition I have the Heigh10 and love it. I do notice the same rattling when off-road. I'll be looking at foam strips and maybe rubber washers to put in soon. When installing the headunit, I also rerouted my usb that sends data to the unit to my center console. Game changer for a clean setup and not having to battle the usb cord when shifting. It would've been super convenient to have wireless carplay and just plop the phone on the wireless charger. Love the channel!

@Chloe Kuo Excellent video. But I would wait for the 2nd Gen Stinger Heig10 units. (Custom Car Audio installer here). I much prefer the *Kenwood eXcelon Reference DNX-series* 10.1" floating screen head units. The screen quality is better and these have a Volume Knob as well and better Sound Quality than the Stinger if you aren't using its Toslink Digital Output. The Kenwood combined with an *iDataLink Maestro RR* OEM integration module will retain the OEM features as well as give you custom programmable Steering Wheel Control buttons, and each button can have a Dual Function by using a single press or "long press". For instance, both my Volume Up & Volume Down will also MUTE the audio with a Long-Press of those buttons. You also might want to look at the newly released Alpine *HALO iLX-F509* or *iLX-F511* 9" or 11" screen respectively, combined with an iDataLink Maestro RR module to keep the OEM features and add custom programmable dual-function steering wheel control buttons. It doesnt have the built-in Volume Knob. HOWEVER, you can add the optional *Alpine RUX-H02* Remote Volume Knob which can attach to either side of the screen, or it can be mounted ANYWHERE in the vehicle as it is wireless. To eliminate the noise from the stereo dash kit plastic parts rubbing or rattling against each other, use strips of automotive *Tesa Tape* interior fuzzy fabric tape between all of the plastic and/or metal parts. "Tesa Tape" is used by the OEMs and is typically used to wrap the wiring harness wire bundles together, but it works well to eliminate squeaks and rattles between mating interior trim panels or mounting tabs and clips, etc. The Tesa Tape is extremely thin and compressible. Rubber "Fender Washers" might work well but might be too thick for some applications. You can simply build up multiple layers of the Tesa Tape if you need it to be thicker to fill larger gaps, etc. I WOULD NOT use LOCTITE. You want to be able to remove the stereo dash mounting kit for maintenance, and LOCTITE will typically damage the plastic threads during screw removal making the parts unusable. Even when using the LOCTITE specifically made for plastic.

Chloe that a pretty good review I just got the HEIGH10 for my tundra. I agree with all the negatives you listed. I had previously had upgraded speakers and amplifier with a subwoofer added so upgrading to this headunit made the sound so much better.

Thanks for the review, I installed one after your previous install video and I am very happy with the unit, no squeaks! Do you regret losing a place for your cell phone holder? I noticed you had the phone upside down in the cup holder. I had your previous cell phone holder and had to remove it to make room for the stinger so I brought the angled version of the mount and the drop in cell phone holder that has the connected power cable from pro clips. It works for me! It is on the right side of the stinger. It has the potential to slide off but I find that there is just enough grip from the mount that it holds in place all the time. Keep up the good work! I think every one of my mods has been inspired by you👍

Nice vids, and many good points 👍. For me, Cloth Tessa Tape, and 3M double stick foam tape have been my go-to for chasing down/ eliminating interior rattles and squeaks, etc.

As some have mentioned instead of using Loctite, use rtv silicone as it is designed to be used with rubber gaskets. The idea for rubber washers is a good idea also. You can also put some if the rtv silicone in between the factory panel and the mount which will also help hold everything in place.

As for the features I like... I love the screen size. I LOVE the multi camera function (though I wish it had a split screen mode, and none of the reviewers I have seen have shown one that I recall) (I am not sure those two features justify $1500+ replacement head unit that results in malfunction or loss of function of other factory features, especially for someone on a budget that still needs things like a winch bumper and better skid plates) Prior to the release of this head unit, I was seriously considering a rearview anytime camera mod with an aftermarket "Birds Eye Camera System" wired into the "front camera" mode, and using a separate rearview camera system designed for RVs as my primary review system (as my bed cap does block a large portion of my rear vision). I had initially seen this head unit as an alternative (with a couple video switches to allow me to switch rearview camera between one or two truck mounted switches, and a future wireless receiver for a trailer camera, and possibly an regular forward camera, and an alternate forward thermal camera (I found some camera sensors, and was looking into the electronics to make my own for FAR less than commercially available units) allowing me to see those deer (or pedestrians) on the side of the road at night) To be honest, I have been content with my audio options. I use android, and with the exception of a gremlin or two, my bluetooth audio has worked fine, my sat radio works fine except when I am deep in the hills and valleys... my only complaint is I can not use voice to text while using bluetooth (something I tried for the first time in the two years I have been driving my 2018 TRD Off Road only yesterday when an old friend and I where driving home to separate locations after getting together 200 miles from home.) My friend had his wife with him so one could text while the other drove. I was solo, so I had to use text to voice to receive messages, but had to rely on the default messages on the radio screen to reply or to call him back. (You CAN IN THEORY use voice command for those pre packaged replies, but mine could not recognize my answers for some reason)

I just installed mine yesterday on a 2020 Trd. Highly satisfied

Great video. If I'm spending that much on a new head unit I'd want to know all the negatives as well. I can't wait for my Tacoma this week.

Jensen Car 910W floating unit is what I have in my 3rd gen and its great! Also did kickers in all doors, tweeters and added an infinity 8 inch sub amp combo. Killer sound!

Thank you so much for info …because I was saving for it

I like that u spent some time using it then reviewing it

You can also stop rattles with adding some thin foam strips where the plastics meet up. Most people who install sound systems know about this trick

This was a very comprehensive review and you pointed out things that others did not. This made a difference as I was just going to purchase it but I am not as convinced. Not for the price point. Maybe I just dont know enough about different systems but this seems like some pretty accurate criticisms that could easily be addressed. The positives were very good, I just dont know that the negatives were overshadowed by the positives. At least it gave a better view of what you are getting. Nice work.

Bluetooth’s effective range is ~ 30 feet. Loctite 425 on the plastic for the rattle. Well done.

Shout out for rocking the Top Gun Maverick soundtrack! One of my favorites while off-roading this summer. 🙂

Nice upgrade! I just replaced my 09 Taco DCLB old (2010 year Pioneer DEH-P6200BT Sat, Blth) with a cheap Walmart (Power Acoustik) plug-n-play apple car play & andriod auto car stereo 6" screen clearance $65.00! We bought two! The straight digital sounds are amazing with Rockford Prime D class 4 100x 4 ohms powering. (Front) Polk audio db6501 6.5" max 300w rms 100 impedance 4 ohms,(Rear) Polk db651 6.5" max 180 rms 60 impedance 4 ohms. (Sub Amp Kicker) 11dx500 mono amp wired at 2 ohm to produce full 500 watts rms,(2) 10" Kicker subwoofers 4 ohms 150 rms to a ported sub box. Once you do the complete sound upgrade you will never want less!

Thanks for update . Do you plan on swapping out your old speakers for aftermarket speakers ? I'm just curious if the sound quality will be better.

I have a smaller Pioneer aftermarket head unit, and it has wireless Apple CarPlay. I love that! It’s nice to not have to plug in if I’m just running some errands and popping in and out.

Loctite is the key for those loose screws. Just make sure you use blue 242 loctite; because you will still be able to unscrew them if need. BTW, since I already have the Heigh10 I decided to buy my aftermarket kit and is on the way. Saved me some coin without being stuck with having an additional Heigh10 laying around.

As stated located (blue) some type of washer to distribute the force. Maybe add a thin rubber or even weather strip around where it mates up to factory dash to absorb the road, or off road, shock. But great video thank you.

Just got a 10 Sequoia waiting to get the heigh10 installed from previous vehicle but I love everything bout it can't go wrong with it worth every penny

Nice video. I just got de most basic Tacoma and it came with the small head unit but it has wired CarPlay and something that I like better over the android stereos that I got in the past, is sound quality even though my truck has cheap factory speakers they sound great

For the rattles, how about gluing thin felt between where plastic meets plastic, and using internal tooth lock washers on the bolts. Cut some felt "gaskets" to size and spray them lightly on one side with some 3M contact cement, then apply. Also, you can get wireless car play adapters. I use a Motorola MA1 for Android Auto on my 2020 TRD Pro. Also, 2020 TRD Pro cameras are only available until you reach a couple miles per hour. Then it switches back to Toyota DIS/Entune (because having cams while driving would be scary🙄).

Hey Chloe thx for your honesty 😉

For those of you interested, the Sony XAV 9500ES has wireless apple and android car play. Some downsides as well, if it’s definitely an option to consider.

Thanks for this!

me encantas chloe con tus videos no dejes de subir ya que son de mucha ayuda gracias a ti he instaldo yo solo algunos mods

It’s only held on by friction unlike stock which has four m6, 10mm hex head bolts. Still it is rad! All she needs is ditch lights! She’s done an amazing job DIY and channel content great

Looks great. I’ve owned a similar stinger head unit (the Elev8) for a couple of years now. Once in a great while my phone will also say the device is not supported, but I never even thought about resetting the head unit. What I do is just unlock my iPhone, and it works. I can’t remember if one time maybe I had to unlock my phone unplug it then plug it back in? Oh and the long term reliability has been great. Like you, I also really wish that it had wireless Apple CarPlay.

Good review, Chloe! 👍🙃

If you install weather stripping in between the Height 10 mount and the factory surface it’ll eliminate the rattling and excess shaking and also maintain the tightness of the screws

I was thinking in the install video, that thin high density foam strips would have helped to minimize any plastic creaking. Toyota does this a lot where different plastics meet especially in dash components. You can also use either Loctite on the screws or white Teflon tape on the screw treads (2 wraps).

I have a sub $400 android unit in for over a year and not only is it as badass as having a tablet it looks OEM. I have no complaints. Wireless carplay works flawless

Cars sure have came a long way in 100 years. It's hard to believe people used a horse to pull a wagon down a dirt road and no air conditioning and it took a long time to get where you are going. Now look at where we are. Pretty amazing

Hey Chloe ! Awesome videos I really enjoy and learn allot ! had a quick ? Do you loose factory navigation with this unit like say if you forget your phone or are in a remote area with no signal can you still use navigation like I’m factory unit? Thank you!

You should be proud; you did a great job. There's always fitment issues but you might find resolution on installer channels like Fivestar. I'm inspired to change out my Ram infotainment only because there are so many nobs it would delete like climate control which confuses me so much while driving. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to your next video. Lots of love 💘 ❤️ from Miami!

Great Vid! I have same tacoma unit... A problem I have is the cable that attaches the screen to the head unit, rattles loose and it disconnects the phone connection. I have to push it in from time to time. Going to tape or glue it soon so bumps don't disconnect the phone connection. But overall its a great unit. Sounds much better than my stock unit!

I've had mine for at least a year now and have zero regrets with it. Coming from what was in my JBL system in my 2017 this is light years better. Sure i miss the compass but how often I used it I just dont care, plus I have one built into the top showing the direction in my mirror still that works fine I use much more. Its expensive is the only issue I ever had and still have. Also the lack of features in the Tacoma version over the software they have on the Jeep versions is way more limited. I wish we got all the amazing stuff they put in the Jeep model.

i have the stinger for chevy silverado and we have none of the negatives as its integrated. Really nice! what cameras did you use?

I did the same in my Nissan frontier 2004 and it was a pain but it was so worth it

I absolutely love my KENWOOD DMX1057xr floating 10”

i was thinking about upgrading my screen, after this i'm definitely sure i don't want to. i just got a 2021 trd sport about a week ago and i'm coming from an 07 tacoma trd sport, i can't stand having to look at the screen for backing up, i also don't like having to use a screen for pretty much anything, i stick to my mirrors. i like that i can control my music from the steering wheel and my android auto just connects immediately when i turn my vehicle on. the only plus for me when it comes to a screen is the gps is much larger than on my phone, otherwise i could do without it. great video though, been enjoying your content recently. i've been trying to get as much info about 3rd gen tacomas as i can now that i have one

Good review

the screen is nice and big but the rattling would become an issue especially after doing some off roading, and losing the play/pause button on the steering wheel would be a pain. I installed a Pioneer head unit in my taco about a year ago and it has wireless carplay which is convenient, and the software seems pretty stable no big issues, also came with a remote that I have hardly ever used.

You can get this for a lot less on Crutchfield, if anyone is interested ($1390). If you want built in GPS, you will need the Stinger SE-P14 ($180). Great reviews! Keep up the good work!

I have the 2020 with carplay and hated how it had to be wired. There is a wireless adapter available. I even went as far as getting a right angle USB adapter, plugging the wireless transmitter into that and then velcroed it to the top cubby area in front of the shifter. Now I have wireless carplay. It works quite well. If you bump the adapter, it will have to restart the head unit it is finicky in that way. Otherwise it works around 95% of the time, pretty well and a reset fixes it right away. Just installed the 3TPAM and now I can charge my phone with a short cable and use a magnet mount and wireless carplay.

Good review! The boot up time is due to CarPlay, I have a wireless dongle hooked up for mine so I can comfortably text and drive. But damn, they lost me at that mount. Kinda bulgy and should’ve atleast put a bumper in between the plastic. All I can imagine is 2 styrofoam to-go boxes just rubbing all up on themselves on the drive home. I feel like if they spent another 2 days engineering it and charged another $100-$200 they could’ve just done the entire piece minus the air vents or something.

Looking around at these, I think if I am going to spend that kind of money on a head unit upgrade, I may just get the Entune 3.0 for a little more money I would basically get the android auto and other features while keeping existing one. Only downside is the screen size would remain the same. Good video and follow.

I custom made a padding with foam to place between the plastic and that took care of the lose noise. Try that out.

What's Up CK Great Video I Like That Unit Great Video GBU And Family And Crew 🙏 ❤ Stay Safe Always

Have you thought about adding some foam or rubber washers in between the panels or in the back? a thin one between might help prevent the rattle.

I wonder if you can fit some butyl rope between the plastic mounting pieces to eliminate some rattling. Maybe even a couple pieces of CLD and CCF in tactical locations

I've been looking at head unit upgrades and am seriously considering the Alpine Halo 9. Any thoughts on these with regards to squeaking or rattling?

Great video... another thing, as expensive this unit is you would think they would throw in a screen protector for the unit! I'm currently looking for one on Amazon and eBay but cant seem to find one.

Have you tried some closed cell foam between the plastic to prevent the creaking?

Go to the mute settings and you can change it to paused the music when backing up. I have a pioneer wt8600 and my dash cluster stayed the same besides the compass

I had this video on my tv and my home pod recognized you saying hey Siri with a very delayed reaction 😂

The Stinger from your video reminded me of an Enron unit I bought for my BMW 328i but only ~$500. Startup time was annoying long too. IGo has software issues and appeared not work right. The radio did not receive stations well especially AM. Yes, Bluetooth not good. Some of the Stringer screen graphics and functionality is like Enron but bigger. Likely made in China. OK but a lot of annoying bugs. The reliability was not good after a year having to reboot too often. Hope you have better experiences with the Stringer.

I wonder if using a little locktite on the screws will help. Also can you also secure the radio to the mounting bracket with some 3M double sided tape along with the screws?

Hey Chloe, do you think you can make a video on how to update the unit? I’ve tried to figure it out online but I’m so lost. Thanks!!

should check out the kit from trail grid pro, uses a Sony head unit instead of generic and has wireless carplay. All the wires are also plugged in already so just need to do vehicle side connections.

Hey Chloe, love your channel! Have you considered using Loctite on the screws, to keep them from backing off? Keep the awesome and informative videos coming!

Before I made my selection, I looked at this Stinger radio, but because of the lack of wireless CarPlay I went with the Kenwood 10” unit. The other deciding factor was that the Kenwood unit takes the Idata maestro brain which keeps more of the oem features of the vehicle. But I really liked the mounting bracket this Stinger radio offers. Maybe using lock washers may help, I know is all plastic but you never know. Great video.

I’m also wondering if the entune works through the Stinger. Like the navigation, and other things in the entune system or do you completely lose all that?

i am happy with my myltimedia wireless carplay or android auto, easy to install, hassle-free, cheap ,one usb connection can play netflix , amazon video or youtube or music or movie from flash drive. for any time camera i had to install front camera which i really like, toggle switch plays front or back camera while driving useful for off roading

I might try some rubber, plastic, or metal washers behind the screws on tat plastic plate, that might allow you some more tightening without damaging the plastic.

Have you thought about thin black 3m doublesided tape to make a better bond on the back of the aftermarket mount... maybe on the 4 corners, so it could be removed again easily?

Painting a thin coat of polyurethane inside the plastic shell will make it a lot stronger. I rebuilt a engine mount using polyurethane and came out great.

to prevent rattling related to plastic on plastic use felt tape, black color in this case. Toyota uses it too for same application.

Hello. Have you considered the Sony XAV 9500es? I just purchased but not yet installed. I think trailGrid Pro did a video on it for the Tacoma

Chloe, i assume you kept your front anytime camera, can you share how you have that wired? I did the same thing…had anytime camera wired to stock head unit then upgraded to pioneer 7600nex but i cant seem to get the front camera to functiom (at all). Thanks

You're definitely an Engineer LOL ! It's cool I get a kick out of it.

Maybe the upgraded JBL system that comes in the TRD Pro might be better fit and finish. Although I understand the aftermarket niche. Good vid

I put the Sony xav9500es in my Tacoma and it is amazing , boots up lightning fast , wireless CarPlay works flawlessly, no rattling , screen is amazing . It’s expensive but worth every penny in my opinion

I really like the user interface of this unit. What car launcher is that? Will it work on other Android head units? Or is that native and only specific to the Stinger HEIGH10?

I sent mine back because of the bracket and yes, it squeaked and the radio bezel would not always fully 'snap' into place on the left side. Also, decided to send it back because it didn't retain the satellite radio and gps. Overall it is a very nice unit, but disgustingly expensive that would still need more money spent for XM radio and gps. It may just be me, being stupid and not knowing my shit, but audio/video installations are not in my scope of knowledge. And if you have a 3rd Gen with the 3TPAM, it will fit. it's just another annoyance to deal with when removing or reinstalling everything.

Hey Cloe, did you update the speakers and if so which ones?

I would never think about putting an aftermarket radio in a modern vehicle. Now I have upgraded a stock radio to a better stock radio in a modern vehicle.

I'm from the San Diego area, what are some good off-road trails? I'm familiar with the desert like Ocotillo and Glamis areas, but anything closer by?

You can program your steering wheel to pause your music. Most likely you have a pac piece interface behind your radio so fairly easy.

Chloe, when you put your truck in 4L does the 4L screen show on the Stinger?

Is there an LED interior set that you recommend? I see a bunch on amazon but I want something that i know will work right

Just found this video and channel and only clicked cuz I’m planning to get one of those for a Honda Accord. Just wanted to say you did an awesome job with the video explaining everything in detail and I feel like you gave us a lot of insight and things to keep in mind. Keep up the good work!

Like the other comments Loctite purple would be the solution. I have an RV and no matter how well manufactured or how new screws and bolts just shake loose. I keep a small tube with me and use it as they shake loose. Once one shakes loose I put some on the threads and never have to worry about it again.

As I just got a Tacoma and looking at upgrades just a note usually these head units gives you the option to map the buttons. Of course I don't have thus unit so someone would have to confirm but I've had two other aftermarket units and it was the same.

For the mute issue did you hook up what you need for steering wheel controls? Should be able to map that button

I enjoy your content. Though it would be nice if you mentioned prices for stuff you talk about.

Felt tape is often used for quieting noisy interior panel friction points

The radio has the ability to program a swc button to a function. Have you tried that? Have you updated the firmware? I’m having an issue that my swc is not working not sure if I should reset the pac module or find a dealer that can program it but I’m also on the fence of returning it as I no longer have my external temp sensor displayed and I haven’t found how to put the grid up for the backup camera Also crutch-field was saying it had wireless CarPlay and android auto was a big sell for me but now that it doesn’t have it and may have to buy a non recognizable name brand dongle to have it My Bluetooth distance has been good

No trajectory lines on the backup camera? Software or camera upgrade? Any dash cam thoughts?

From past experience and the factory head unit in my 2020 Tacoma, I’m just convinced all of them are overpriced junk. No matter how much I’ve spent, or the brand name. They have all been terrible! Oh, and be ready for that “device not supported crap” because it only gets worse! Eventually it won’t work at all! 😑 Tablets are cheaper, and they do far more. So it just doesn’t make sense to me why no company can get it right, at a reasonable price.

Interesting i installed a dasaita head unit in my Corolla 2 years ago now and the boot up time is almost instant and it does offer wireless CarPlay

Use some double side tape around the unit it will do trick rubber and absorb all impact double side tap

Electrical tape between the factory plactics and the aftermarket plastic can be very useful.