What's the best touch screen for the TJ? (preferably single DIN)

Carve

TJ Enthusiast
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Apr 2, 2018
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Albuquerque, NM, USA
I'd like to get a modern stereo, with front and rear cameras (and one underneath if there are enough inputs). If I could display front and rear at the same time that'd be great! I'd also like to run ONX off road app and have Apple CarPlay. Ideally, I'd like something I could plug a GMRS radio into so it'll pause my music and play coms through the speakers! Looking through old threads, the Joying 8.8" seems like it fits the space well, but I don't like the thick bezel or lack of physical buttons. It's also a relatively old model. Does anyone have any recommendations on what might work well?
 
I'd like to get a modern stereo, with front and rear cameras (and one underneath if there are enough inputs). If I could display front and rear at the same time that'd be great! I'd also like to run ONX off road app and have Apple CarPlay. Ideally, I'd like something I could plug a GMRS radio into so it'll pause my music and play coms through the speakers! Looking through old threads, the Joying 8.8" seems like it fits the space well, but I don't like the thick bezel or lack of physical buttons. It's also a relatively old model. Does anyone have any recommendations on what might work well?

This is ONE option. No it isn't cheap but it does a lot of what you are looking for. I think there are some cheaper knockoff units available.

https://insaneaudio.com/products/tj1002/
 
You may discover you'd hate having a touch-screen radio in your TJ, I know I would. It's too hard to have to look at the screen while driving, especially on a bumpy road or trail, and be able to touch the right spot on the screen. I prefer buttons I can find and feel with my fingers so I don't have to try to look at the screen while driving.
 
You may discover you'd hate having a touch-screen radio in your TJ, I know I would. It's too hard to have to look at the screen while driving, especially on a bumpy road or trail, and be able to touch the right spot on the screen. I prefer buttons I can find and feel with my fingers so I don't have to try to look at the screen while driving.
I bought my lj with a kenwood touch screen and I don't like it. I like the android auto feature but I miss having a volume knob and preset buttons. I have thought about getting a different one or throwing the stock one back in.
 
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This is ONE option. No it isn't cheap but it does a lot of what you are looking for. I think there are some cheaper knockoff units available.

https://insaneaudio.com/products/tj1002/
Ouch- $1200 is a lot for something with such a tiny screen. Jeeps are noisy anyway so I'm not looking for premium sound quality. Also, single DIN is just a preference so I don't have to cut anything or buy a new dash trim piece, but it's not a requirement. I kind of like the single DINs with a floating screen in front of the dash.

Jerry: yeah...having some physical buttons, particularly a volume knob (or even volume/mute buttons) would be nice. The Joying has none, but you can get aftermarket external buttons that mount to the steering wheel
 
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I have a Sony double din CarPlay, I love it!!

B02DF8FA-AC8A-49FF-888E-A631129734DF.jpeg
 
This has my vote too. It'll do what you are asking, and it fits in the standard '04 (?) to '06 factory head unit opening. Yes, the screen is a little small, but only alternative is a double din opening kit, or a goofy single din, with an adaptor, and a floating screen that will either block your center vents, or block your HVAC controls...
 
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Ouch- $1200 is a lot for something with such a tiny screen. Jeeps are noisy anyway so I'm not looking for premium sound quality. Also, single DIN is just a preference so I don't have to cut anything or buy a new dash trim piece, but it's not a requirement. I kind of like the single DINs with a floating screen in front of the dash.

Jerry: yeah...having some physical buttons, particularly a volume knob (or even volume/mute buttons) would be nice. The Joying has none, but you can get aftermarket external buttons that mount to the steering wheel

I have their DD2001 https://insaneaudio.com/products/dd2001/ but haven't installed it yet. But I bought it for the Android features and ability to fun programs. I can't yet say if it's worth it or not. But the reviews seemed to point to it being a good unit.
 
I am the one who posted this new Insane Audio set up here the other day and on the TJ FB page. It plugs right into the TJ factory harness. Super easy to run the cameras, TV etc lines as well. As mentioned in the ad, I'm just not a tech guy, don't need all this stuff and apps etc it does. Just give me an on and off button or no radio at all! lol. It's new in the box. Again, see the ad for more info. Thanks.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...2-stereo-blue-tooth-gps-and-tv-too-850.58756/
 
fyi I think someone is selling an insane audio setup in the for sale section with everything you're looking for at a discount.
thanks for seeing the ad and passing the info on! I wasn't even sure it posted on this site as when I try to do a "for sale" search it brings up all sorts of crap!
How the heck do you just get to where people are selling TJ stuff on here! lol.
Thus, again, why I don't need this elaborate, does everything from reading your Jeep's info via a wireless plug in to playing TV, apps etc.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...2-stereo-blue-tooth-gps-and-tv-too-850.58756/
 
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thanks for seeing the ad and passing the info on! I wasn't even sure it posted on this site as when I try to do a "for sale" search it brings up all sorts of crap!
How the heck do you just get to where people are selling TJ stuff on here! lol.
Thus, again, why I don't need this elaborate, does everything from reading your Jeep's info via a wireless plug in to playing TV, apps etc.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...2-stereo-blue-tooth-gps-and-tv-too-850.58756/
you'll have to scroll down to the for sale section on the home page.
When you scroll down you'll see "parts for sale" click on it and that's the classifieds.

1642712973286.png
 
While we're on the topic of double-dins, I'm shopping double din bezels for my 97. I know they changed the switch & ashtray sections along the way, but is there any fitment or mounting difference across all the years?
 
Get a double din trim piece and install an alpine with CarPlay they are around 300 bucks and work great. I’ve installed a few of them they work great which is surprising because I hate everything else alpine makes. The cheap one is the w650 pretty sure.
 
Get a double din trim piece and install an alpine with CarPlay they are around 300 bucks and work great. I’ve installed a few of them they work great which is surprising because I hate everything else alpine makes. The cheap one is the w650 pretty sure.
Looks like the W650 is $500 now!
 
I think there are some cheaper knockoff units available.
The Xtron and Zbark aren't knockoff units, they are the exact same hardware, the Xtron even runs the same software. The Zbark has a weird older version but you can update it. It's a $200 radio and you can always find them on ebay for about that.

Edit: I was wrong about this, the new Insane Audio units have a much better processor
 
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While we're on the topic of double-dins, I'm shopping double din bezels for my 97. I know they changed the switch & ashtray sections along the way, but is there any fitment or mounting difference across all the years?
I believe Crutchfield either includes a Metra double din bezel for free or at a discount. There are two different bezels depending on year (early vs late).
 
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