I installed a Joying 10.5 (or 10.1, the model without a volume knob) head unit in my Gen2 truck, and my experience was mixed. Initially, it seemed like a decent upgrade. The unit would occasionally reset itself, which was frustrating. Every so often, I’d have to go back and reset the date, time, and all my saved radio stations. The radio reception also wasn’t as good compared to well-known brand name radios. Surprisingly, I didn’t end up using many of the features I thought I would when I first bought it. I didn’t download any apps, upload MP3s, or use other multimedia features extensively.
One of the features I was interested in was the OBD2 connectivity. I tried to use an OBD2 port adapter to display vehicle data on the Joying home screen, but I couldn’t get it to work properly. This was a bit disappointing as I was hoping to monitor vehicle stats directly on the head unit. I also skipped installing the included backup camera and kept the stock rearview camera display in the mirror to avoid potential resolution problems with the Joying screen.
Recently, when I passed my truck on to my 16-year-old son, I decided to remove the Joying unit. I replaced it with a Sony AV8100 (or a similar model number). I wanted something more reliable for him, without the hassle of constantly resetting settings.
On the positive side, the Joying unit fit perfectly in the dashboard, much better than the Sony. The display was also visually appealing. Wiring was straightforward, making the installation process plug and play. The steering wheel controls worked flawlessly after the initial programming and, strangely, never reset even when the radio did. The bezel did rattle a little, but some strategically placed black RTV silicone fixed that issue. I upgraded the speakers at the same time, and the audio quality was noticeably improved. Wireless Android Auto was inconsistent, so I usually resorted to a USB connection.
In conclusion, if you enjoy tinkering with settings, downloading apps, and uploading media files, you might find the Joying unit appealing. It offers a lot of customizable options to explore. However, if you prioritize reliability and seamless functionality, especially with features like the radio tuner and potentially OBD2 code readers, you might encounter some frustrations. My personal experience led me to prefer a more dependable unit for daily use, especially for a new driver. My Gen3 truck, equipped with the JBL Premium sound system, will definitely keep its factory head unit.
