To Camper or not to camper?

TrailJustin · 2025-12-17T07:13:33+00:00

When I was shopping for my truck one of the things I didn't settle on was wanting the 14in screen. BUT, I was still looking at SR5 packages that only had the 8in screen because I found out you can swap out the screen. NOW! I am not talking about some after market android base screen that doesn't implement well with the truck. To my surprise a OEM Toyota 14in screen is plug and play into the truck. The screens are not VIN tied or need to be unlocked or reprogram. They just plug in. But there is a catch to that. If you truck did not come with the 14 in screen it does not have the volume knob on the dash. Now the steering wheel buttons DO work and you can modify the dash. Lets get into it. First this is the video I watched where the dude actually did it. Parts List: Screen - 86100-0C360 Volume Knob - 86128-AN020 Switch and Volume Assembly - 86170-0C010 Things you need to know: The screen is easiest found on Ebay for around $800. Make sure you pay attached to JBL vs no JBL depending on what you have inside of your truck. Also you want to make sure you get one with the vents on the side. If not you need to modify you existing vents which isn't fun this makes it even more plug an play. You can simply remove the dash assembly where the volume knob is supposed to be. You are able to use a step bit like in the video to add the volume knob and switch and the wiring is already there. People even say there is a marking were you need to drill. Also please if you do there add your photos below. Also check to make sure it all turns on before putting the dash back together.

TrailJustin

Member

Monday at 7:11 AM

I came from the Tacoma world, and my last build was solid. Long story short, I got tired of it, needed more room for kids, and to be honest, my truck did camping and adventuring really well but that was about it.

Now here we are with a Tundra, and I’m asking myself: camper or no camper? My wife and I used to spend about one weekend a month camping before the baby, and we plan to continue once he’s older than six months. With that in mind, a camper on the Tundra would give us an even bigger and more comfortable sleeping area.

I originally sold the Tacoma because I anticipated life slowing down with a kid, and I was right. Having a truck that isn’t camper-only has been huge. From hauling stuff, to fishing, to hunting, and everything in between, I really missed having a usable truck bed.

But now that we’re here, I kind of miss being able to load up the truck and head out to places like Napa, CA for a weekend of camping. So is there a way to have my cake and eat it too?

I’ve thought about a trailer, but then I’d have to tow, and fitting into tight or small areas can be a challenge. I’d love a sealed slide-in camper, but something like a Scout or Four Wheel Camper is way outside the price range. That brings me back to the topper route.

If I go that direction, I’d definitely want to design a system that allows me to take it off and store it. But then that raises the question: will I ever actually take it off? With the rising cost of toppers, are they even worth it? Or is it better to wait for a good used deal on a Four Wheel Camper?

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