Adding Rear DVD - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Limited11 · 05-18-2011, 05:34 PM

My limited didn't come with it but I was wondering if anyone knew if it's possible to buy the factory Toyota rear DVD unit and have it installed? Would it come with all the necessary parts needed for the install under one part number? I know if the above was possible, I'd probably be better off going aftermarket as it would more than likely be cheaper, but I kinda have a thing for factory parts. Thanks guys

AXMACD · 05-18-2011, 09:12 PM

It's not just the dvd unit that has to be added, there's wiring and trim pieces that have to be added to accommodate the RCA and outlet.. I think you would be better off buying an aftermarket unit, maybe something from Invision built into the headrests?

Aftermarket Headrest DVD's Anyone?

Limited11 · 05-19-2011, 03:45 AM

I was figuring since these cars are mass produced that the whole setup would consist of the rear dvd unit as a whole, a mounting bracket, and a harness that you would run up to the radio. The headrest way is not a bad idea also.

grandpapa · 05-19-2011, 10:32 AM

Toyota sells the headrest version DVD as dealer add on but it's almost the same price as the factory overhead.

Some members went with aftermarket headrest DVD for about $$250-$300

braZen · 05-21-2011, 07:50 PM

I also have a Limited that doesn't have the DVD system. I went to my dealer and asked if they could install it for me. He looked it up in some super secret dealer book and I was told that the overhead DVD is not an accessory that they will install. Apparently if it isn't installed from the factory it cannot (or will not) be installed by the dealers.
Then I drove to my local Best Buy and asked if they would install an aftermarket unit. The dude there told me he wouldn't do it either because the sun roof is there and some of its electronics could be disrupted? I have seen aftermarket overhead DVDs installed in cars with sunroofs though. But to be honest I wasn't too keen on having some kid working at an electronic big box store ripping out the headliner on my first brand new vehicle.
Then I started researching the DVDs that are right in the headrests. These are cool but the install isn't easy, at least to my standards of "easy". Plus when you swap out your headrests for the DVD ones you may lose the SRS which is much more helpful in the case of an accident than Finding Nemo playing in your Highlander would be (yes I'm a natural blue). Not to mention there is no guarantee that the color would be an exact match. Not a big deal for some but I'm pretty anal about stuff like that.
Long story long, I have the DVDs that just strap onto the headrests and use them for longer trips with the kids. They work great, are easy to put in, and if they break you just buy another set as they aren't that expensive. Obviously they don't have the cool factor of an installed DVD, but it does the trick.

9volt · 05-22-2011, 06:48 AM

Get one of these Ram iPad mounts http://www.ram-mount.com/CatalogResu...1/Default.aspx and mount it to the back of one of the front seat rails. Then add some bluetooth headsets and a 3G iPad with Netflix.

kesawi · 05-22-2011, 05:32 PM

Shouldn't be any problem in mounting a roof mount DVD near the moon roof provided it is done by an experienced installer. There are at least four examples in the gallery below:

http://mr-dvd.com.au/gallery21.htm

These guys did an excellent job on mine.

caf2461 · 05-22-2011, 09:15 PM

The Factory DVD is listed as a $1,760 option. Very few vehicles are in stock with this option. My salesman made the point that I could purchase headrest mounts and two Ipads for much less than the factory DVD.
http://www.buymeaniphone.com/2010/06...eadrest-mount/

I ended up going with Dual screen dvd's strapped to the back of the headrests on long trips for $150.
http://www.usa.philips.com/c/blu-ray...et7402_37/prd/

Limited11 · 05-23-2011, 08:59 AM

On www.toyotapartscheap.com under electrical, then entertainment system components, it lists the rear display unit for the 2010 Highlander which is essentially the same interior wise for $4,128. I'm wondering if it's made out of gold for that price?

mikmabz · 05-23-2011, 12:19 PM

Or you can buy this http://toucoul.com/products/coulvue-for-ipad-2 and buy an iPad which is less expensive than the factory dvd option.

Limited11 · 05-23-2011, 05:00 PM

The ipad ideas are nice. That would be giving me a reason to justify buying one, but I think I'm going to go headrests. I like the integrated look, not having to worry about removing any components or having to recharge any of them. I know it's been discussed but I'm still researching whats the best way to get video to my front NAV screen.

organ · 05-23-2011, 07:16 PM

You can definitely install an overhead DVD if you have a sunroof. While some cars don't have a solid member to attach to, the Highlander does. I did a write-up a while back, you can find it here:
DIY overhead DVD/monitor install

In the 2008s, I was told the overhead DVD display required the navigation stereo (it held the DVD drive itself). It wasn't worth the $3000 pricetag, including the nav option. I installed a better one myself in an afternoon.