How to Install a Car Audio Subwoofer in a Truck

A car audio subwoofer is part of a car’s audio system that provides the bass frequencies and installing one can improve the level of sound in your car.

Step 1 - Decide the Size of the Subwoofer

The first step to installing a subwoofer is to decide the size of subwoofer you need for your truck. Common sizes of car audio subwoofers are 8, 10, or 12 inches. However, there are subwoofers that can reach up to 20 inches. The size of your subwoofer will depend largely on the size of your truck’s seat so it is advisable that you measure your truck seat appropriately before you purchase your subwoofers. Make sure that you make allowances for your amplifiers as well.

Step 2 - Removing the Rear Seat

The best location for your subwoofers would be under the rear seat. In this regard, you need to remove the rear seat of your truck first. Remove the rear seat by unscrewing the bolts of the seat. Use a ratchet to remove the bolts. Flip the seat down so it is easier to remove the bolts although it is not necessary.

After you have removed all the bolts of the rear seat you can remove the rear seat completely. It is advisable that you flip the seat back before actually removing the seat.

You then need to remove the center brace that acts as a support to the rear seat. You will no longer need the brace once you install your subwoofers but the enclosure will give enough support to the rear seat once installed.

Step 3 - Install the Subwoofer to the Enclosure

Strip the amplifier power cord using the wire stripper. Solder the subwoofer wires to the speaker connections inside the subwoofer box using the soldering iron. Wire the car subwoofers into the 2 audio speakers. Place the subwoofer inside the enclosure and screw it in place. You can now install the subwoofer enclosure with the subwoofers already installed. The type of enclosure generally depends on the size of the car audio subwoofer. Just fit the enclosure into position.

Step 4 - Attaching the Wire for the Amplifier

When you are done, attach the wire of the amplifier to the battery terminal. The fuse terminal should then be screwed to area where it is easily accessible ideally under the hood. It is important the wires should be properly concealed. To do this, place the wire under the carpet and along the trim of the car door.

Step 5 - Connect the Cable for the Stereo-to-Amplifier

You then need to connect the stereo to amplifier cable to the RCA connections located behind the stereo. These wires should be hidden the way you hid the amplifier wires. After you are done, you then need to connect the two connectors to the ports.

Step 6 - Fastening the Wire for the Speakers

Fasten the speaker wire behind the amplifier. When you cut the speaker wire, make sure that there is enough to run from the amplifier to the subwoofer, including an extra six inches. You then need to strip the wires and connect it to the subwoofer in the terminals.

Step 7 - Put the Rear Seat Back

Put the rear seat on top of the subwoofer enclosure. Bolt the screws back making sure that it is tight.