Sub Woofer Question

[john151ama]

If you want a simple install check out the kicker key mono amp. The Bose system rolls off the bass the more you turn up the volume. So that is a problem when you tap in to the speaker wires coming from the Bose amp. If you don’t get an amp that has that feature you will need a separate DSP. If you do the kicker amp it’s all built in and saves you $. It’s set up is pretty simple and you roll through the start up process and it tunes itself.

2, 4 ohm dual voice coil 8” kickers would work well. Wire them together and you get 1 ohm load to match the mono amp. Will keep your overall cost down and sound good.

Looks like a nice box!

 

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[Bdub0911]

I'd like to get a better bass response out of my Bose system. The research I found online refers to a 6.5" sub woofer located somewhere under the dashboard. If it's there it is really weak.
- Does this sound correct?
- Has anyone installed the GMC approved Kicker system? If so, do you recommend this or an after market option? The product details/specs do not tell you what size the sub is and it also states "programming required = yes", not sure what that means.

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200-Watt Subwoofer Kit by Kicker® - Associated Accessories​

Saw nothing but negative reviews on that system. . I ended up going to TruckBass.com ordered an encloser(top of the line enclosures, they do really good work) & then ordered (2) Kicker Comp 12s with an amp. They also sell an “easy connect” that goes great with the GMCs Bose amp that comes with our trucks. She sounds great!!!

 

[Bdub0911]

If you want a simple install check out the kicker key mono amp. The Bose system rolls off the bass the more you turn up the volume. So that is a problem when you tap in to the speaker wires coming from the Bose amp. If you don’t get an amp that has that feature you will need a separate DSP. If you do the kicker amp it’s all built in and saves you $. It’s set up is pretty simple and you roll through the start up process and it tunes itself.

2, 4 ohm dual voice coil 8” kickers would work well. Wire them together and you get 1 ohm load to match the mono amp. Will keep your overall cost down and sound good.

Looks like a nice box!

 

[VolklRunner]

I like it. I have a few questions for you as I purchased a similar box.
1) Is your box strapped or bolted down? Mine has zero hardware or places to secure down. I wonder if it will bounce around a lot, vibrate or become a hazard in a crash??
2) I might have to shave off one of the jack bolts. Did you?
3) I only have passengers a couple times a year, but wonder if these boxes affect their comfort?
4) I guess the jack and wrench hardware needs a box and stored in Bed? I don't have a cover or camper top.
5) Where can I put the amp? I sure hope I do not need to cut out insulation and drill and attach to back wall??
Thanks,
G

 

[john151ama]

I like it. I have a few questions for you as I purchased a similar box.
1) Is your box strapped or bolted down? Mine has zero hardware or places to secure down. I wonder if it will bounce around a lot, vibrate or become a hazard in a crash??
2) I might have to shave off one of the jack bolts. Did you?
3) I only have passengers a couple times a year, but wonder if these boxes affect their comfort?
4) I guess the jack and wrench hardware needs a box and stored in Bed? I don't have a cover or camper top.
5) Where can I put the amp? I sure hope I do not need to cut out insulation and drill and attach to back wall??
Thanks,
G

Can’t answer you questions related to his box but have a storage solution for Jack and tools if you need it. I was able to keep the Jack and tools under the seat with my box. But I needed storage for my Viair air compressor and small tools. Got this ammo box off Amazon and put in the spare battery tray. I only have the starter battery on the passenger side. I wanted the largest box possible and I did have to cut off the vertical battery securing support arm on the inboard side that was on the battery tray. But allowed me to use this large size box that holds a ton. Secure under the hood and locked up. May be an option for your Jack and tools if needed. You could do a smaller box and not need to cut the support on the battery tray as well.

 

[VolklRunner]

Can’t answer you questions related to his box but have a storage solution for Jack and tools if you need it. I was able to keep the Jack and tools under the seat with my box. But I needed storage for my Viair air compressor and small tools. Got this ammo box off Amazon and put in the spare battery tray. I only have the starter battery on the passenger side. I wanted the largest box possible and I did have to cut off the vertical battery securing support arm on the inboard side that was on the battery tray. But allowed me to use this large size box that holds a ton. Secure under the hood and locked up. May be an option for your Jack and tools if needed. You could do a smaller box and not need to cut the support on the battery tray as well.

Great idea, unfortunately, my diesel uses both battery trays.

 

[fieldgeneral]

I like it. I have a few questions for you as I purchased a similar box.
1) Is your box strapped or bolted down? Mine has zero hardware or places to secure down. I wonder if it will bounce around a lot, vibrate or become a hazard in a crash??
2) I might have to shave off one of the jack bolts. Did you?
3) I only have passengers a couple times a year, but wonder if these boxes affect their comfort?
4) I guess the jack and wrench hardware needs a box and stored in Bed? I don't have a cover or camper top.
5) Where can I put the amp? I sure hope I do not need to cut out insulation and drill and attach to back wall??
Thanks,
G

(I have the 1500 truck, not sure how different they are) I don't have this exact setup you're mentioning, but my I can speak to what I have as I had these same questions before I got it, and can answer them now. I have the JL audio stealthbox, and a loaded amp rack from soundsgoodstereo

1. The stealthbox comes with threaded holes on the back side & brackets that attach to the seat bolts - not going anywhere
2. The stealthbox goes around the jack location, the bolts & jack all stay untouched
3. Haven't had passengers say anything about the box itself, they notice the bass though
4. Answered by #2, the jack stays there and there is some storage space on top of the box that I put the wrench in
5. The amp rack attaches to the back wall with factory bolts, I did have to trim some insulation off the seat back (ended up removing a portion for initial ease, will go back later and put it back & trim)

 

[Clarkely]

I did the kicker in my 2021 and mosmdified the floor curb, it is an easy upgrade and gives you more bass, it won't give you the bass that a good aftermarket system will, but is definitely better than the stock. On my 2021 I was able to use accessory money they gave me to get it. It did have the knob and app

 

[VolklRunner]

(I have the 1500 truck, not sure how different they are) I don't have this exact setup you're mentioning, but my I can speak to what I have as I had these same questions before I got it, and can answer them now. I have the JL audio stealthbox, and a loaded amp rack from soundsgoodstereo

1. The stealthbox comes with threaded holes on the back side & brackets that attach to the seat bolts - not going anywhere
2. The stealthbox goes around the jack location, the bolts & jack all stay untouched
3. Haven't had passengers say anything about the box itself, they notice the bass though
4. Answered by #2, the jack stays there and there is some storage space on top of the box that I put the wrench in
5. The amp rack attaches to the back wall with factory bolts, I did have to trim some insulation off the seat back (ended up removing a portion for initial ease, will go back later and put it back & trim)

Thanks for the reply. I am just now finishing my install. Had to modify a few things on my box. I have another post I will upload deatails. Just responding to let you know you gave me an idea for securing my box. I am currently using the jack handle bolt (Weak), and one of the jack bolts(Even Weaker). I will add to this the stealth box idea of using the seat bolts. I don't plan on rolling my truck at 70mph, but if that happened the thought of the box bouncing around in the cab gives me the creeps.

 

[fieldgeneral]

Thanks for the reply. I am just now finishing my install. Had to modify a few things on my box. I have another post I will upload deatails. Just responding to let you know you gave me an idea for securing my box. I am currently using the jack handle bolt (Weak), and one of the jack bolts(Even Weaker). I will add to this the stealth box idea of using the seat bolts. I don't plan on rolling my truck at 70mph, but if that happened the thought of the box bouncing around in the cab gives me the creeps.

Glad you got something working! Yeah the box was heavy enough when putting it in I'm not too worried about it sliding around, but now I know for sure it's not going anywhere haha. Here's the install directions for the stealthbox, if that helps you with bolt sizes/bracket design https://pdf.crutchfieldonline.com/ImageBank/v20211112113400/Manuals/136/13694668.PDF

 

[VolklRunner]

Glad you got something working! Yeah the box was heavy enough when putting it in I'm not too worried about it sliding around, but now I know for sure it's not going anywhere haha. Here's the install directions for the stealthbox, if that helps you with bolt sizes/bracket design https://pdf.crutchfieldonline.com/ImageBank/v20211112113400/Manuals/136/13694668.PDF

HECK Yeah! Now I have an idea of what I need to do to lock it down. Thanks. If I can't fabricate those brakets, Washoe Metals here in Reno, can.

 

[Harp AT4]

I recommend the Kicker subwoofer under the rear seat. Make sure you check with a few different dealers around you including Chevrolet dealers on the GM Accessories website because they may have different pricing on the product and the install. My dealer charged $130 to install it. No way I would do it myself for that price. I did do the bass knob on my own and it wasn't hard at all. There isn't any actual wiring to do, just plug & play and routing along the floor and behind the pedals... pretty easy. I'd recommend keeping the floor "curb" to retrofit with the kicker sub enclosure.

Damn, my local dealer quoted 350.00 to install, I like your price better

 

[Vince]

Damn, my local dealer quoted 350.00 to install, I like your price better

See if they will price match another dealer for the labor. I used Starling Buick GMC in zip code 34994. They are showing $135 now. The install price is listed on the GMC Accessories page before you add to cart. Other dealers around me were about $100 more expensive for the labor.

 

[bookemdanno]

I had a buddy that had Best Buy install his with the base knob for $100 and hasn't had any problems since the install over 1 year ago...might be worth looking into.