1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Wiring a subwoofer

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by Stumpjumper, Mar 1, 2018.

  1. Mar 1, 2018 at 10:38 AM
    #1
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    I have wired plenty of amps but never a subwoofer in a vehicle. For a powered sub where do get the 12v? Do you have to run a separate wire to the battery? The wire kit I see would subs on ********* has like 24" wires so not sure if the power comes off the amp or you junction off the battery feed to the amp.
     
  2. Mar 1, 2018 at 10:51 AM
    #2
    Cfincke

    Cfincke Mall Crawler but capable

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3797
    Messages:
    1,977
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    San Antonio
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra 1794 CM 5.7 4x4 sunset bronze
    5.29s, Auburn LSD, 37x12.50R18, Icon coilovers and shocks, SPC UCA's, Tech 12 Volts sound system, Enve Grill
    Is it a self contained sub-woofer, enclosure and amp in one unit?
    Do not tap off any factory wiring for an aftermarket amp, you risk blowing fuses or causing an electrical fire.

    In a traditional setup - you would run a new power cable from the battery to the amp (likely 4 gauge wire) with an inline fuse, then from the amp to the sub box run 12 gauge speaker wire. You still have to get the audio signal to amp, a line output converter (LOC) is used.
     
  3. Mar 1, 2018 at 10:59 AM
    #3
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    I had not plans to tap in to vehicle wiring. I will be running a 5 channel amp. I know how to wire the audio signal just was not sure where to get power to the sub from. Running 8 ga. off battery to separate amp. Amp is not a monster so 8ga will be fine. I already have a heavy duty cable to run the audio from amp to the sub.
     
  4. Mar 1, 2018 at 11:15 AM
    #4
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Member:
    #9321
    Messages:
    4,721
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Sacramento, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Tundra SR5
    go with 4ga power to the amp.
     
    ToyoMafia likes this.
  5. Mar 1, 2018 at 7:40 PM
    #5
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    Ok, looks like 4ga is what is recommended for most all amps. Lots of kits on using 8. Now back to my original ?. Looking at wiring diagrams for subs I don't see any showing 12v to sub. All I am seeing is the audio connectors for left and right. I know there are passive and powered subs. I figured on a powered sub you have to run power cable and ground. When I do this I want to do all in one shot.
     
  6. Mar 1, 2018 at 8:41 PM
    #6
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Member:
    #9321
    Messages:
    4,721
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Sacramento, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Tundra SR5
    What is the powered sub make and model?
     
  7. Mar 2, 2018 at 2:43 AM
    #7
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    Have not bought one yet. Just planning the install
     
  8. Mar 2, 2018 at 8:13 AM
    #8
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Member:
    #9321
    Messages:
    4,721
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Sacramento, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Tundra SR5
    I'm still not quite sure what you are asking, post up which ones you are looking at and it will better.

    Here's the cliff notes on wiring a loaded sub enclosure while keeping the stock head unit:
    Run a power wire from the battery into the cab, along the door channel to behind the rear passenger seat
    Tap into a speaker wire to get your high level input for the amp
    Find a good close by ground point (probably a rear seat bolt hole would be good, make sure to prep it)
    wire up signal power and ground....good to go.
     
  9. Mar 3, 2018 at 12:11 PM
    #9
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    Now I know I need 12v to the sub. So I will clarify ?. I would like to avoid running 2 wires all the way to the battery. I have decided that 4ga is way to go for the amp. Keep in mind I am not talking a big amp or sub. Amp will be maybe 700 watts and a 12" single compact sub. Not sure what wattage is on the sub but maybe 300. Now for ?. Can I just junction off the 4ga that runs to the amp to power the sub. Seems to be a cleaner way to go. I would just run power to sub under carpet along with audio cables.
     
  10. Mar 3, 2018 at 12:58 PM
    #10
    Cfincke

    Cfincke Mall Crawler but capable

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3797
    Messages:
    1,977
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    San Antonio
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra 1794 CM 5.7 4x4 sunset bronze
    5.29s, Auburn LSD, 37x12.50R18, Icon coilovers and shocks, SPC UCA's, Tech 12 Volts sound system, Enve Grill
    What type of sub do you have that requires 12volts???
    Here is a picture of my sub box, it has speaker wire terminals on it, NOT 12volt power terminals.
    Power the amp and run speaker wire to the sub box from the amp if you have this type for sub
    20180225_112302.jpg
     
  11. Mar 5, 2018 at 3:33 AM
    #11
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    Powered sub is what I was looking at. If I run powered sub I found my solution. It is called a power distribution box. How wide is that sub at the bottom?
     
  12. Mar 5, 2018 at 7:06 AM
    #12
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Member:
    #9321
    Messages:
    4,721
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Sacramento, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Tundra SR5
    You only need one power wire to go to the amplifier that is built into the sub box. You still need to pull a signal from somewhere (probably the closest door to the box).

    Why do you think you need to run 2 power wires from the battery????
     
    ToyoMafia likes this.
  13. Mar 5, 2018 at 10:58 AM
    #13
    Cfincke

    Cfincke Mall Crawler but capable

    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3797
    Messages:
    1,977
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    San Antonio
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra 1794 CM 5.7 4x4 sunset bronze
    5.29s, Auburn LSD, 37x12.50R18, Icon coilovers and shocks, SPC UCA's, Tech 12 Volts sound system, Enve Grill
    You keep saying "powered subwoofer" that would mean the amplifier is integrated with the sub enclosure - an all-in-one like this
    https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575P30012/Rockford-Fosgate-Punch-P300-12.html?tp=114

    If that is what you are buying, then what are you using the 750 watt amplifier for??? An separate amp is not needed if you are installing a powered sub system.

    Be aware there is not much room behind the rear seats of a crewmax, you may have issues fitting a powered sub system if that is the route you are going.
    If you are not going that route and doing a traditional amp and sub setup, make sure the box is designed to fit a tundra crewmax, the seat frame of the double seat sticks back further and most all boxes have a notch on the face because of this - see the photo above that I posted of the sub box, there is a recess between the 2 subs

    If you could list out the audio pieces you have, we could better assist.
    Both @Danimal86 and I have replaced the complete stereo system in our trucks with the exception of the head unit. Many others on here have as well and there are multiple good write ups.
     
    ToyoMafia likes this.
  14. Mar 6, 2018 at 10:29 AM
    #14
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    Not going with the sub that has built in amp. I am planning on keeping the stock head unit Looking at the ********* 5 channel amp. The Taco tunes sub is 7.25" at the bottom. Hoping that a 7.5" will fit behind the seat. I know all about the limited room there. I have had the seats out to install my Clazzios. Just doing a little planning right now but I believe I have settled on what I want until I comes time for speakers.
     
  15. Mar 6, 2018 at 10:46 AM
    #15
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Member:
    #9321
    Messages:
    4,721
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Sacramento, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Tundra SR5
    ********* makes stuff specifically for the tundra, so if they make the box it will fit.
     
  16. Mar 6, 2018 at 1:56 PM
    #16
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    They do but they are full width boxes. I need to retain some of the little bit of storage space that I have. Not trying to vibrate my windows.
     
  17. Mar 6, 2018 at 4:27 PM
    #17
    Adam

    Adam New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2017
    Member:
    #10039
    Messages:
    952
    Gender:
    Male
    Install the 12v power with correct wire size directly from the battery to the amp, it will burn your vehicle to the ground if you do it from the fuse box. Also put an in-line fuse based on amp in there. Also, you need to install a good ground as to prevent ground loop. Post a link to the equipment you are looking to install so we can drool and help.
     
  18. Mar 6, 2018 at 7:01 PM
    #18
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    Yep, got that. I am running 4ga to battery to power amp with fuse. I have decided on the 5 channel amp from Taco tunes and harnesses. Want something that is PNP. Probably a Kicker 10" shallow box sub. Like I said I don't want to lose all storage space.
     
  19. Jan 14, 2019 at 1:54 PM
    #19
    Fireman/68W

    Fireman/68W New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2019
    Member:
    #24323
    Messages:
    70
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    J
    S/E Wyoming
    Vehicle:
    2018 White SR5 Tundra
    A lot in progress!
    I know I tap into the rear two speakers for an LOC, do you know what colors the wires are?
     
  20. Dec 23, 2021 at 10:07 PM
    #20
    TundraTRD08

    TundraTRD08 Somehow I fit 37s on a level

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2021
    Member:
    #59320
    Messages:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wesley
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    08 Super White TRD Off-Road on 37s
    3.5' RC lifted struts with RC UCA Alcan rear leaf spring upgrade with 300lbs added weight+1" lift built in. Adjustable Alcan Shackles set to add an extra inch which equals to a 2" lift in the rear. 37” Maxxis RAZR M/Ts with 1.5” spacers 8” BAMuffler Tuned by Bully Dog Tuner
    Okay guys, I cannot find any answers for my problem. I have a 2008 tundra crewmax with premium audio. With that said, I have a stock jbl sub and a box. I just got a skar IX-8 to replace the 13 year old factory one. I have an aftermarket hu (jvc) but I don’t think that interferes with anything because I have a factory amp. This is where the problem comes in, I have no clue how to wire this thing up (I’m an audio noob). It has the four little things under it that have springs in them. Any help would be tremendously helpful. Thanks.
     
  21. Dec 23, 2021 at 10:23 PM
    #21
    TundraTRD08

    TundraTRD08 Somehow I fit 37s on a level

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2021
    Member:
    #59320
    Messages:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wesley
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    08 Super White TRD Off-Road on 37s
    3.5' RC lifted struts with RC UCA Alcan rear leaf spring upgrade with 300lbs added weight+1" lift built in. Adjustable Alcan Shackles set to add an extra inch which equals to a 2" lift in the rear. 37” Maxxis RAZR M/Ts with 1.5” spacers 8” BAMuffler Tuned by Bully Dog Tuner
  22. Dec 23, 2021 at 10:24 PM
    #22
    TundraTRD08

    TundraTRD08 Somehow I fit 37s on a level

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2021
    Member:
    #59320
    Messages:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wesley
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    08 Super White TRD Off-Road on 37s
    3.5' RC lifted struts with RC UCA Alcan rear leaf spring upgrade with 300lbs added weight+1" lift built in. Adjustable Alcan Shackles set to add an extra inch which equals to a 2" lift in the rear. 37” Maxxis RAZR M/Ts with 1.5” spacers 8” BAMuffler Tuned by Bully Dog Tuner
  23. Dec 23, 2021 at 10:28 PM
    #23
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2019
    Member:
    #26579
    Messages:
    2,653
    First Name:
    Nick
    SD
    Vehicle:
    2016 MGM Platinum
    Not sure the ohm rating on your sub, but I would wire it like this: Run a jumper wire from black terminal on one side to red terminal on other. Will have two terminals left over: red and black. Red goes to positive from amp and black to ground.
     
  24. Dec 23, 2021 at 10:32 PM
    #24
    TundraTRD08

    TundraTRD08 Somehow I fit 37s on a level

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2021
    Member:
    #59320
    Messages:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wesley
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    08 Super White TRD Off-Road on 37s
    3.5' RC lifted struts with RC UCA Alcan rear leaf spring upgrade with 300lbs added weight+1" lift built in. Adjustable Alcan Shackles set to add an extra inch which equals to a 2" lift in the rear. 37” Maxxis RAZR M/Ts with 1.5” spacers 8” BAMuffler Tuned by Bully Dog Tuner
    @Cfincke i also want to ask you about your 5.29 gears. They make a huge difference?
     
  25. Dec 23, 2021 at 10:33 PM
    #25
    TundraTRD08

    TundraTRD08 Somehow I fit 37s on a level

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2021
    Member:
    #59320
    Messages:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wesley
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    08 Super White TRD Off-Road on 37s
    3.5' RC lifted struts with RC UCA Alcan rear leaf spring upgrade with 300lbs added weight+1" lift built in. Adjustable Alcan Shackles set to add an extra inch which equals to a 2" lift in the rear. 37” Maxxis RAZR M/Ts with 1.5” spacers 8” BAMuffler Tuned by Bully Dog Tuner
    So two of the little hookups will be unused? Also it is a 2 ohm with 2 voice coils.
     
  26. Dec 23, 2021 at 10:34 PM
    #26
    TundraTRD08

    TundraTRD08 Somehow I fit 37s on a level

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2021
    Member:
    #59320
    Messages:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wesley
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    08 Super White TRD Off-Road on 37s
    3.5' RC lifted struts with RC UCA Alcan rear leaf spring upgrade with 300lbs added weight+1" lift built in. Adjustable Alcan Shackles set to add an extra inch which equals to a 2" lift in the rear. 37” Maxxis RAZR M/Ts with 1.5” spacers 8” BAMuffler Tuned by Bully Dog Tuner
    Also hoping it fits in the stock box lol. If bad goes to worse I guess I can get a spacer. Luckily my seats push forward and recline/fold from the top.
     
  27. Dec 23, 2021 at 10:36 PM
    #27
    TundraTRD08

    TundraTRD08 Somehow I fit 37s on a level

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2021
    Member:
    #59320
    Messages:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wesley
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    08 Super White TRD Off-Road on 37s
    3.5' RC lifted struts with RC UCA Alcan rear leaf spring upgrade with 300lbs added weight+1" lift built in. Adjustable Alcan Shackles set to add an extra inch which equals to a 2" lift in the rear. 37” Maxxis RAZR M/Ts with 1.5” spacers 8” BAMuffler Tuned by Bully Dog Tuner
    And where do I need to start the jumper wire? From the factory amp? Also where would one get this jumper wire that is spoke of? Is it a certain kind of wire?
     
  28. Dec 23, 2021 at 11:07 PM
    #28
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2019
    Member:
    #26579
    Messages:
    2,653
    First Name:
    Nick
    SD
    Vehicle:
    2016 MGM Platinum
    Here’s a diagram. I would go with the top example (what i described in my first post) and wire to 4ohms. If you go with the second example, you might want to make sure the factory amp is stable at 1ohm. I would say it probably isn’t. Let us know if you have any more questions. Good luck!
    A3013147-C8E9-4642-B9B3-538B3106296B.jpg
     
  29. Dec 23, 2021 at 11:40 PM
    #29
    TundraTRD08

    TundraTRD08 Somehow I fit 37s on a level

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2021
    Member:
    #59320
    Messages:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wesley
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    08 Super White TRD Off-Road on 37s
    3.5' RC lifted struts with RC UCA Alcan rear leaf spring upgrade with 300lbs added weight+1" lift built in. Adjustable Alcan Shackles set to add an extra inch which equals to a 2" lift in the rear. 37” Maxxis RAZR M/Ts with 1.5” spacers 8” BAMuffler Tuned by Bully Dog Tuner
    Thank you, I will!
     
  30. Dec 23, 2021 at 11:44 PM
    #30
    TundraTRD08

    TundraTRD08 Somehow I fit 37s on a level

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2021
    Member:
    #59320
    Messages:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wesley
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    08 Super White TRD Off-Road on 37s
    3.5' RC lifted struts with RC UCA Alcan rear leaf spring upgrade with 300lbs added weight+1" lift built in. Adjustable Alcan Shackles set to add an extra inch which equals to a 2" lift in the rear. 37” Maxxis RAZR M/Ts with 1.5” spacers 8” BAMuffler Tuned by Bully Dog Tuner
    I actually just thought of a question, you may be in bed already so it isn’t urgent but do you think that something that deep will fit in the stock box? It’s not a shallow. Like I said, I might be able to do a spacer but I’d prefer not to. Thanks.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top