Are Spare Tire Subwoofers Good?
Many people ask me about spare tire subwoofers. Well! Spare tire subwoofers are an increasingly popular option for people who want better sound without sacrificing trunk space.
In this article, I’ll explore what spare tire subwoofers do, why they might be a good choice for some people, and how they compare to others.
Moreover, I’ll also discuss their potential drawbacks so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not one is right for you. Let’s dive into today’s article!
What Are Spare Tire Subwoofers, and How Do They Work?
Before we get into details, let me tell you what a spare tire subwoofer really is. Spare tire subwoofers are an innovative solution for bringing the low-frequency sound system up a notch without sacrificing too much trunk space.
These subwoofers allow audiophiles to experience thumping bass with minimal installation effort. Spare tire subwoofers are compact in design that fit inside the spare tire well of a vehicle.
Moreover, their design allows them to maximize the acoustic properties of the spare tire well, which enables them to produce low-frequency sound waves effectively.
A typical spare tire subwoofer consists of a speaker driver, amplifier, and control module that allow users to adjust several audio parameters and modify their output.
If I talk about the spare tire subwoofer’s installation, it is relatively straightforward and requires just a few simple steps:
- Remove the spare tire from its well.
- Place the subwoofer in.
- Secure it in place.
- Connect it to your car’s audio system.
Once correctly installed, this setup seamlessly blends into your vehicle interior while providing ample bass output when needed.
You can establish the connection through the head unit or by connecting it directly to an amplifier dedicated solely to powering your subs (you also have some models that come with integrated amplifiers).
Whether you’re looking for bass-heavy sound or just a little extra oomph to your audio system, spare tire subwoofers provide an excellent solution.
They are easy to install and require minimal maintenance, giving car owners an ideal way to upgrade their sound systems without breaking the bank.
Pros & Cons of Using Spare Tire Subwoofers in Cars:
Pros and cons are derived after I have installed these subwoofers into many clients’ vehicles.
Pros:
Here are the top advantages of installing a spare tire subwoofer in your vehicle:
1. Space-Saving Design:
If you’re a family guy but also an audiophile, a spare tire subwoofer can be a good choice for getting powerful bass without sacrificing trunk storage.
As per the name, they’re designed to fit in the spare tire well, freeing up valuable storage space while still maintaining excellent sound quality.
Again, this is ideal for those with limited storage or who need to maximize their trunk functionality. The precise design and easy installation offer a small footprint that packs an impressive punch of deep and punchy bass.
2. Easy Installation:
If you’re a non-tech guy, then spare tire subwoofers are an excellent option to upgrade your audio system quickly and easily. They require only minimal preparation and installation effort, meaning you can enjoy improved sound quality without any significant modifications or extensive wiring.
The size of the spare tire well also means you don’t have to worry about finding space for a large audio subwoofer box in your vehicle. All in all, installing a spare tire sub is a great way to get more out of your car’s audio setup with minimal fuss!
3. Seamless Integration:
Spare tire subwoofers car fit perfectly in the spare tire well of your vehicle. This ensures they blend with the existing aesthetics, providing a clean, uncluttered look without compromising sound quality.
Additionally, these subs maintain an optimal balance between performance and style by not standing out or interfering with the vehicle’s overall design.
Overall, spare tire subs offer exceptional integration, making them an excellent choice for those wanting powerful audio without sacrificing their vehicle’s interior features.
4. Reduced Risk of Theft:
Let’s face it! Some of us are really terrified by the risk of subwoofer theft. Therefore, spare tire subwoofers are an ideal audio solution for car enthusiasts as they offer the unique advantage of being virtually invisible to potential thieves.
By hiding the sub in the spare tire well, it is less likely that a thief will notice and try to steal it. This added security could make all the difference when leaving your vehicle unattended, allowing for peace of mind knowing that your valuable audio system is protected.
With their stealthy positioning, spare tire subs are an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce theft risk without sacrificing sound quality or performance.
5. Compatibility With Various Car Models:
Spare tire subwoofers are highly versatile and easily adapted to fit many car models. They come in different sizes and configurations, so you can use them in most vehicles with various shapes and sizes of wheel wells.
This makes it easy to find the perfect spare tire sub for your specific car model, allowing you to upgrade your sound system without any compatibility issues.
The adaptability of spare tire subs also ensures better sound quality since they are designed to perfectly match the acoustics of each vehicle’s internal space.
6. Retention of Trunk Functionality:
Ultimately, spare tire subs are a great solution to add the whole bass experience to your car’s audio system without sacrificing your trunk’s functionality.
Unlike other traditional subwoofer setups that occupy a large portion of the trunk area, spare tire subs fit snugly into the spare wheel well, leaving plenty of space in your trunk for whatever you need.
With a spare tire subwoofer, you can still quickly access and use your spare tire whenever required. It also adds an extra layer of protection for your vehicle since it helps protect the tires from potential dirt and debris.
Cons:
Now, we’ve just read the pros! Let me also tell you about the potential drawbacks of having a spare tire sub:
1. Limited Bass Output:
Let’s deal with it! Spare tire subwoofers are not good compared to traditional ported or sealed ones. The limited space inside the spare tire well restricts the size and number of subwoofers that you can use, resulting in lower power handling capabilities and fewer sound elements than traditional subwoofers.
Therefore, these types of subs will not typically provide very powerful or deep bass sounds compared to conventional woofers with larger enclosures.
2. Some Sound Quality Limitations:
Spare tire subwoofers can be a convenient option for upgrading your vehicle’s sound system, but they may experience some sound quality limitations compared to more reliable audio components.
At high volumes or specific frequencies, distortion or reduced clarity can occur due to the design and installation of the speaker system.
To ensure optimal sound quality and avoid these issues, you must evaluate the overall system setup, and configuring all components correctly for better performance is essential.
3. Higher Cost:
Spare tire subwoofers are designed to offer a more compact and integrated solution with improved performance for use in vehicles. However, they come at a higher cost than traditional subwoofer options.
These subs’ specialized designs and features account for the higher price point, making them unsuitable if budget is an issue.
Best Spare Tire Subwoofer Options:
Don’t fall for anyone else! Here are the top 3 spare tire subs that I suggest to any audiophile looking to upgrade their car music experience:
Most Famous Option
Cerwin Vega 600:
Starting our list with the most famous spare wheel subwoofer! In this review, I have used the VPAS12ST version. After opening the box, its design felt so good at first glance. If I talk about the build quality, it looks so robust, with the materials feeling premium to the touch. Its slim profile made me fit this subwoofer well in most vehicles with a spare tire.
Important Subwoofer Specifications:
- Size: 12″
- Impedance Rating: 2 Ohms
- RMS Rating: 150W
- Peak Power Rating: 600W
- Frequency Range: 20Hz – 150Hz
- LPF: 50Hz – 150Hz
- Product Dimensions: (Depth X Width X Height) 14.2″ x 14.2″ x 6″
This enclosed design active subwoofer comes with a built-in amplifier (However, you can also get the passive version) that has enough power to utilize the lowest frequency out of its driver.
In the package, I got the remote bass control, wiring harness, and mounting materials. If I talk about the wired bass control, the remote will allow you to control gain (min-max), bass boost (0dB – 12dB), LPF (50Hz – 150Hz), and phase (0 – to 180 degrees).
Performance and Sound Quality:
- Power: 600 watts for an active spare wheel subwoofer is pretty decent. After installing the subwoofer in mid to large-size trucks, I can confidently say that it can deliver robust and deep bass notes. If your car has enough storage for this subwoofer, you can go with it rather than 2 12″ Kicker subwoofers, giving them a tough competition.
- Bass Quality: CERWIN Vega has a reputation for producing deep and punchy bass; this subwoofer is no exception. Even at higher volumes, the bass notes are clear, resonant, and distortion-free. However, its frequency range allows you to listen to various music genres.
What I Like
What I Don’t Like
Suitable for Audiophiles
JBL BassPro Hub:
I have tried a lot of spare tire subwoofers, but JBL BassPro Hub took the lead among them. According to my experience, I also labeled this subwoofer as one of the most famous spare tire subs. Why? I found its design to be very friendly for the spare tire well, ensuring it remains unobtrusive.
Subwoofer Specifications:
- Size: 11″
- Impedance Rating: 2 Ohms
- RMS Rating (Built-in Amp): 200W
- Bass Boost: 0 – 12dB Variable @ 50Hz
- Frequency Range: 30Hz – 150Hz
- Crossover Frequency: 50Hz – 150Hz
- Product Dimensions: (Depth x Height): 14-3/16″ x 6-1/2″ (D360mm x H165mm)
The BassPro Hub also has a built-in amplifier, delivering 200 watts of RMS power to bring your music to life. With its Class D technology and the included remote, you can easily control and customize your sound experience (You may notice the same bass control settings as the Cerwin Vega).
This exceptional mix of innovative design and superior sound quality makes the JBL BassPro Hub highly sought-after in the audio market. However, its price is a bit higher than other models available in the market.
Performance and Sound Quality:
- Power: Just like the above subwoofer that I have mentioned, the JBL Active sealed subwoofer is also able to impress me through solid power output, delivering profound and punchy bass to elevate the in-car audio experience.
- Bass Quality: After trying it at high volume, the bass produced is tight, deep, and straightforward. It doesn’t sound muddy or distorted, even at high volumes. However, it may produce distortion if you fail to mount it tightly to the spare tire well.
What I Like
What I Don’t Like
For Budget Users
Rockville RockGhost V2:
This subwoofer comes in #3 on our list! According to my experience, it might not be good from the above two subs, but yes, it comes in on the third position in the whole spare wheel subwoofer market. RockGhost has the same exact features (excluding some specs) as that of Cerwin Vega (which is our today’s winner). If I talk about the build quality, Rockville has ensured a product that can withstand the test of time and endure prolonged usage.
Subwoofer Specifications:
- Size: 11″
- Impedance Rating: 2 Ohms
- RMS Rating: 200W
- Peak Power Rating: 800W
- Frequency Range: 20Hz – 150Hz
- Bass Boost: 0 – 12dB @ 45Hz
- LPF: 50Hz – 150Hz
- Product Dimensions: (Deep X Wide X Height) 6.54″ x 18.5″ x 8.66″
The package includes a remote bass control, installation guide, wiring harness, and other wires. If you ask me about my experience, the RockGhost V2 provided increased sound quality when connected with high-level inputs.
The subwoofer was easy to install. I just had to install the 14AWG power wire from the sub’s wiring harness to the pre-fuse battery panel.
Usually, the user guide has mentioned that you don’t need to use blue wire. But for people who want to go with better sound quality, you must use the blue wire to control the subwoofer’s power.
Performance and Sound Quality:
- Power: This option probably has more power output (800 Watts) than others on the list. This basically means you won’t just get an aesthetic look but also a robust bass that can be felt throughout the car.
- Bass Quality: When tested, the RockGhost V2 has produced a surprisingly deep and rich bass for its size and design. The sound remains crisp, without much distortion, even at high volumes.
What I Like
What I Don’t Like
Spare Tire Subwoofer vs. Underseat Subwoofer (Comparison Table):
Here is my comparison table between spare tire sub and underseat subwoofer:
| Functionality | Spare Tire Subwoofer | Underseat Subwoofer |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Installed in the spare tire well | Installed under the seat |
| Space Utilization | Utilizes unused spare tire well, saving trunk space | Fits under the seat, utilizing space that is typically unused |
| Bass Output | Limited compared to larger, traditional subwoofers | Can provide decent bass output, but may not match the power of larger subwoofers |
| Installation | Generally easy installation without major modifications | Easy installation, but may require some adjustments to seat mounting or wiring |
| Integration | Seamless integration into the vehicle’s interior | Blends with the interior, with some models featuring hidden or discreet designs |
| Sound Quality | May have limitations and potential for distortion at high volumes | Can provide satisfactory sound quality depending on the brand and model |
| Compatibility | Generally compatible with a wide range of car models | Compatibility may vary depending on seat dimensions and vehicle model |
| Trunk Space | Retains trunk functionality, including spare tire access | Doesn’t occupy trunk space, but may limit underseat storage capacity |
| Cost | Relatively more expensive compared to some traditional subwoofer options | Cost varies depending on brand, model, and features |
| Bass Performance | Suitable for moderate bass enhancement | Can provide moderate bass enhancement, but may not match the power of larger subwoofers |
So, Are Spare Tire Subs Worth It?
Whether spare tire subwoofers are worth it depends on your sound preferences, budget, and vehicle compatibility. Spare tire subs can be an excellent choice for those with limited space who want an easy installation process without sacrificing trunk functionality.
They offer discreet audio enhancement solutions that fit the car’s design and aesthetics and provide enhanced bass performance over stock speakers.
However, spare tire subwoofers tend to be more expensive than some traditional options, so assessing your budget against the features offered by these subs before making a purchase is essential.
Some models may also have limitations regarding availability and compatibility, so make sure you research the specific model of your vehicle for any restrictions before selecting one.
Additionally, if you desire mighty and deep bass from your audio system, then traditional subwoofers will better suit your needs.
Ultimately though, spare tire subwoofers can provide a great value compared to traditional subwoofer units – enabling users to fit a larger woofer in a smaller area while keeping the interior clean and uncluttered at the same time – so they’re worth considering if you don’t need extreme volume levels or power from your system!
General FAQs
Can a Spare Tire Subwoofer Work Without an Amplifier?
Yes, a spare tire subwoofer can work without an amplifier. It will provide sound, but it won’t have the same volume or clarity as one with an amplifier. An amp is necessary to boost the subwoofer’s sound and give it more depth and power.
How Do Spare Tire Subwoofers Differ From Traditional Subwoofers?
Spare tire subwoofers are designed to fit inside a spare tire well and typically come with an enclosure. They feature a built-in amplifier, making them more powerful and louder than traditional subwoofers. They also take up less space and require minimal wiring.
Are Spare Tire Subwoofers Easy to Install?
Yes, spare tire subwoofers are usually easy to install. All you need to do is mount the subwoofer onto the back of your car’s spare tire and connect it to your car’s electrical system. Most models come with detailed instructions that make installation quick and easy.
Do Spare Tire Subwoofers Affect Trunk Functionality?
Yes, spare tire subwoofers can affect trunk functionality due to their size. They require extra space, limiting the room available for other items in the trunk.
Are Spare Tire Subwoofers Compatible With All Vehicle Models?
No, spare tire subwoofers are not compatible with all vehicle models. They typically come in specific sizes designed to fit certain vehicles and may have compatibility restrictions depending on the make and model of the car.