Best Subwoofers For Trucks: Single and Crew Cab

Some people are confused about choosing the best subwoofers for trucks. As normal cars, most trucks don’t have a trunk to place the subwoofer. Therefore, you must select a s shallow truck subwoofer to fit inside the compact area.

But with so many models in the market, how do you know which is suitable for your single or crew cab truck? Therefore, I’m going to give you some right and tested options to add to your truck audio system.

I’ll also discuss critical features like size and power handling capabilities and important considerations like budget and installation requirements.

By the end of the article, you will be 100% confident in finding a good sound-quality subwoofer that fits your needs and your wallet!

My Top 3 Recommendations for Your Pickup Truck:

If you are in a hurry and don’t want to waste your time reading the whole article, we have made it easy for you to choose one of the best truck subwoofers for powerful from the below list:

Explore the Best Subwoofers for Your Truck’s Stereo:

What I Think:

After testing, the only two things that made me add SLL LOPRO10 to the list were its pricing and features. However, some of my clients have negative opinions about the bass output. Moving forward, you can install this subwoofer using any inexpensive wiring kit like Boss.

I have tried different placements to analyze the bass frequency range. If you place LOPRO10 under the seat, you may get a slightly compromised bass response compared to trunk placement due to limited enclosure volume.

While putting it under the seat, ensure you face it up while having at least a 5-inch space between the speaker and the seat. Also, you must use metal frames to tighten the subwoofer in this position (but don’t forget to use padding between frames to avoid sound distortion).

Also, I have to use a flathead screwdriver to fine-tune the subwoofer. Upon sound testing, I found a 60Hz LPF setting for optimal results. I must also mention that this subwoofer is a good option not only for crew but also for single-cab trucks. However, if you want to impress the neighbor, this subwoofer won’t work well for you.

About My Experience:

I have concluded that Kicker 44TCWC104 is a good option for those looking for a rich bass. One major thing you must consider while going with this option is the suitable amplifier. I have tested this subwoofer with CXA800.1, CX600.1, CXA300.1, Alpine MRV-M500, and JL Audio JX500/1D.

All these amplifiers were able to provide the required power rating to play this car subwoofer to its maximum. Also, I needed to use bridged mode for some amps to get excellent sound quality in a single-cab truck.

This subwoofer provides more bass if you place it behind the rear seat (facing the trunk) rather than under the seat placement. Thanks to the sturdy construction using quality materials, I really appreciate the durability. The medium-density fiberboard (MDF) minimizes vibrations and resonances, ensuring long-lasting performance.

About My Experience:

I literally think you won’t find a better option than this subwoofer model in the marker if you can afford it. This is one of the sealed subwoofers that can give tough competition to the ported ones.

I installed the subwoofer under the truck’s seat, facing it toward the driver. Before getting its loud bass output, I had to make the Rockford Fosgate P300 12″ through a break-in period. In some extended cab trucks, I have even noticed the subwoofer was able to shake the side and rearview mirrors.

Regarding installation, I had to run 8AWG from the box to the car battery. However, you can use high-level input for more optimal audio quality. Also, you should have to install the bungee string to secure the subwoofer enclosure in one place. The voice coils in this model are built differently.

About My Experience:

Our overall experience with the Hideaway 46HS10 Compact Powered subwoofer is positive. One drawback is that you need to fit the subwoofer under the seat using some mounting brackets.

I used some 2.25″ light bar mounts and some m5-0.8 75mm machine screw thread, m5-08 15mm couplers, and washers (We tried this method after reading the user’s review on Amazon). This setup bolts into two of the seven bolts holding the subwoofer together, and it’s not letting go.

The 15A built-in fuse option will keep your subwoofer from blowing if something gets wrong with your truck sound system. The tuning features allowed us to test the car audio subwoofer at its extreme.

Honestly, we were not disappointed at all. If I talk about the design, It has an aluminum frame and can withstand the harsh materials mentioned above. The subwoofer offers low and high-level connectivity types, so you don’t have to use any Y-adapter type to connect it with any factory or aftermarket head unit.

About My Experience:

According to my test, Rockville RW10CA has gone beyond our expectations. However, the installation process may be complex for beginners. However, we used an eight-gauge wire, so the problem went off.

Once you have placed the subwoofer in your desired location, run the RCA cables from the factory head unit and connect the RCAs to low-level inputs. For the first time, you must fine-tune the subwoofer.

Then, you can conveniently adjust the subwoofer’s bass level from the driver’s seat. However, this low-profile subwoofer will work more efficiently behind the rear seats rather than under the seat. In most sound systems, this subwoofer will provide more than enough bass quality.

About My Experience:

According to my tests on different trucks, I concluded this car subwoofer works really well in tight areas. However, JBL BassPro SL 8 may slide whenever you play it at high volume levels or hit the brakes. We solved the problem by using a daisy chain on its four corners and hooking the ties to areas under the seat.

Also, you should use the spade terminals instead of ring terminals (amp kits come with ring terminals). Also, this subwoofer needs a break-in period. Start listening to the subwoofer at a lower volume on day 1 for the optimized frequency response.

Gradually increase the volume daily until it gets through the break-in period (It will take 3 – 4 days). For most single-cab trucks, I found this thin profile subwoofer enclosure more user-friendly.

Buying Guide:

What Are the Most Famous Brands for Truck Subs?

As a subwoofer expert, I have used almost every brand that manufactures extended or crew cab truck subwoofers. Below are my favorite brands:

1. Jl Audio:

JL Audio is widely respected for its commitment to producing top-quality audio products. Their subwoofers are renowned in extended or single-cab trucks for creating powerful, clear, and accurate bass.

Their reputation has been built over years of providing users with superior sound quality and equipment that will last through many years of harsh road conditions.

With its expertise and range of options available, JL Audio has positioned itself as a leader in the truck audio industry, making it a famous brand for truck subs.

2. Rockford Fosgate:

Rockford Fosgate is renowned for its top-quality truck subwoofers. They offer a range of sizes and power levels to meet the needs of every type of trucker (Their sound quality is really excellent).

Their bass radiators are prevalent, featuring patented technologies that allow for better bass impact and depth.

The company also offers custom solutions tailored to your vehicle’s make and model, guaranteeing an unbeatable listening experience. Subwoofers by Rockford Fosgate give the ultimate bass punch.

3. Kicker:

I’ve been using this brand for many years. I would only say that the Kicker Audio provides a variety of models to fit any budget or bass preference, all guaranteeing hard-hitting, low-end response.

Their subwoofer enclosures are designed to be compact and robust, so they can easily fit in the limited space available in trucks. They also incorporate advanced technologies like fiberglass-reinforced cones with up to 600 watts of power, allowing them to deliver maximum sound pressure levels no matter the music you’re playing.

4. Alpine:

Alpine is also a renowned brand for car and truck subwoofers. Their subwoofers are designed to deliver powerful, well-rounded audio performance with precise engineering and attention to detail.

Thanks to their exceptional quality, Alpine subwoofers have become the go-to choice for many truck owners seeking an impressive bass experience in their vehicles. The combination of value, performance, and durability makes Alpine one of the top brands for truck subwoofers.

5. Pioneer:

Pioneer has become a famous brand for truck subs and sound systems due to their durability, dependability, and superior sound quality. Pioneer offers many truck subwoofers, including shallow-mount subs with deep bass and louder clear sounds.

All of their subwoofers are optimized to perform better than the competition in any environment, whether you’re playing music or just enjoying the ride. Additionally, Pioneer’s affordable prices make them an excellent option for anyone looking for quality truck audio equipment without breaking the bank.

How to Choose the Right Subwoofer for Your Truck?

In an extended or single-cab truck, choosing the right subwoofer (especially if you want a deep bass) is not rocket science. Don’t worry! I have provided the guide below for your ease:

1. Determine Your Budget:

Before you start researching, it is essential to decide on a realistic budget for your truck subwoofer. With a specific budget in mind, you can narrow down the range of available products that suit your needs and financial capacity.

It also allows you to avoid overspending or buying items that don’t fulfill specific requirements. A budget may also lead to finding better deals and discounts, making it easier for you to get a high-quality product at an affordable price.

2. Understand Power Handling and RMS Rating:

Well! That’s some technical part. Just remember, power handling refers to the maximum amount of power that a subwoofer can handle without damaging it, while RMS rating indicates how much continuous power it can take.

Therefore, when purchasing an extended or single-cab subwoofer, look for one with higher power handling and RMS ratings to get deep bass without distortion. If you are going with a passive subwoofer, you should compare the sub with amplifier ratings before installing it. Otherwise, you may blow the subwoofer or amplifier.

3. Consider Cone Material and Construction:

Some people don’t look at this part. You should consider the cone material, rubber surround, and construction to achieve accurate and powerful bass. Popular choices for cone material include polypropylene, which offers good durability while providing good sound quality.

Don’t worry about my subwoofers’ list; their cone materials are well-tested. More advanced materials, such as aluminum or composite cones, may provide a more excellent bass response but are more expensive.

4. Choose the Right Enclosure Type:

Every enclosure type performs differently from the other. So, you must put some time into getting the right enclosure type before selecting a subwoofer for your single cab, as the subwoofer enclosure directly affects the sound quality of the bass.

In car audio setup, sealed compartments deliver tight and accurate bass, whereas ported enclosures provide deeper and louder bass. Bandpass sections offer maximum efficiency with big bass output.

5. Select the Appropriate Size and Fitment:

Before you pick a subwoofer, measure the available space in your truck and ensure that it can accommodate the chosen size without compromising any functionality. Generally, larger subwoofers tend to produce deeper bass notes, but they also require more space for installation.

Also, most truck owners like to use active subwoofers (that don’t require an external amplifier). Moreover, I have provided the measurements for every subwoofer in the list above.

Balance these requirements with your truck’s constraints to select a suitable size and fitment that will offer great audio performance. So, pick one of the good shallow-mount subwoofers from above and improve your sound system.

What Are the Best Subwoofer Placements in Truck?

There are a lot of subwoofer placements for trucks that you can use. However, below are my favorite ones:

• Underseat: If you have a single cab truck, the ideal place for your subwoofer will be the passenger’s underseat placement.
• Under the Bed: If you are an advanced audiophile and your truck bed has a tonneau cover, you can choose the truck bed spot to place your subwoofer. In this case, you have too much space to make your subwoofer accurate sound.

General FAQs