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Willie Greer
Managing a car audio system is tougher than setting up a home theater. Not only do you need quality car speakers, but you also have to find the best subwoofer for truck vehicles that will produce excellent sound even on a rough road. In this post, that’s exactly what our audio experts will find, so you don’t waste your money on inferior subs.
- Digital built-in amplifier
- Compact & sealed enclosure
- Max power output of 1100W
- Aviation grade carpet
- Immense bass: 10Hz - 150Hz
- Quality MDF construction
- Digitally optimized design
- Top-grade MDF construction
- 600 Watts RMS power-handle
- Plexiglass viewing window
- Control circuitry system
- Loaded bandpass enclosure
- RMS power handling of 100W
- Peak power range of 400W
- Auto Turn-On Technology
- Input sensitivity settings
- Input level remote control
- 50Hz-150Hz low-pass filter
Reviews of the Best Subwoofers for Trucks
Dual Electronics BP1204
During our frantic search for the best subwoofer for trucks, our audio experts bumped into a selection of quality subwoofers called Dual Electronics BP1204. Upon testing, we’re shocked that it produces impressive bass sounds fit for vast music preferences and gives compact trunk spaces pleasing aesthetics.
Geared with llumiNITE technology and Brushed Aluminum cones, this dual subwoofer can light up the interior of your single cab truck. Besides its visuals, it operates in 600 Watts RMS Power and 1100W of Peak power allowing the delivery of accurate bass and solid sound quality.
It’s also easy to install and integrate with an existing sound system because it includes a built-in crossover.
What We Like
- Easy to install and integrate with other sound systems
- Durable MDF subwoofer enclosure with Plexiglass Viewing Window
- Low bass frequencies range from 30Hz to 200kHz
- Streamlined sound quality and ventilated Control Circuitry System
- Impressive RMS power-handling of 600 Watts
- Visually pleasing mirrored chambers
- Produces accurate bass and solid audio quality
- Easy to install in any speaker system
What We Don't Like
- Highly sensitive viewing window
- May require constant maintenance
MTX Audio TNE212D
Upon listing down our picks for the best subwoofer for truck vehicles, our sound specialists couldn’t resist that urge to include MTX Audio TNE212D into the mix.
Engineered and powered by a built-in amplifier with a frequency response of 10Hz to 150Hz, the sound quality offerings of this truck subwoofer are more than just your typical loud bass upgrade. It also has an extensive power-handling capacity of 1200W for maximum output, 800W for Peak, and 400W for RMS.
Its crisp and clear bass music production are greatly owed to its subwoofer enclosure construction that’s sealed with durable black carpeting and MDF wood.
What We Like
- Durable MDF construction and Aviation Grade Carpet
- 800W peak power, 1200W max power, and 400W RMS
- Engineered with built-in amplifier and aluminum voice coil
- Big bass and accurate sound quality
- Dual tightly sealed box enclosure
- Suitable to install in the back truck cab corner
What We Don't Like
- Size may not be suitable for driver or passenger seat
- May require regular maintenance for longer usage
Rockville SS8P
When shopping for a good quality subwoofer, limited budget allocations often get in the way of achieving the desired sound quality for your car speaker system. However, that’s not entirely the case with Rockville SS8P. Besides being an affordable buy, it has a cast aluminum construction that keeps the truck subwoofer cool at all times.
As if that’s not enticing enough, its power-handling capability of 400W peak power and 100W RMS are within the standards of the best truck subwoofer options out there. Although these are shallow mount subwoofers, this Rockville staple features a variable bass boost of 0-12dB and a frequency response ranging from 50Hz-150Hz.
What We Like
- Remote-controlled powered subwoofers
- Constructed with cast aluminum that prevents overheating
- Affordable but has excellent sound quality
- Capable of handling 400W peak power and 100W RMS
- Suitable for rear floorboard placement
- Bass boost of 0-12dB & 50Hz-150Hz frequency range
What We Don't Like
- Shallow mount subwoofer
- Requires constant maintenance for longer sub lifespan
Rockville RW10CA
Another shallow mount subwoofer from the same brand that we can recommend is Rockville RW10CA. While a car audio upgrade can be tricky in terms of placement, this model from Rockville Audio has the best shallow subwoofer enclosure that could fit anywhere in the vehicle.
With a mounting depth of 2.7 inches thick, we’re sure it’ll suit the interior of single cab trucks. Contrary to its compact size and shallow enclosure, this subwoofer box produces more bass than you’d expect.
Sporting an impressive power-handling capacity of 800 Watts Peak, 200 Watts RMS, and frequency response of 50Hz to 150Hz—you’ll surely get more than your money’s worth when you buy this truck subwoofer.
What We Like
- Integrated with PWM MOSFET power supply
- Produces deep bass despite the small size
- Has a thermal protection feature or phase control
- Easy to wire subwoofers for trucks
- User-friendly high-level inputs
What We Don't Like
- Shallow mounting depth
- Suited for small spaces
ASC Kicker 44TCWC104
Not all truck subwoofers have to be massive to get the perfect sound quality. Sometimes, a small subwoofer box such as ASC Kicker 44TCWC104 could do the trick and provide a great bass on your car audio setup.
It’s important to know that this model works well with a hallow subwoofer enclosure that’ll guarantee the full deep bass effect. Given that this is a high-performance truck subwoofer, our resident audiophiles weren’t too surprised to find out that it runs with 300 watts RMS power, 600 watts peak power, and 4 Ohm impedance.
What We Like
- Produces low frequencies with fewer distortions
- Rugged subwoofer box enhances the bass effect
- Operates with 300W RMS, 600W peak power, and 4 Ohm impedance
- Constructed with medium-density fiberboard and well-vent design
What We Don't Like
- May need an external amp
- More suited for smaller enclosures
Rockford Fosgate R2S-1X10
Another compact sub worthy of adding to your audio shopping list is Rockford Fosgate R2S-1X10. This side-ported enclosure from the well-known brand Rockford Fosgate has a slim construction that allows flexible placement.
And did you know that Rockford Fosgate is the staple subwoofer brand of Ford and Mitsubishi? It’s really not a surprise because this model’s enclosure covered in high-density carpet and MDF wood gives off an elite product quality vibe.
Ported enclosures from Rockford Fosgate such as this one also features a high flowing and low-noise port design for the convenience of users.
What We Like
- Has a slim structure that fits anywhere in the vehicle
- Constructed with heavy-duty MDF wood
- Exterior is fully covered with high-density carpet
- Integrated with a low-noise port design
What We Don't Like
- Requires high power output
- May not suit bigger vehicles
JBL BassPro SL
Now that we’re talking about it, let us show some more compact truck subwoofer that will not only fit your budget but will undoubtedly deliver the accurate bass you so long desire. Powered by an efficient Class D amplifier, JBL BassPro SL under-seat sub runs in a meager 125 watts RMS power.
The fun bit of this woofer is that it doesn’t get warm, so there’s no need to worry about placing it under your seat. You can also control its frequency levels and bass boost as freely as you want and make use of its input load switch to increase the sub’s functionality.
What We Like
- Features a Class D amplifier with overheat protection
- Slim design that fits under rear seats
- Has an input load switch for increased functionality
- Capable of reaching 35Hz–120Hz frequency range
- Compatible with remote bass controllers
What We Don't Like
- Placement compatibility still depends on vehicle types
- May need regular checking and maintenance
Rockville Rws12ca
Just when we thought we’re done reviewing enough Rockville subs, we discovered another gem in the rough. The Rockville Rws12ca is the last in our audio tests, but it sure catches our attention from the get-go. Designed with Synthetic Leather Front Panel and Ultra Saturated High BL Motor, this slim woofer got its gears ready for action.
Running with a 1000W peak power and 43Hz-500Hz frequency range, you can achieve the full potential of your speaker system by just adding these powered subs. Thanks to its Smart Turn-On Circuitry, you also don’t have to handle many complex wiring situations.
What We Like
- Operated with a built-in monoblock amplifier
- Features a Smart Turn-On Circuitry for minimal wiring
- Designed with Synthetic Leather Front Panel
- Produces head-pounding bass effect
- Durable MDF wood structure
What We Don't Like
- May not be suited for other vehicle types
- Needs constant maintenance for lasting usage
Truck Subwoofer Buyer’s Guide
Size and Design
As you may already know, subwoofers come in different enclosures and sizes. It’s easy to be misled by whatever you see fit for your vehicle’s sound system, but the quality of audio can be significantly affected by the design and size of your sub.
First up, consider the space of your car. Keep in mind that larger subwoofers with massive drivers tend to produce louder and punchy bass than those of smaller sizes. If this is not the kind of quality you’re aiming for in your vehicle, then our experts suggest choosing your purchase wisely.
Regular and large-sized truck subwoofers tend to have a wider frequency range than smaller alternatives available in the market. And because these types take up less space, they also feature less power consumption from the car’s battery.
And because regular woofers require higher power inputs, they have higher sensitivity rates than its counterpart. With that feature, these subs can respond quickly to different power variations, enabling consistent sound quality.
On top of all that, you should know that shallow and regular subwoofers differ in the aesthetic department. While small woofers are easy to blend with your vehicle’s interior, larger ones need strategic placement to make them look less noticeable.
(Have specific enclosure needs? Well, you can create your own sub box to specifications using this simple process)
Enclosure Quality
Like what we discussed beforehand, the body or enclosure of your subs has a particular effect on the sound quality that it produces. Before we get on to the different materials often used for the construction of your sub enclosure, we should talk about its two variations first: sealed and ported boxes.
If you’re searching for a subwoofer with a tighter and accurate audio quality, our resident audiophiles suggest trying out sealed box subwoofers. These subs are technically smaller than its counterpart and require more power to produce a louder bass effect.
The air that’s sealed inside the enclosure acts as a shock absorber, giving the woofer a chance to precisely control and reach lower frequencies. The important thing to note about sealed subs is that they don’t give off booming sounds and have very flat frequency responses. In that regard, you can say that it’s vaguely similar to other speakers in the sound system.
On the other hand, ported subwoofers have a more complex setup than the prior mentioned. In fact, you may need assistance when configuring these woofers if you’re not that familiar with audio technology. However, it features many ports, allowing the airflow to move inside and out of the sub freely.
Through this, your powered sub will be able to produce a louder sound. Its porting features also enhance the output capability and extend the woofer’s frequency responses.
Moving on to the quality of enclosures, subwoofers offered by well-known companies like ASC, Rockville, and JBL often construct their products with MDF, and plywood materials are known for thickness and affordability. These are the excellent wood for subs you should always consider when buying. Other materials like aluminum sheets, polycarbonate, and fiberglass can also be considered as alternative options.
Frequency Response
The audible hearing spectrum of a human being ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz [1]. This fact alone proves that your audio experience can only be fulfilled to the fullest if each of your speakers could cater to the frequency range required by the audio you’re playing. Subwoofers, in particular, are solely responsible for the lower spectrum of sound production.
As it’s the indicator of how well the audio will be reproduced, it’s imperative that you’re aware of how this feature works. While this feature can be highly subjective because many other factors could affect your sub’s performance and sound quality, it’ll be helpful to know how low your music production can go.
Power and Sensitivity
When it comes to subwoofers, the basic rule of thumb is: if you want booming and impressive bass, you have to go for a woofer with enough power to execute the effect. You can check the audio specifications like RMS power rating to get the gist of what you’re purchasing. This feature will initially tell you how much power the sub can handle continually.
Another audio spec that goes hand-in-hand with power is the sensitivity of your sub. The way these features work isn’t at all complicated. Basically, if your woofer’s more sensitive, it’ll require less power to replicate the quality of bass you want to hear.
Voice Coils
If you’re going to ask our resident audiophiles and car enthusiasts, they can guarantee that a truck subwoofer that comes with a dual voice coil is easy to install in any existing sound system. This is because dual voice coils tend to have more flexibility in wiring than single ones.
Then, there’s a dual subwoofer that uses two separate voice coils to operate, with each having its own connections. This type of component setup is also common among available subs in the market.
Setup and Compatibility
Your sub must be compatible with the vehicle you intend to use it for to achieve superb sound quality. Contrary to common misconception, it’s still a major consideration to pick the proper placement for your woofer. Whether it’s under the rear seat or at the trunk spaces, the location of your setup should determine what kind of purchase you should go for.
For the compatibility of your subs, this could vary depending on the type of truck subwoofer, which we’ll be tackling next.
Type of Truck Subwoofer
Before you proceed with selecting any of these top-rated subwoofers, you must know that there are different types of low-frequency speakers that cater to specific audio needs. First, there are the component subwoofers, which operate in a stand-alone setup. Technically, you have to install it in your existing enclosure, so our advice is to pick a sub compatible with the box you have.
Besides that, component subs most likely need external amplifiers to go along with this installation. If you aim to achieve a custom audio system, then this is the best subwoofer option you can consider. The sizes available for this type of woofer range from 8 inches to 15 inches and operate on different power variations.
Next on the list is the enclosed subwoofers. Because these low-frequency speakers already have pre-mounted features, they can be easier to install than the other types of subs. Like component woofers, you’ll need to install external amplifiers for these subs too. And because this is the most typical choice in the market, it may not suit all vehicle types.
If you’re looking for something that doesn’t need external amps, then the best our experts could recommend are powered woofers. Everything you need is within the unit you’ll purchase, so the installation process will be such bliss on your part.
Powered subwoofers are also commonly compact, so you must definitely have freedom when it comes to placement inside the vehicle. They can also be easily integrated into your existing setup.
Last but not least, there are subs that have vehicle-specific features. These manufactured woofers are crafted solely for a specific type of vehicle, and their placement is already fixed. The good thing about this is that its design and color will definitely match your vehicle and still give the bass quality that most car owners find helpful.
Price and Warranty
Like other types of speakers, the pricing of subwoofers highly varies on brand, type of enclosure, specifications, and quality. While some of them can be expensive given the impressive audio components each of them has, there are also affordable options with basic bass capabilities like component subs that range under $50.
For smaller ones with impressive features and bigger speakers with just enough bass functions, you can go for compact and dual enclosures readily available in the market that can be bought for around $50 to $100.
The selection of woofers with higher specs and built-in amps will cost you around $100 to $500. For this price range, you can expect a refined sound quality for your subs. They’re considered a good investment because their durable materials will last a long time.
On the other hand, going over 500 bucks is only typical for those audiophiles wanting to have a specific sound quality in their woofer.
How to Install a Subwoofer in a Truck?
Installation is one of the most overwhelming tasks when buying a subwoofer. At the end of the day, this process depends on which type of subs you decide to buy, but let’s walk you through it anyway.
Let’s say that you already decided what type of sub you need, and you got all the sizes checked on your list. The next thing to do is remove the bolts from the rear seat, or anywhere you want the sub to be placed over. And then, pull out the center brace that supports the seat as you won’t be needing it once you installed your woofer.
When installing the sub inside the enclosure, make sure to strip the amp power cord and solder the wires that come with the woofer. After that, you can proceed to wire woofers to your existing system. Make sure that the sub is properly screwed inside the enclosure to avoid needless vibrations.
Another crucial step to make is connecting the amplifier wire to the battery terminal of your vehicle. Keep in mind that the wires shouldn’t be overly exposed. Our car audio enthusiasts recommend hiding it under the carpet.
You also can’t forget to connect the stereo to the amp cable and then to the RCA cables. After all the wires are fastened up, put the seat back in its original position and make sure to screw the bolts tightly.
FAQ
What size subwoofer is best for a truck?
The size of subwoofers best for a truck is between 12 to 15 inches. Because most trucks have spacious construction, going for big subs with powerful bass and deeper sound quality is the most suitable option to buy. These subs also take a lot of space. So, it’s more recommended if you’re driving large trucks.
What kind of sub box is best for a truck?
The kind of sub box best for a truck is a sealed enclosure if you aim for more profound and precise sound quality. These boxes don’t usually go for booming audio but still manage to achieve the bass effect. If your music selection includes louder bass effects, buying ported ones is a great idea.
Our Top Pick For a Subwoofer for Trucks:
Dual Electronics BP1204
After multiple sound tests and careful evaluations, our team of audiophiles decided to hail Dual Electronics BP1204 as the best subwoofer for truck vehicles among the eight worthy contenders in this roundup.
Considering its aesthetically pleasing visuals owed to llumiNITE technology and streamlined audio quality, we have no reservations with the value that this truck subwoofer can offer to upgrade your car audio experience.
For wider selections of subwoofer products, you can also visit the pages below:
