Can you put subwoofers in a truck?

Yes. Subwoofers can be installed in a pickup or other truck using under-seat, bed-mounted, or hidden enclosures, with proper power and safe mounting. A thoughtful setup balances bass quality, cargo space, and the vehicle’s electrical capacity.

Assessing space, layout, and what you want from the system

Trucks offer a mix of cabin space and cargo area, which means you can pursue discreet, high-fidelity bass or louder, more conspicuous sound. The choice depends on your cab configuration (crew, extended, or two-door), whether you carry bulky items, and how important cargo access remains.

Types of subwoofers and enclosures for trucks

There are several configurations commonly used in trucks. The choice depends on space, power, and how you use the vehicle.

• Active/powered subwoofers: self-contained units with a built-in amplifier and inputs; compact options fit under seats or in small compartments.


• Passive subwoofers with an external amplifier: often larger and capable of more output; requires a separate amp and wiring.


• Enclosure types: sealed boxes for tight, accurate bass; ported boxes for louder bass with more boom; bandpass designs for efficiency in a specific frequency range.


• Mounting forms: under-seat enclosures, behind-the-seat boxes, and bed-mounted enclosures designed for trucks.


• Speaker sizes: common diameters include 8", 10", and 12" (larger subs demand bigger enclosures and more power).

The right combination yields a balance between precision, loudness, and reliability suited to a truck’s interior and cargo needs.

Power, wiring, and installation basics

A reliable subwoofer installation requires careful electrical planning to avoid battery strain, dimming lights, or electrical noise, and to ensure safe mounting during rough roads and weather.

Key installation considerations you’ll typically weigh include the following:

1. Determine the total RMS (continuous) power you want from the system and select a compatible amplifier; avoid overpowering the vehicle’s electrical system.


2. Choose wiring gauge appropriate for the amp’s rating (e.g., 8 AWG up to about 500W, 4 AWG for higher power).


3. Install a suitable fuse or circuit breaker near the battery with an appropriately rated inline fuse.


4. Run a dedicated power wire from the battery to the amplifier, and ensure a solid ground connection to bare metal chassis.


5. Consider upgrading the alternator or battery if you frequently push the system hard or use accessories while driving.


6. Decide on signal inputs: RCA line-level inputs from the head unit or speaker-level inputs from a factory system.


7. Plan routing and weatherproofing, especially for bed-mounted or exterior locations, and use weather-rated enclosures and grommets where needed.

With proper planning, you can achieve clean bass without compromising reliability or daily usability.

Where to mount a subwoofer in a truck

Placement depends on comfort, space, and whether you want a stealth install or a noticeable bass presence. Each location has sound, load, and practicality considerations.

• Under-seat subs: compact enclosures that fit under the rear seats or in the footwell, preserving most cargo space.


• Behind the rear seat or in crew-cab trucks: enclosure sits in the cargo area but remains relatively unobtrusive and accessible.


• Bed-mounted enclosures: bolt-on boxes in the truck bed; ideal for strong bass but require weatherproofing and secure mounting.


• Center-console or dash-mounted subs: compact, discreet options in some models, best for a low-profile install.

Each mounting option trades off space, ease of installation, and bass response, so choose based on how you use the truck and how you want the sound to feel inside the cab.

Safety, calibration, and upkeep

Safe operation and long-term reliability come from correct calibration, secure mounting, and protection from road hazards.

• Keep wiring away from moving drivetrain components, heat sources, and sharp edges; use loom, grommets, and zip ties to secure cables.


• Use proper enclosures and weather protection, especially for bed-mounted or outside-located subs.


• Never block airbags or critical safety systems; route cables away from seats and restraint anchors.


• Calibrate the system gradually to avoid clipping or distortion, and use a high-pass filter on other speakers when appropriate.


• Regularly inspect connections, fuses, and mounting hardware for wear and corrosion, especially after off-road use or harsh weather.

Proper safety and maintenance help preserve both the sound quality and the vehicle’s electrical health.

Getting started: planning and budgeting

Budget and planning shape the project, from component selection to installation time. Start with a clear goal for sound quality and consider whether you’ll install it yourself or hire a professional.

1. Define your bass goals: level of loudness, bass tightness, and whether you want stealth or showy installation.


2. Select a compatible subwoofer size, enclosure style, and amplifier wattage based on your space and power budget.


3. Map out where you’ll place the equipment in your specific truck model and measure space accordingly.


4. Decide whether you’ll DIY the installation or use a professional shop for wiring, enclosure fabrication, and calibration.

Summary

In most trucks, you can install subwoofers effectively by choosing the right enclosure and mounting location, pairing it with an appropriate amplifier, and planning power and wiring to protect the vehicle’s electrical system. Options range from under-seat and rear-seat enclosures to bed-mounted boxes, with a variety of enclosure types (sealed, ported, or bandpass) to fit your space and bass preferences. Careful installation, proper calibration, and ongoing maintenance are key to achieving good sound without compromising safety or reliability.

Can a stock alternator handle a subwoofer?

Yes you absolutely can, but this doesn't mean it will fix voltage drop or light dim issues. Absolutely, even if all you need is say 9awg to handle the stock alternator. If you get large draws of current you will drop a lot of voltage on small wire vs having a very unrestricted flow.

Can you put subs in a truck bed?

Yes, you can put subwoofers in the bed of a truck, but it is not the most common or acoustically ideal placement and often requires building a custom enclosure to be secure and effective. The best location is typically under the seat or in another custom-built enclosure that integrates with the cabin, while placing them directly in the bed requires them to be firmly secured from moving and may result in uneven bass.
 
This video demonstrates how to install a subwoofer enclosure in a truck bed: 55sParker MitchellYouTube · Dec 19, 2023
Pros and cons of putting subs in the truck bed

• Pros:
  • It is a simple way to add subwoofers to a truck, especially if it lacks space under the seats. 
  • This can be a cost-effective solution, as it requires less custom modification than other options. 
• Cons:
  • Acoustics: Placing them in the bed can result in a "sonic mess" with too much bass bouncing around, especially if the box is too large or there are no acoustic treatments. 
  • Security: Subwoofers in the bed must be securely fastened to prevent them from moving around and causing damage or injury. 
  • Practicality: It can make the truck bed less functional for hauling other items and may require a custom enclosure to protect the subwoofers from the elements. 

Custom enclosures

• Building a custom enclosure for the truck bed allows for better integration with your truck's sound system and can provide better bass response. 
• You can also build a custom enclosure to fit behind the seat of your truck or even cut a hole through the back seat to integrate the box with the cabin. 
• You can choose to have a forward-facing or down-firing enclosure depending on your preference. 

You can watch this video to see a custom subwoofer enclosure being built in a truck bed: 56sJacobViralYouTube · Jun 8, 2025
Alternative options

• Under the seat: Many trucks have custom enclosures that are designed to fit under the rear seat, which can be a great option for a cleaner look and better sound quality. 
• Behind the rear seat: Some custom enclosures are designed to fit behind the rear seat, especially in single cab trucks, which is another great way to get better bass without taking up valuable bed space. 
• Blow-through setup: For the most extreme builds, some people choose to cut a hole through the back of the truck's cab and build a large enclosure to integrate the subwoofers directly into the cab. 

What do you need for subs in a truck?

What You'll Need For Your Subwoofer Installation

• Power wire.
• Ground wire.
• RCA wire.
• Blue remote wire.
• Speaker wire.
• 60-amp in-line fuse and fuse holder.
• Wire cutters.
• Wire stripper.

Where to put subwoofers in a pickup truck?

A sub can be placed under a seat or in the trunk. You will experience a difference in sound depending on which type of speaker and location you choose. Typically, a larger speaker will need to be in the trunk. These larger speaker sizes will create louder sounds and reproduce lower frequencies.