Who's got an audio system that still leaves room in the cargo area?
 

Hi everyone!

I'm looking to put an audio system into the 4runner that combines sound and storage ability. I'd like to fit a 15" sub (maybe 2 cu ft box) in the back, but still be able to haul mountain bikes, skis and or camping gear. Ideas?

Anybody got pictures or descriptions of their systems?

Thanks!
Andy

This box holds two 10's, but could be built to hold two 12's without taking up too much room.

Not sure about one 15", though.

Yotatech won't let me upload the same pic in two threads, so here is the link to the thread with the pic

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...?threadid=8276

Got dimensions & a write up on building the box?

Is that box on both sides or just the right? It looks great though and would like to hear how you built it. Thanks

Hey thats awesome! Just the idea I'm looking for. Whats the material? Looks like at least some of it is fiberglass. Why did you round out the top? It looks good like that, but I'm wondering if the 15 would fit it the front was taller... What is the screen in front of the subs? Does it help protect them? I'm thinking of doing something similar on the other side to house the amp as well...

Cool! Thanks!

Guess everyone has a different definition of leaving cargo space :laugh:

http://68.81.104.88:3390/subsinwall.jpg

4Runr, that's awesome, is that a full enclosure or just a panel for the subs? How did you open the interior panel so the subs can sound good? Any write up & additional pics available?

Also, has anyone tried altering the storage area on the passenger side of the cargo area to put a sub in there, a la the old Ford Explorer & Expedition designs?

It's an infinite-baffle setup, in a sense. Since the subwoofers are relatively low power, it works well. I started the job not expecting much, but it turned out to sound beautifully even with the panel over it (the panel hasn't changed the sound a bit since it's low-passed).

There is more than enough power to provide a reasonable amount of low frequencies to compliment the front speakers, and I even equalized 30-40hz range since it starts to roll off around there. Handles it well.

The sound can be equated to a decent premium stock system. The only thing I don't like about the setup is in winter the speakers freeze back there and I have to use the *gasp* bass boost button. Even though they have 100% rubber surrounds they still don't warm up enough back there.

That's what happens when you're one of Santa's elves!:xmas7:

Seriously, that looks great, especially if the sound is good too. What material did you use, it looks like plastic or wood laminate. Also, what size/make of subs and amp did you use?

Not quite as cool as 4RUNR's setup but here's another idea for a sub box (not finished ... never got around to doing vinyl)

http://www.turborz.com/pictures/ampbox.jpg

It holds a single 10" woofer, two amps and provides plenty of storage space. Since I'm running only one 10" woofer, the box was built so that half of it was the actual sub box, the other half was left empty/open. This is additional storage space I can use that has the bonus of being hidden when the rear seats are up.

Re: Who's got an audio system that still leaves room in the cargo area?
 

The main problem I can forsee sould be what 15" sub you want to put into your rig. I've built enclosures for a single 10 that fits in the factory cubby on the pass. side similar to the pic that 4RUNR posted. You could do something similar to that with a 15 but you'd have to rebuild that whole quarter trim (at least a good portion of it) to accomodate for the needed space. JL makes a "stealthbox" that fit's over the pass. wheel well but it too also only holds a single 10".
http://jlaudio.com/stealthbox/4runner.html

Q-Logic Subwoofer Enclosure is on sale at Sounddomain.com for a better than usual price. FYI

-Stu.

Rymin289, how hard was it to fabircate an enclosure for the storage cubby, and how does it sound? Would you recommend that of the JL solution? I'd like the less intrusive mount that will not infringe on the cargo space.

This is what I did... holds an amp, power inverter, and all my relays in the front left area, a 12" sub in the front right, and storage drawers in the back. Can definitely be built differently to hold whatever you wanted. I thow my mtb in there all the time, plus tons of other crap. A bit of info and some more pics on my site, under add-ons.

click for bigger pics

http://128.226.93.56/4runner/add-ons/box2.gif

http://128.226.93.56/4runner/add-ons/box3.gif

It is actually a metal plate that I just cut to shape, and attached using insulation foam and sheet metal screws. The seal is airtight and doesn't resonate, that's all it needs to do anyway.

The amp is a small Kicker 100x1@4ohm, and these are 6" 8ohm subs. I just didn't want to go any bigger as I've already done it many times many years ago :D Guess just grew out of it. Plus I like the feeling knowing that it's invisible even to the passengers and giving the thieves less reasons to break in as even the cargo cover means there's something there.

My question would be, why a 15? I had two JL 10s that would put most 15s to shame. You'd be surprised what a 10 can do. I'd look into it at least.

I want some pics!!!:cry: j/k

well here is my opinion on getting a 15 or 2 15s. i have 2 JL audio 15s in my runner. First of all i would recomend getting either 10s or 12s. you will not be able to fit much in the cargo area with the size of the box you will need to have. i don't believe that you would be able to fit them in the panel but that all depends on how big the magnet is on the sub. 15s also require quite a bit of power and if you dont have a big amp then you could be getting yourself into trouble. the box i have takes up most of the cargo area but still has room for a pair of golf bags. i made it so the cover could still go over the top of it. i just dont know why you would need a 15 unless you listen to a lot of rap. just some thoughts.

Hey! Thanks for the all the thoughts and infos! I guess I'm looking to cram a 15" in there because I think I have the room. Maybe I don't? I thought the install in my mr2 was worse. Barely room behind the seats for an 8". I guess I just really wanted to see how a 15" would sound and have an install with one. Probably not such a good reason...

For you guys with over the wheel boxes.. Do they move around much? I can just see a box falling over onto my mtn bike as I go to trails.

I like the inwall approach too, maybe I'll go for a 12" after all.

I would go with a JL sub, I have a W3v2 in the mr2. I would get a 15w0.. Actually the shop I use to order stuff has loaned me one to see if I can get it to fit.

I have a JL 500/1 amp so I'm not too worried about power. I think it will hold up well with a JL 15...

I've got fork mounts for the bikes.. So hopefully I'll have a full side to work with...

How do the boxes stay in place in the back? Is it just weight? Or do you tie em down somehow??

Thanks!!! -Andy

4RUNR that looks great! Do you have any more pics of it even after it was completed? I have to have all that cargo space and that looks to solve the problem. Thanks