Spare Tire Subwoofer Help

Hey guys, I am back in the market for a subwoofer and would like to use a spare tire enclosure for it. My problem is that I can not find a 12" subwoofer that is 6.25 inches depth or under without a vent (needs to breathe to cool down) on the bottom.

I currently have a Rockford Fosgate P5002 from my old cars setup that I would like to use if possible with my new subwoofer to save a little cash. Link here ( http://www.crutchfield.com/S-v1YALN2n7Nn/p_575P5002/Rockford-Fosgate-Punch-P5002.html )

The Alpine Type-R was my clear cut choice until I realized that it had a vent on the bottom. The box size is right around the ideal cubic feet for this sub. Although it is 6 3/8 mounting depth, It would not be a huge issue to have the box be a little taller (1/8 inch)..... But this was before I realized there was a vent on the bottom. :spin::spin:

 

Without writing a graphic novel over the topic, I guess what I am trying to ask is what you guys are running for subs in your spare tire compartment. I would like to avoid getting into shallow-mount subs, as I have read that they do not preform as well as regular subs and as you probably know, they are more expensive.

 

Thanks for the help guys

A vent on the bottom, are you talking about needing to use a ported enclosure? If so you can fire the port straight up near the woofer grill ( or any other direction that isn't blocked ) .

I'm running a JL 10w3v3 in a sealed enclosure in my spare tire well. Sounds great; nice and crisp.

He's talking about the pole vent out the bottom of the sub; many subs use one to help cool the voice coils. There is a minimum suggested clearance between that and the box. If you have a shallow box, there might not be enough room for the sub's mounting depth + the pole vent clearance, which can lead to overheating the sub.

He's talking about the pole vent out the bottom of the sub; many subs use one to help cool the voice coils. There is a minimum suggested clearance between that and the box. If you have a shallow box, there might not be enough room for the sub's mounting depth + the pole vent clearance, which can lead to overheating the sub.

 

Exactly what I meant. I found the Sundown D2 12" which is only 5.25in mounting depth and has no pole vent which is great. There are not many reviews on them online so I will be digging into that next. The only issue is that the Cu/ft recommendation is 1cu/ft, which may be a little bit of a stretch for the spare tire box.

Where is your spare going to go?

Where is your spare going to go?

Into the garage like I've done -- as a screw holding my amp in place punctured the sidewall and made the tire obsolete. I carry a can of "emergency fill" in case during the summer months - but worse case I've got CAA Gold to tow me home.

 

Subscribed to see what you end up running -- thoughts have always crossed my mind, but nothing ever purchased.

On another note, do you fellas know if the factory HK head unit (NO CLIMATE CONTROL) can support an aftermarket amp? I plan on disconnecting and removing the stock subwoofer on the back deck and using that as a vent between the trunk and passenger area. I would rather not have to buy an aftermarket head unit if possible.

Where is your spare going to go?

 

The box sits on top of the spare in place of the foam tray thingy-majiggy

Gotcha. Sounds like a fun project.

I just did this for my 07 Outback and set it up to also work in my 2010 LGT. Works great, no issues.

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/5th-gen-legacy-interior-mods-203295.html

I understand the issue of the pole vent, unless your using a ton of power I think your worrying about nothing . I've put hundreds of subs in close proximity to the rear of the inclosure and have excellent results . The problem is that most shallow subs don't handle a ton of power, people over drive the sub amp and the owner is expecting too many DBs from the system.

I did an install using a arc audio black series 12" woofer on top of the spare tire, its mounting is only 6 1/8" and Arc also have a arc series 12" sub that is 5.75".

Just to note, the spare tire is actually part of the chassis as rear crash safety when screwed down.

 

I made a fiberglass spare tire enclosure on my 2005 OBXT using a Polk DB10

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/spare-tire-subwooferi-201092p2.html?highlight=spare+tire

Just for reference, this is what my setup looks like underneath the modified stock foam insert.