Side mounted sub woofer question

[keyser_soze]

Alright guys I recently got two more dogs so I need some more space in my cargo area. I had a cargo bag with all my offroad and safety gear. I replaced that with a Rago panel and a Ranigler attic net. I now need to replace my 12" sub in a medium sized box.

At first I was set on the Tacotunes Fiberglass Enclosure. Its 12" so I can reuse my current sub. I know its expensive but its worth it to get my cargo space back and not compromise on sound. But now that I love that Rago panel so much I would like to have one on the driver side as well and the Tacotunes wont allow that. Another issue is that its relatively new and there isn't much info on it.

Which bring me to the Audio Designs Phantom Enclosure It would allow me to have the driver side Rago panel, its cheaper and I could sell off my sub to recoup even more. But again there isnt any information on the enclosure, and it uses a 10" shallow mount sub.

Another option is to have a shop make me an enclosure similar to the Audio Designs like BFLAN or Raingler_Nets did. I guess I should have went to a few local shop to price this out but it would probably be my best option if it isn't too expensive.

What do you guys think. Does anyone have any experience or opinions on a side mounted subwoofer enclosure?

 

[keyser_soze]

Ultimatley....you will most likely have less dbs than a traditional rear facing. BUT! Who cares. You may loose 3 to 6 but thats not really an issue. If you like the sub you have, have a shop make a fiberglass box for it with the correct airspace for your sub.

It may be a thing to get obsessive over in terms of peak performance, but side facing subs sound good. I perfer sealed boxes. But alot is personal preferance and type of music you like.

I'm okay with downgrading or making a compromise to get my cargo space back. I know side firing, and less air space are not ideal. But if I can get 80% of the performance and get my cargo space I will be more than happy.

I do love music, and I listen to metal, rap, and the girlfriend listens to edm so no sub is not an option.

I know a decent amount about audio stuff in general I just want to hear peoples opinions before I make my decision, especially since there really inst any info on side mounted sub woofers for the 4Runner.

I have heard good things about the OEM audio setup if you want to do the whole system. But its not cheap.

I have looked at their stuff But I already have my system I'm just looking to change my sub. Plus their sub looks like a downgrade compared to the options like Tacotunes and Audio Designs

 

[Dr. Monkeypants]

What do you guys think. Does anyone have any experience or opinions on a side mounted subwoofer enclosure?

What about the Toyota JBL sub enclosure? I'm not sure if it's available separately, but it's completely concealed inside the inner quarter panel.

 

[keyser_soze]

What about the Toyota JBL sub enclosure? I'm not sure if it's available separately, but it's completely concealed inside the inner quarter panel.

I don't know how much air space it has but I'm guessing its not much, it is also for an 8" sub. I need more than that.

If I could find just the enclosure for cheap and modify it to fit a 10" and be bigger similar to Raingler_Nets or BFLAN design then it would be a good option.

Size isn't really an issue, I dont mind it taking up the side space/cubbies. I would buy the Tacotunes right now if it didn't block the mounts for the Rago panels.

 

[X29 INC]

I prefer these, but they're pricey.

 

[mailbox]

I don't know how much air space it has but I'm guessing its not much, it is also for an 8" sub. I need more than that.

If I could find just the enclosure for cheap and modify it to fit a 10" and be bigger similar to Raingler_Nets or BFLAN design then it would be a good option.

Size isn't really an issue, I dont mind it taking up the side space/cubbies. I would buy the Tacotunes right now if it didn't block the mounts for the Rago panels.

I have the tacotunes sub enclosure. If you're ok with the downsides it has (because of size) then it really is a good product.
I shopped around and one of the better reputation audio shops quoted me 900 dollars just for the fiberglass enclosure. That was what led me to purchasing the entire TT setup for my 5th gen.

Things to note:
- You can't recline the back seat that is directly behind the enclosure. In my standard SR5 4x4 that means 1/3 seats in the back. The other 2/3 can still recline all the way
- The mounts for things like the rago modular racks and the cargo net/cargo cover are taken up by the enclosure's mounts so you cant use those either.

Other than that though I am really pleased with the setup.

 

[keyser_soze]

Things to note:
- You can't recline the back seat that is directly behind the enclosure. In my standard SR5 4x4 that means 1/3 seats in the back. The other 2/3 can still recline all the way
- The mounts for things like the rago modular racks and the cargo net/cargo cover are taken up by the enclosure's mounts so you cant use those either.

I'm leaning this way. The size isn't an issue, just the fact that I cant use the rago panels but I can come up with a way to add a little storage on that side.

I prefer these, but they're pricey.

Can I ask why you prefer those?

After briefly reading through the OEM+ thread I came to the conclusion that their sub is a little lacking. Plus I already have a system and they don't sell their subs separately.

 

[kelkins]

I have the tacotunes sub enclosure. If you're ok with the downsides it has (because of size) then it really is a good product.
I shopped around and one of the better reputation audio shops quoted me 900 dollars just for the fiberglass enclosure. That was what led me to purchasing the entire TT setup for my 5th gen.

Things to note:
- You can't recline the back seat that is directly behind the enclosure. In my standard SR5 4x4 that means 1/3 seats in the back. The other 2/3 can still recline all the way
- The mounts for things like the rago modular racks and the cargo net/cargo cover are taken up by the enclosure's mounts so you cant use those either.

Other than that though I am really pleased with the setup.

I’m planning on purchasing this sub enclosure. Do you have to drill your own mounting holes for the sub, or does it have anchor locations for mounting screws?

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I have the tacotunes sub enclosure. If you're ok with the downsides it has (because of size) then it really is a good product.
I shopped around and one of the better reputation audio shops quoted me 900 dollars just for the fiberglass enclosure. That was what led me to purchasing the entire TT setup for my 5th gen.

Things to note:
- You can't recline the back seat that is directly behind the enclosure. In my standard SR5 4x4 that means 1/3 seats in the back. The other 2/3 can still recline all the way
- The mounts for things like the rago modular racks and the cargo net/cargo cover are taken up by the enclosure's mounts so you cant use those either.

Other than that though I am really pleased with the setup.

It also doesn't work with third row seats

 

[Raingler_Nets]

Pull out the panel is best and safest. Just made some simple "L" brackets to anchor solid and cut trim panel exactly so it is a tight fit. Yes, the panel is "permanently" modified but no rattles and solid as hell. It's staying there forever just as if it came that way in ours.
The shops will not be cheap on this, probably $500 or up depending on the area just for the labor.
NOTE: I ran high end car audio shops for years so this was a no fear approach for me but your results may vary.:jk:

 

[Globetrotter78]

I just made mine myself out of fiberglass. The audio shop prices are so high due to the labor/time. Honestly, if you have space and time, its pretty easy to make one yourself for a FRACTION of the price. I think I spent ~$100. It's not perfectly shaped as I am decades out of practice but it holds a 1000w Alpine R just fine!

I have a write up done on my "Globetrotter78 Build" thread ( I don't know how to link it here).

 

[Raingler_Nets]

I have a write up done on my "Globetrotter78 Build" thread .

Looks great! Linked to your build above

 

[Globetrotter78]

Pull out the panel is best and safest. Just made some simple "L" brackets to anchor solid and cut trim panel exactly so it is a tight fit. Yes, the panel is "permanently" modified but no rattles and solid as hell. It's staying there forever just as if it came that way in ours.
The shops will not be cheap on this, probably $500 or up depending on the area just for the labor.
NOTE: I ran high end car audio shops for years so this was a no fear approach for me but your results may vary.:jk:

Man, that is beautifully done!!!! I am envious of the skill here. I am pleased with how mine came out but I definitely would do a few things differently. Don't laugh too much at my amateur hour work by comparison. LOL :thumb3:

 

[Globetrotter78]

looks great! Linked to your build above

thank you!!

 

[ADT_192]

This one. It is a custom one tho

Another snap of the TRD 4runner with custom built JL Audio stealthbox - Yelp

 

[X29 INC]

I'm leaning this way. The size isn't an issue, just the fact that I cant use the rago panels but I can come up with a way to add a little storage on that side.



Can I ask why you prefer those?

After briefly reading through the OEM+ thread I came to the conclusion that their sub is a little lacking. Plus I already have a system and they don't sell their subs separately.

I like how it fits snug and still allows access to the outlets and third row seats. It's removeable and I can sell it if I decide I no longer want it. I see how the lack of separating can cause an issue. I wanted just the sub too.

 

[mailbox]

I’m planning on purchasing this sub enclosure. Do you have to drill your own mounting holes for the sub, or does it have anchor locations for mounting screws?

It had the holes and stuff already done. All I had to do was screw the bolts and washers in

 

[CITYRNR]

Here’s another way to go that doesn’t use trunk space. I had this one custom done by a shop since all the other options used too much storage room for me. Used the space where the bottle jack goes. Two 8” full size woofers.

 

[happyb]

Pull out the panel is best and safest. Just made some simple "L" brackets to anchor solid and cut trim panel exactly so it is a tight fit. Yes, the panel is "permanently" modified but no rattles and solid as hell. It's staying there forever just as if it came that way in ours.
The shops will not be cheap on this, probably $500 or up depending on the area just for the labor.
NOTE: I ran high end car audio shops for years so this was a no fear approach for me but your results may vary.:jk:

what subwoofer are you using?

 

[Raingler_Nets]

what subwoofer are you using?

jl 10w3