Add as Subwoofer - 2025 Trailhunter with JBL Audio

Louisiana-Cajun · Jun 1, 2025

I recently installed a sub in my 2022 4Runner and decided to add another one to my Trailhunter. For the setup, I used the 10" Rockford Amp/Sub combo, which sounded great in my previous 4Runner. To make the install easier, I went with the Tacotunes kit, since I have the JBL speakers. I also ordered the speaker wiring harness and remote turn-on kit (skipped the LCI Pro, since the sub can handle high-level inputs).

One of the advantages of the Hybrid setup is that the battery is in the back, which made running the power wires super simple.

I also had to disable the artificial engine noise, as another post here mentioned. Without doing that, the sub produced a low rumbling effect. I picked up the Carista app and was able to disable that feature with ease.

I'm really happy with both the install and the sound quality.

https://tacotunes.com/shop/2025-toy...-package-modified-signal-post-jbl-amp-signal/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AQ2W2Q?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBS73F6J?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2

tommyd52 · Jun 2, 2025

This may be a stupid question, but did you install your new sub in addition to JBL sub that comes OEM? Also where did you located your sub? Would love to see pics!

jrenzag · Jun 2, 2025

tommyd52 said:
This may be a stupid question, but did you install your new sub in addition to JBL sub that comes OEM? Also where did you located your sub? Would love to see pics!

Tommyd52,
Check out this thread for some pics of a different install. Yes, I connected directly into the existing JBL sub's wiring and both operate (but the factory JBL bass is turned down really low and the new aftermarket sub's gain is turned up).
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...led-w-removable-subwoofer-enclosure-box.3979/

tommyd52 · Jun 2, 2025

jrenzag said:
Tommyd52,
Check out this thread for some pics of a different install. Yes, I connected directly into the existing JBL sub's wiring and both operate (but the factory JBL bass is turned down really low and the new aftermarket sub's gain is turned up).
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...led-w-removable-subwoofer-enclosure-box.3979/

Yeah I saw that thread a while back. I guess I don't see the point of taking up more room if there is already a JBL sub in a specified place. I thought you may have replaced the existing Sub with your new one in the same location.

jrenzag · Jun 2, 2025

tommyd52 said:
Yeah I saw that thread a while back. I guess I don't see the point of taking up more room if there is already a JBL sub in a specified place. I thought you may have replaced the existing Sub with your new one in the same location.

Hmmm. I'll try to respond to your comment... (1) The factory sub sucks as you really have little to no control of it's output without crashing the entire set of speakers. The system gets muddy and strained when you turn up the bass. (2) You get way cleaner and much lower, crisp frequencies with the aftermarket sub. (3) I can easily remove it whenever I need space. I purposely installed it with a quick plug to its dedicated amp.

tommyd52 · Jun 2, 2025

Thanks for the info. In my 5th gen, I’ve had an amp/sub combo under my front passenger seat. Disappointed to hear the JBL. OEM is junk but not surprised lol.

g0.0utside · Jun 2, 2025

jrenzag said:
Hmmm. I'll try to respond to your comment... (1) The factory sub sucks as you really have little to no control of it's output without crashing the entire set of speakers. The system gets muddy and strained when you turn up the bass. (2) You get way cleaner and much lower, crisp frequencies with the aftermarket sub. (3) I can easily remove it whenever I need space. I purposely installed it with a quick plug to its dedicated amp.

Will the new sub still work if you completely remove the factory sub? If so, why not just install the new one in the same location as the factory sub?

Louisiana-Cajun · Jun 2, 2025

I left the factory sub alone, it’s really not that great. The Rockford sub won’t fit in the factory sub location-see pic. I was also able to hard wire an always on cigarette lighter plug to all the supply power to my mini fridge. Sub sits right behind the driver rear seat.