How to Install a Subwoofer in an RV

A subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to the sound frequencies in the lower end of the human hearing range, typically 20 to 150 Hz. Subwoofers are substantially larger than ordinary speakers so they can generate the required air displacement. A recreational vehicle has a much larger interior volume than a car and that must be taken into account when installing a subwoofer.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Treat the RV as a small noisy house rather than a large car for subwoofer installation purposes. The enormous difference in size between an RV and other vehicles usually means that car subwoofers will have difficulty "filling up" an RV.

2. Buy a complete home stereo system if you will be installing a system from scratch. Most home systems include a subwoofer and this will ensure balance and compatibility between the various speakers.

3. Take the noise level into account when selecting a subwoofer. An RV is unlikely to benefit from a high-end subwoofer designed for the audiophile at home.

4. Match the subwoofer to the enclosure. It is important that a subwoofer's enclosure allows it enough room to breathe. This may be determined by the following formula: V = 2ma where V is the minimum enclosure volume, m is the maximum movement of the subwoofer's cone and a is the surface area of the cone.

5. Place the subwoofer separately from the other speakers. The low non-directional frequencies that the subwoofer produces and the large size of an RV mean that it may be hidden from view without compromising its sound.

Resources

• Learn more about installing a subwoofer at Crutchfield.