Gainesville Client Gives Jeep Wrangler Audio System As A Christmas Gift

A long-time client and colleague of ours from Gainesville recently dropped by Sound Depot and Performance for some help with a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. He wanted audio and safety system upgrades. The client owns the body shop we use for all of our paint requirements. He is building this Jeep as a Christmas gift for his daughter. Like any proud dad, he wants the vehicle to look cool while being as safe as possible. We talked to him about the upgrades he wants and then carved out a plan to create something awesome!

Alpine Source Unit Upgrade

The client’s daughter will be able to safely navigate thanks to the large 9″ display.

Apple CarPlay gives the client’s daughter voice control of her smartphone.

We started the project with the installation of an Alpine Restyle i209-WRA 9-inch digital media receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you aren’t familiar with the Restyle solutions from Alpine, these multimedia source unit upgrades include a massive screen, a vehicle integration module and a new dash kit with integrated radio controls. With CarPlay and Android Auto onboard, the client’s daughter will be able to safely send text messages, make phone calls and enjoy whatever music she wants by simply talking to the radio.

Jeep Wrangler Audio System Amplifiers

The wiring for the amplifiers was safely routed away from any seat movement.

Under the seat of this Jeep is the perfect application for the small JL Audio MX amplifiers.

We installed a pair of JL Audio MX-series weather-resistant amplifiers under the driver’s seat to power the system. We assigned an MX500/1 to the subwoofer and an MX500/4 to power the front and overhead speakers. We used MESA power and signal wiring to feed the amps and connect to the source unit and speakers. Kenwood component speakers replace the factory speakers in the dash and overhead sound bar.

Wicked CAS Subwoofer Solution

The thin design of the JL Audio TW1 subwoofer made it a perfect fit for this Jeep enclosure.

The Wicked CAS enclosure sounds great and takes up none of the valuable space in the Jeep.

To provide solid bass in the system, we mounted a JL Audio 10TW1-4 subwoofer in a Wicked C.A.S. subwoofer enclosure. They make the enclosure out of fiberglass to ensure excellent longevity. The system fits under the seat perfectly and looks great. Wicked C.A.S. put a lot of effort into ensuring the sub would have the right air volume to perform properly. These enclosures sound great and rival the performance of conventional “trunk-mounted” solutions.

Vehicle Safety Upgrades

Safety was enhanced with a backup camera. The large 9″ screen makes viewing a breeze.

We added an Advent ACA801 backup camera to the Jeep, just above the license plate. The camera image appears on the Alpine screen as soon as the transmission is in reverse.

We also installed Advent PSD100 and PSD100D parking sensor systems to the Jeep. These parking systems will alert the driver if she is getting close to an object by producing a beeping sound. The speed of the beeps increases as the vehicle gets closer to the object. We mounted two sensors on the front bumper and four sensors on the rear bumper. The benefit of parking sensors is that you don’t need to remember to use them. As soon as they detect something, they warn you right away.

Rigid Industries Lighting

External lighting switches are not necessary thanks to the addition of the Alpine LAC-001 module.

The awesome front lighting was integrated with the Alpine radio.

The client installed Rigid lighting on the front and rear bumper then asked us to wire them into the vehicle. To control the lights, we added the KAC-001 accessory control module to the head unit. The KAC-001 provides eight individually selectable outputs to control vehicle accessories like lighting, a winch or an air suspension right on the radio screen. We set the system up to provide latching outputs to the control the LED lighting.

Electrical System Upgrades

The wiring under the hood was protected with Techflex and neatly routed.

A 200 amp relay (top right) was added to isolate both batteries.

To ensure that a dead battery wouldn’t leave his daughter stranded, the client asked us to install a second battery in the Jeep. We sourced a dual battery tray from Mountain Off-Road Enterprises and installed an Interstate AGM battery to power the sound system. We isolated the new battery from the stock battery using a 200-amp solenoid. With the ignition in the accessory position, she can listen to music for as long as she wants. The original battery will still be available to start the Jeep if she runs the Interstate down. Once the Jeep starts, the alternator will top off both batteries.

The best Christmas Present Ever!

With the equipment installed in the Jeep and everything configured and tested, the client returned to Sound Depot and Performance to pick up the Jeep. He was impressed with the sound of the new Jeep Wrangler audio system and loved the way it integrated into the vehicle. If you are looking for audio or safety upgrades for your Jeep, drop by our store, give us a call or send an e-mail using our contact form.