Anyone with Bose & Kicker?

Rob Mugs · March 25, 2021

Was about to pull the trigger on "ShopChevyParts" but then I noticed that the GM site mentioned "programming needed"--->Yes

ShopChevy is significantly cheaper than GM accessories but will I end up getting dinged at the stealership for going out and buying it at a 3rd party? ie, end up paying the difference to have them program for it?

OnTheReel · March 25, 2021

You don’t have to program anything. I bought the Kicker sub at ShopChevyParts.com and installed it in a couple hours. Been fine for over a year. Just buy the bass knob too or the thing is obnoxious.

cltsig · March 25, 2021

I bought mine off the GMC (or Chevy) parts site for 20% off list. I had the dealer install it for another $97 I think. It was worth it to me - warranty, hassle, etc. And definitely get the knob. You can fiddle with the dip switches too but it sucks you have to unscrew the amp to get to them. I think I have mine all up except 6 but can't recall exactly and the knob at half way. Some stations are tuned to pump the bass more and others lack. For example, Sirius XM Bob Marley is heavy bass - a bit too much on some songs, so being able to throttle it down is nice. I bought the knob through Walmart but here is the BB link.

KICKER Remote Black 46CXARC - Best Buy

Edited March 25, 2021 by cltsig

Rob Mugs · March 25, 2021

5 minutes ago, cltsig said:

I bought mine off the GMC (or Chevy) parts site for 20% off list. I had the dealer install it for another $97 I think. It was worth it to me - warranty, hassle, etc. And definitely get the knob. You can fiddle with the dip switches too but it sucks you have to unscrew the amp to get to them. I think I have mine all up except 6 but can't recall exactly and the knob at half way. Some stations are tuned to pump the bass more and others lack. For example, Sirius XM Bob Marley is heavy bass - a bit too much on some songs, so being able to throttle it down is nice. I bought the knob through Walmart but here is the BB link.

KICKER Remote Black 46CXARC - Best Buy

So it doesn't appear anything has changed programming-wise? eg, a selection for the sub on/off or level? I have zero issues installing as it seems plug n play but if I do the work and find out they're going to charge me to flash the H/U anyway......

cltsig · March 25, 2021

18 minutes ago, Rob Mugs said:

So it doesn't appear anything has changed programming-wise? eg, a selection for the sub on/off or level? I have zero issues installing as it seems plug n play but if I do the work and find out they're going to charge me to flash the H/U anyway......

There is no difference on any screens but not sure if they did something behind the scenes. There is wiring that has to go up to battery through the firewall. I'm too old for that $hit, so $100 was worth it to be but that's me. I used to install stereos for friends back in the day. It shouldn't be rocket science but I didn't want to mess it up or devote the time.

Rob Mugs · March 25, 2021

17 minutes ago, cltsig said:

There is no difference on any screens but not sure if they did something behind the scenes. There is wiring that has to go up to battery through the firewall. I'm too old for that $hit, so $100 was worth it to be but that's me. I used to install stereos for friends back in the day. It shouldn't be rocket science but I didn't want to mess it up or devote the time.

Totallllllly get it. Was just reading the install instructions and includes chopping the carpet and the rubber floor mats

I might just have it done myself lol

cltsig · March 25, 2021

10 minutes ago, Rob Mugs said:

Totallllllly get it. Was just reading the install instructions and includes chopping the carpet and the rubber floor mats

I might just have it done myself lol

Not sure you can walk into a dealer with the sub and pay $100 for install. When I bought it on the accessories site that was an option. Might be worth checking out.

Edited March 25, 2021 by cltsig
Spellcheck

Rob Mugs · March 26, 2021

3 hours ago, cltsig said:

Not sure you can walk into a dealer with the sub and pay $100 for install. When I bought it on the accessories site that was an option. Might be worth checking out.

I'd need to wait for it to go back on sale for the 20% off as that is the everyday price here:

https://www.shopchevyparts.com/electronics/2020-silverado-1500-audio-upgrade-kickerreg-powered-subwoofer-kit-crew-cab-amp-extended-cab/19417164-p-92305764.html

Coles5515 · March 26, 2021

I am also debating this as well, basically $600 shipped to me. Waiting to hear back from my dealer on cost with install to see if it’s worth it.

Sierra50BMG · March 26, 2021

Why not just buy a kicker/Rockford fosgate powered sub for like 200$ and pay somebody to install it?

kodiakdenali · March 26, 2021

slightly related question, the bass knob...since this is a factory kit, does that knob have a designated place where its meant to be installed for a clean factory looking install?

OnTheReel · March 26, 2021

Cutting the carpet is only necessary if you want to route the wire completely under it. I didn’t because who gives a rip how it looks under a seat.

Again, there is no programming. No control via the head unit unless you count the normal EQ. It’s just tapped off a door speaker channel. Truck doesn’t even know it’s there. The only thing that makes it any different than any other off the shelf sub is it’s shape and utilizing a factory-like mounting location.

The knob is needed or the thing is full gain all the time. I put it above the wireless charging pad with double sided tape. It looks almost factory.

PuffDr4gon · March 29, 2021

On 3/26/2021 at 2:09 PM, kodiakdenali said:

slightly related question, the bass knob...since this is a factory kit, does that knob have a designated place where its meant to be installed for a clean factory looking install?

No, there is no designated place. You can place it wherever you want.

I routed my wire along the sub wires and then under the dash. Used double sided 3m tape to place the knob at the bottom of the center console. IMO, came out very clean.

OnTheReel · March 30, 2021

Yup, that’s about where I have mine.

Leevon · March 30, 2021

If you can get it installed for $100 that's a big win IMO but still nobody is going to be as careful as you. I've installed this 3 times now, took two hours the first time and about an hour the next two. Skip the carpet cuts in the rear just route the wires behind the seat brackets. Get the kicker knob, 3m tape and looks factory. I'm happy with the sound.

Edited March 30, 2021 by Leevon