How to Install a Kicker 10" Loaded Sub Enclosure

By Car Audio and Tint | Car Toys | Washington, Texas, Colorado ... | Published: 2026-10-27

Category: How-to Guides

Step-by-step guide to installing a Kicker CompC 10" loaded sub enclosure. Learn wiring, placement, and tuning tips for deep bass in your car.

Quick Answer

Mount the Kicker CompC 10" loaded enclosure securely, connect power and signal wires correctly, then tune the gain and crossover for clean bass.

Why Choose a Loaded Enclosure

A loaded sub enclosure like the Kicker 50TCWC102 comes with a subwoofer already mounted in a custom-ported box. This saves you the time and guesswork of matching a sub to an enclosure, and the port is tuned to optimize performance right out of the box.

The thin profile design (10 inches) fits under or behind many truck and SUV seats, making it a practical upgrade for vehicles where space is tight.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before starting, gather: power wire (at least 4 AWG), ground wire, remote turn-on wire, RCA cables, wire strippers, crimp connectors, a socket set, and a multimeter. You'll also need a line output converter if your factory stereo lacks RCA outputs.

Check your vehicle's manual for the battery location and a suitable metal ground point near the amplifier mounting spot.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery to prevent short circuits while working on electrical connections. A common mistake is forgetting to reconnect the battery before testing. Double-check all connections first.
Step 2: Run Power Wire from Battery to Amplifier: Route the power wire through a grommet in the firewall, keeping it away from moving parts and heat sources. Use an inline fuse holder within 18 inches of the battery. If the wire rubs against metal edges, it can short out. Use split loom tubing or grommets for protection.
Step 3: Connect Ground Wire: Attach the ground wire to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the vehicle chassis. Sand the area down to bare metal and secure with a bolt and star washer. A poor ground is the most common cause of noise and low output. Make sure the connection is tight and paint-free.
Step 4: Run RCA and Remote Turn-On Wires: Route RCA cables from your head unit (or line output converter) to the amplifier. Run the remote turn-on wire from the head unit's remote output or a switched 12V source. Keep RCA cables away from power wires to avoid noise. Crossing RCA and power wires at a 90-degree angle is fine, but running them parallel for long distances can induce alternator whine.
Step 5: Mount the Enclosure and Amplifier: Position the Kicker enclosure in your chosen spot (under or behind a seat). Use the included brackets or L-brackets to secure it to the vehicle floor. Mount the amplifier on a flat, stable surface nearby. An unsecured enclosure can become a projectile in a sudden stop. Always bolt it down, even if it seems snug.
Step 6: Wire the Subwoofer to the Amplifier: Connect the subwoofer's positive and negative terminals to the amplifier's speaker outputs. Ensure the impedance matches the amplifier's stable rating (usually 2 or 4 ohms for a single sub). If you bridge the amplifier incorrectly, you may damage it. Check the amp's manual for the correct wiring configuration.
Step 7: Set the Gain and Crossover: With the head unit volume at about 75%, turn the amplifier gain up slowly until you hear distortion, then back it down slightly. Set the low-pass crossover to around 80 Hz and the subsonic filter to 20-25 Hz if available. Setting the gain too high is the #1 cause of blown subwoofers. Use a multimeter to set gain by voltage for a precise match.

Product Fact

Kicker 50TCWC102 CompC 10" Loaded Sub Enclosure: The Kicker 50TCWC102 features a custom-ported enclosure designed to optimize subwoofer performance. This means you get deeper, more efficient bass without having to calculate or build your own box.
Kicker 50TCWC102 CompC 10" Loaded Sub Enclosure