A Glen Allen Client Chooses Extreme Audio for Jeep Wrangler Upgrades

The owner of this Jeep Wrangler lives in Glen Allen and recently visited Extreme Audio to discuss an audio system upgrade. We listened to his performance goals and had a look at the vehicle to determine the best approach to meeting his expectations. After letting him listen to a few speaker options in our store, we put together a proposal that would upgrade every aspect of the factory sound system, including the radio.

Alpine Jeep Wrangler Radio Upgrade

Apple CarPlay makes driving entertainment much safer.

Alpine’s trick backup camera/third brake light was perfect for this Jeep.

The new backup camera system is displayed on the huge Alpine screen.

We started the project by removing the factory radio so that we could install an Alpine iLX-107 digital media receiver in its place. The new Alpine radio includes a 7-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility. The wireless connectivity means that the client’s phone will automatically connect to the radio so that he can send text messages, make phone calls and stream the entertainment options of his choice. CarPlay also includes turn-by-turn navigation that uses Apple Maps, Waze or Google Maps.

We used an iDatalink Maestro RR integration module to allow the Alpine radio to communicate with the vehicle so that the factory steering wheel audio control buttons function with the new radio. The MRR interface will also allow the iLX-107 to display vehicle information like engine RPM, vehicle speed, fuel level and much more.

We added one of Alpine’s HCE-TCAM1-WRA backup camera systems to this Wrangler to make seeing past the spare tire possible. The Alpine kit mounts to the hub of the spare tire carrier and includes a third brake light, LED reverse light and, of course, a backup camera. The lighting integrates with the factory light connections on the vehicle, and the camera image displays as soon as the vehicle is in reverse.

ARC Audio System Amplifier

The front, rear and subwoofer output signals from the Alpine radio are fed to an ARC Audio XDi 850.5 five-channel amp that we mounted under the driver’s seat of the Jeep. As you can see from the photo, we used Stinger interconnects and power wire to feed the amp. This amp will produce up to 85 watts from each of the four main channels and 400 watts for the system subwoofer.

Alpine Speaker and Subwoofer Upgrade

The custom adapter plates allow the Alpine speakers to perfectly fit the factory opening.

The dash speakers sound much better now that they have been upgraded.

The Alpine component speakers were a perfect fit in the overhead soundbar.

The molded subwoofer enclosure maximizes the space under the seat.

Alpine has been hard at work developing Jeep-specific audio system upgrade components. We used its SPV-65X-WRA 6.5-inch component speaker set in the dash and a second identical set in the overhead sound bar in this Jeep. The speaker kit includes all the mounting adapter brackets we need to bolt the mid and tweeter into the factory speaker locations quickly and efficiently.

For this 2015 Jeep Wrangler audio upgrade, we installed an Alpine  SBV-10WRA enclosure under the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The enclosure includes a single 10-inch subwoofer and is water- and weather-resistant with an IP66 rating that makes it a perfect solution for clients who take their Jeeps off-road.

Jeep Off-Road Lighting

The client asked if we could install light pods on his tubular roof rack. We suggested adding four Heise HE-CL22PK cube-style lights to the TrailFX roof rack. As you can see, our installation technicians mounted and aimed all four lights and concealed the wiring to give the project a clean and tidy look.

The HE-CL22PK lights are part of the Blackout series, and each includes four high-output, 3-watt CREE LEDs. Each light produces an impressive 960 lux at a distance of 10 meters and has a flood pattern to light up the area in front of and beside the vehicle when off-road.

Jeep Wrangler Audio and Lighting Upgrade Project

With the audio system installed and tuned and the operation and aiming of the lights checked, it was time for the client to return to Extreme Audio to see his Wrangler. He was thrilled with the way his stereo sounded and loved the extra light output from the Heise cubes. We helped him connect his iPhone to the Wi-Fi hotspot in the Alpine receiver and demonstrated how to use the basic functions of Apple CarPlay. If you are in the Richmond area, drop by Extreme Audio in Midlothian or Mechanicsville and talk to our team about upgrading your vehicle’s audio system or lighting. You can also reach us by e-mail using our contact page to schedule a consultation.