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The Wrangler JL is a fun place to add bass and an awkward one. There’s no trunk, the cargo area is small, the roof may come off and the interior can get wet. That’s why the best JL subs are vehicle-specific: boxes that bolt to the tailgate or tuck into the side of the cargo area, and complete kits designed for the Jeep’s factory wiring. Here’s what fits and what each one needs.
The short version
- Best complete kit (select 2024+ JL): Rockford Fosgate 24WRNGLER-STG3, a sub, two amps, DSP and speakers.
- Best tailgate sub: Kicker 51KJPL7T122, a weather-resistant L7T 12 that mounts on the tailgate.
- Best side-mount: Skar Audio loaded sealed 10, tucked into the cargo side panel.
- Best for 2018–2023: Rockford Fosgate 18WRNGLER-STG5 kit with two 12s.
- No amp needed: Kicker Hideaway HS10 powered sub.
Our picks
Rockford Fosgate 24WRNGLER-STG3
For select 2024 and newer JL 2-door and 4-door models.
- 1,800 W total system
- T1S2-12 sub in a vehicle-specific enclosure
- M5-1000X1 and M5-800X4 amps
- DSR1J DSP with Jeep tune
Rockford’s Stage 3 kit replaces the whole system: a T1S2-12 subwoofer, marine-rated M5 amps, a DSP with a tune for the Jeep, TMS65 speakers and M2 tweeters, plus an 80 A MAXI fuse and a bass level control. It’s the most complete option, and it’s sold by Rockford itself on Amazon.
- Everything designed to work together
- Element Ready M5 amps suit an open Jeep
- Jeep-specific DSP tune
- Fits select 2024+ models only; check yours
- A large, involved install
Kicker 51KJPL7T122 L7T tailgate enclosure
For JL (2018–2026) and JK (2007–2018) owners who want to keep the cargo floor.
- L7T 12″ square sub
- 600 W RMS (Kicker)
- 2 Ω
- Recommended amp: 300–600 W RMS
Kicker mounts this roto-molded, weather-resistant enclosure on the inside of the tailgate, so the cargo area stays usable. It measures about 30-7/16 × 13-7/16 × 9 inches, and Kicker notes that on Jeeps with a factory sub, that sub has to come out. Creative Audio also lists it bundled with Kicker’s 48PXA600.1 waterproof mono amp, a natural match for an open-top Jeep.
- Keeps cargo space free
- Fits JL and JK
- Kicker amp bundle available
- Adds weight to the tailgate
- Standalone stock is limited
Skar Audio loaded sealed 10 (passenger side)
For 2018–2025 JL 4-door owners who want a subtle install.
- 1 × 10″ sub, sealed
- Side-firing, passenger side
- 1 Ω final load
This box fits into the passenger side of the cargo area and fires sideways, leaving the floor and tailgate free. Skar also sells a driver-side version for 2018–2023. Pair it with a mono amp stable at 1 Ω and sized to the sub’s RMS rating.
- Discreet, factory-style fit
- Sealed for tight bass
- Sold by Skar Audio
- Needs a 1 Ω-stable amp
- 4-door only
Rockford Fosgate 18WRNGLER-STG5
For earlier JLs that want serious output.
- Two 12″ subs
- 1,800 W total
- Complete vehicle-specific kit
Rockford’s Stage 5 kit for earlier JLs uses two 12-inch subs for more bass than the Stage 3. It’s a big install, best done by a dealer.
- Two 12s
- Complete kit
- Large install
- Limited stock on Amazon
Kicker Hideaway HS10
For a simple install that works with the factory radio.
- Powered 10″ with built-in amp
- Retailers list 180 W RMS
- Remote level, phase, +6 dB boost
An all-in-one powered sub that can go under a seat or in the cargo area. It won’t match the vehicle-specific boxes for output, but it’s the easiest way to add bass. See our under-seat powered subs for alternatives.
- No separate amp
- Speaker-level inputs
- Compact
- Much less output
- Keep it out of the rain with the top off
Quick comparison
| Option | Years | Location | Amp needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford 24WRNGLER-STG3 | Select 2024+ | Vehicle-specific enclosure | Included |
| Kicker 51KJPL7T122 | JL 2018–2026, JK 2007–2018 | Tailgate | 300–600 W at 2 Ω |
| Skar loaded 10 (passenger) | JL 4-door 2018–2025 | Cargo side | 1 Ω-stable mono |
| Rockford 18WRNGLER-STG5 | 2018–2023 | Vehicle-specific | Included |
| Kicker Hideaway HS10 | Any | Under seat or cargo | Built in |
Things specific to the Jeep
- Water: with the top off, rain gets in. Marine-rated amps like Rockford’s M5 or Kicker’s PXA series are worth considering.
- Rattles: the JL has a lot of plastic trim and a removable top. Deadening the tailgate and doors helps; see our sound deadening mats and coverage guide.
- Signal: factory radios need speaker-level inputs or a line output converter; see our converter guide.
- Power: run 4 AWG copper for 600–1,000 W. Our wire gauge calculator sizes it.
Doing it yourself? Our amp install guide covers power, ground, signal and gain step by step.
Safety first: disconnect the battery’s negative terminal before you start, fuse the power wire within 18 inches of the battery, and use a professional installer if you’re not comfortable working on your car’s electrics.
FAQs
Will a tailgate sub affect the spare tire?
The Kicker box mounts inside the tailgate. Check Kicker’s fitment notes for your trim, especially with an aftermarket tire carrier.
Is a 10 enough for a Jeep?
For most people, yes. The cabin is small, and a well-powered 10 gives plenty of bass. Go for 12s if you want it loud with the top off.
Can I keep the factory Alpine system?
Many JLs have a factory premium system. Kits like Rockford’s Stage 3 are designed for the Jeep’s wiring, but check compatibility with your exact trim before buying.
Will a sub drain my battery?
Not when wired correctly with a proper turn-on lead. Larger systems benefit from better charging wiring.