If you're looking to add some serious bass to your ride, finding the perfect 2017 ram 1500 subwoofer box is the first step toward getting that deep, punchy sound you've been missing. Let's be honest, as much as we love the Ram 1500, the factory sound system usually leaves a lot to be desired. It's fine for listening to the news or a podcast, but when your favorite track comes on and you want to feel the kick drum in your chest, the stock speakers just fall flat.
Upgrading the audio in a truck isn't quite as simple as it is in a sedan with a massive trunk. You're working with limited real estate, and that means you have to get a bit creative with where you put your gear. In the 2017 Ram, the most common solution is to tuck everything under the back seat. But before you just go out and buy any old enclosure, there are a few things you really need to consider to make sure you aren't wasting your money.
Understanding Your Cabin Layout
The first thing you have to look at is which cab style you're rocking. Whether you have the Crew Cab or the Quad Cab makes a massive difference in what kind of 2017 ram 1500 subwoofer box will actually fit.
The Crew Cab is the king of space. It's got a ton of legroom in the back, and the area under the rear bench is fairly generous. You can usually fit a dual 10-inch or even a dual 12-inch setup back there if the box is designed correctly. On the other hand, the Quad Cab is a bit tighter. You still have under-seat storage, but the dimensions are slightly different, and you might find yourself limited to shallow-mount subwoofers or a single-driver enclosure.
Another thing to check is whether your truck has the "fold-flat" load floor. Some Rams come with these metal racks that fold out to create a flat surface for cargo. If you have those, you'll likely need to remove them to get a subwoofer box to sit flush against the floor. It's a simple enough job—usually just a few bolts—but it's something to keep in mind before you start your weekend project.
Sealed vs. Ported Enclosures
When you start shopping for a 2017 ram 1500 subwoofer box, you're going to run into two main types: sealed and ported. There's a lot of debate in the car audio world about which is better, but it really comes down to what kind of music you listen to and how much space you're willing to give up.
Sealed boxes are generally smaller. Because they don't need an internal vent, they can be built with less internal volume. These are great for people who want "tight" and accurate bass. If you listen to a lot of rock, metal, or anything with fast-paced drumming, a sealed box is usually the way to go. It gives you a very controlled sound that doesn't "linger" too long.
Ported boxes (or vented boxes) are a different animal. They use a port to redirect sound from the back of the speaker cone to the front, which significantly boosts the output at certain frequencies. If you're a fan of hip-hop, EDM, or anything where you want the bass to be loud and booming, you'll probably prefer a ported setup. The downside? They usually need to be bigger to accommodate the port, and in a 2017 Ram, every inch of space is precious.
The Importance of Mounting Depth
This is where a lot of people get tripped up. You might find a beautiful 2017 ram 1500 subwoofer box that looks perfect on paper, but if your subwoofer is too "tall" (or deep), it's not going to fit.
Since these boxes have to fit under a seat that people actually sit on, they are naturally quite shallow. Most standard subwoofers have a large magnet structure on the back that requires 6 or 7 inches of depth. In a truck box, you might only have 4 or 5 inches to work with.
This is why "shallow-mount" subwoofers are so popular for the 2017 Ram 1500. They are specifically engineered to provide big sound without needing a deep mounting hole. When you're picking out your box, always double-check the "mounting depth" spec and compare it to the sub you plan on using. There's nothing more frustrating than getting halfway through an install only to realize your speaker is hitting the bottom of the wood.
Materials and Build Quality
Not all boxes are created equal. You'll see some cheap options made out of thin particle board, and while they might save you a few bucks upfront, they won't sound great and they won't last.
Ideally, you want a box made from 3/4-inch MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). It's dense, it doesn't vibrate easily, and it holds up well over time. Some higher-end boxes are even made from fiberglass or molded plastic to perfectly contour to the floor of the Ram, but those can get pretty pricey.
Another thing to look for is the "airspace" or internal volume. Every subwoofer is designed to work within a specific amount of air. If the box is too small, the sub will sound stiff and won't hit the low notes. If the box is too big, you risk damaging the speaker because it has too much room to move. Most quality manufacturers will list the internal cubic feet of their 2017 ram 1500 subwoofer box, so make sure it matches what your subwoofer's manual recommends.
Tips for a Clean Installation
Once you've got your box and your subs, the fun begins. But before you start throwing things into the truck, here are a few tips to make the process smoother:
- Wiring: Don't skimp on the wire. Use high-quality OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) wire rather than the cheap CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum) stuff. It carries current better and won't corrode as easily.
- Seat Spacers: If you find that your subwoofers are hitting the bottom of the seat when they move (this is called "excursion"), you might need a seat spacer kit. These are small blocks that lift the rear seat by an inch or two, giving the speakers more breathing room.
- Sound Deadening: Trucks have a lot of large metal panels that love to vibrate. Applying some sound-deadening material (like Dynamat) to the floor under the box can drastically improve the sound quality by stopping those annoying rattles.
- Amp Placement: You've already taken up the space under the seat with the box, so where does the amp go? Many Ram owners mount their amplifiers behind the rear seat backrest. There's usually just enough room back there to tuck a decent-sized amp away from prying eyes.
Why a Custom Fit Matters
You could technically throw a generic square box on the floor of your back seat, but why would you? A custom-fit 2017 ram 1500 subwoofer box is designed to look like it belongs there. It stays tucked under the seat, meaning you don't lose your footwell space, and it's much harder for thieves to see from outside the window.
Plus, these custom boxes are usually angled to fire the sound toward the floor or the front of the cabin, which helps with the overall acoustics of the truck. It's about more than just "loudness"—it's about making the music feel integrated into the driving experience.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your truck's audio is one of the best favors you can do for yourself, especially if you spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Whether you're commuting to work or heading out on a long road trip, having a solid low-end makes everything better.
By choosing the right 2017 ram 1500 subwoofer box, you're ensuring that your investment sounds the way it's supposed to. Take the time to measure your space, decide between sealed or ported, and make sure your mounting depth is on point. Once you turn that key and feel the bass kick in, you'll know it was worth the effort. There's just something about a Ram with a high-end sound system that makes it feel like a completely different—and much better—machine.