Has anybody installed an amplifier in the dash (under the deck, behind the AC controls)?

I have been kicking the idea around, wondering if anyone has done so, and ran into any issues.

Thanks

Matt

 

I don't think there would be enough room and more importantly the amp would run really hot there.

 

There is plenty of room for the amp.

How hot would it run? Would it run any hotter than being mounted behind the seat with no air movement? What would make it run hotter in the dash?

Lets be serious, the amp heatsink is the case, and that needs minimal air flow to cool it, if any at all. Many install amps under false floors, or behind panels with no issues.

What specifically would cause a problem here?

Safe to assume you have not done it, or explored the idea of it?


A simple example would be the Alpine KTP-445. Thing has a plastic enclosure, and is designed for behind the dash install. Why would another modern digital amp with a traditional steel casing have a problem with doing this?

 

There's absolutely no airflow in the dash, and right under the head unit which already generates some heat just adds more to the heat on the amp.

Under the seat at least there is air that isn't "trapped" around it, that air can circulate a lot easier than what's in the dash. Behind the seat is still airflow because of the cab vents. And still even then some amps have fans built in on them or people run external fans to blow air across them.

A heatsink is only effective until the air around it is already the same temperature as it is, at which point it'll only raise the temperature and not dissipate any heat. Again even behind the seat is more airspace. Heatsinks are made to have air blow across them, that's what the fins are for, to help dissipate heat.

No, I have not done this and do not plan too. I have seen the alpine radio attachment amp you are talking about and I still would be weary of it. But hey it's your truck, if you wanna do it go for it, but you might be shortening the lifespan of your amp some. Just my opinion.

 

Thanks for your opinion on the matter. I was looking for anyone with experience installing in the dash in this truck. I have spoken with people that have done this in other vehicles (including a pair of JL HD amps in the dash), and I am well aware of any potential heat issues. I have installed in false floors, behind panels, behind seats with much less "air flow" than even behind the 04+ rear seats, and certainly less than in the dash of this truck.

I am not planning the alpine amp used as an example above, but thanks fro the heads up on that - it was just an example... I have used many different amps in many different vehicles, including A/B, D, FD, class T, and other topologies. The behind the dash mounting in this truck will not be an issue with heat.

Any one else, or pizza, you have any other reasons it would not work?

 

There probably is the space but I would think heat would be a problem as well.

I have my amps behind the rear seat. One good thing about that is a couple of years ago my truck was broken in and they pulled my Kenwood Nav right out of the dash. If the amps had been behind it I am sure they would have got those too.

 

Yes i have installed an alpine head unit power pack amp behind the dash. Its pretty simple the amp is no bigger then the size of a red brick and it give the stock head unit way more power. Although i havent upgraded the door speakers yet. I would recommend doing so while your at it. My truck is a 2013 f150 not sure what behind your dash looks like. but have had no problems.