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Mobile Enhancement Experts in Milford CT

55 Woodmont Rd., Milford, CT 203-954-0066
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Is Darker Window Tint Better?

Darker Window TintIn 1966, 3M developed the first window tinting solution to reflect the heat energy of the sun away and help keep the interior of your vehicle cool. Dozens of companies now manufacture window tint films and each has several different series of films with varied performance offerings. In the last few years, many companies have begun to offer window films that provide exceptional UV and IR energy reflection while allowing visible light to pass into the vehicle. Read on for a closer look at why darker window tint isn’t necessary to improve the comfort of your car, truck or motorhome.

Where Does the Heat Come from?

Most people think of the sun as a light source, but it is also responsible for a broad spectrum of electromagnetic energy. The majority of the energy that reaches the earth is visible light. There is also ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) energy.

Darker Window TintUV energy causes sunburns and the coloring and dyes in materials to fade. IR energy is at the opposite end of the solar energy spectrum from UV energy. Infrared energy extends from the top of the visible light spectrum at 430 terahertz to beyond 300 gigahertz. Slightly more than half of the energy that reaches the Earth’s surface is infrared and is responsible for heating our planet and, subsequently, the interiors of our vehicles.

The heat energy produced by the sun is about 1,000 watts per square meter (equal to 10.76 sq. ft.) on the Earth’s surface in clear conditions. Luckily, our atmosphere blocks more than 70% of the total solar ultraviolet energy from reaching the surface. If it did not our lives would be much less comfortable.

Let’s Talk about Film Darkness

Darker Window TintVisible light transmission, glare reduction, shade or darkness – whatever term you see quoted, they refer to how much visible light will pass through a film. A higher number represents the transmission of more light – 100% would be an entirely transparent film and 0% would represent a coating of black paint.

While it seems logical to want a dark film to keep the light and heat energy out of our vehicles, window films block light transfer in both directions. A dark film can make it harder to see around you at night. Choosing the best film for your application requires balancing how dark you want, local laws and, of course, your safety.

How Clear Window Films Work

Constructed of many layers, each with different properties, modern clear films are designed to reduce the transmission of infrared energy into your vehicle. It is hard to directly quantify the amount of heat energy that is blocked, because visible light is also responsible for heating. What we do know is that clear solar control films block significantly more heat energy for a given shade than conventional dyed, carbon or metallic films.

Is Darker Window Tint Necessary?

Darker Window TintWithin a particular series of window films from a manufacturer, a darker film offers more Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER). Let’s look at the Black film series from Autobahn. Their Black 50 49% visible light transmission (VLT) film provides 30% TSER. Stepping up to the Black 30 film, rated for 31% VLT, solar energy rejection is rated at 36%. Their darkest film, called Black 05, offers 5% VLT and 43% total solar energy rejection. As you can see, darker films block more solar energy within the series.

To contrast this example, let’s look at the Ceramic Series from Huper Optik. Their Klar 85 film allows 85% of visible light to pass into your vehicle, but provides an incredible 32% TSER. You are right in thinking that it offers the same net performance as the Black 50. If we look at Ceramic 50, which is rated for 50% VLT, the TSER is an impressive 50%. Yep, that outperforms the Black 05. At the top of the Ceramic range is the Ceramic 05. This film has a 6% VLT rating and provides 75% TSER. That is more than 1.7 more energy rejection than Black 05.

To directly answer the question, darker films within a series block more energy. When comparing different brands of films or different series, the materials and construction used to manufacture a film determine its performance.

Comparing Specifications

Darker Window TintTrying to determine the best film for your vehicle can be tricky. Film manufacturers, just like any other industry, like to manipulate specifications and terminology to produce figures that look impressive. When it comes to blocking thermal energy, the reflected or block infrared energy specifications are often generic or specified in a narrow band of IR frequencies. These inconsistencies make apples-to-apples comparison difficult. However, you can be confident that within a manufacturer’s range of products, unless explicitly specified, performance differences between shades and series will all be provided using consistent measurement techniques.

Install Comfort with an IR Blocking Window Film

As a general approach, if keeping the interior of your vehicle comfortable is your primary concern, then look for a ceramic or clear film solution. These products are designed to help make your vehicle more comfortable and ease the load on its air conditioning system. As a by-product of their premium status, ceramic and clear films often carry a lifetime warranty against fading, discoloration (turning purple), bubbling, peeling or cracking. You may invest a little more money upfront, but you can be confident that the film will offer protection and comfort for many years.

For more information about premium window films and having some installed on your vehicle, contact your local mobile enhancement retailer.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, RESOURCE LIBRARY, Window Tint

Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX3700 Multimedia Receiver

Sony XAV-AX3700

Car audio source unit manufacturers are constantly developing new products to fill the gaps between entry-level and flagship models. Sony recently released a new 2-DIN digital multimedia receiver called the XAV-AX3700, which slides into the mix just below the XAV-AX4000. This new radio features a 6.95-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay connectivity and iDatalink Maestro vehicle integration. Read on to learn about what else it offers.

Sony XAV-AX3700 Source Features

The XAV-AX3700 starts with extensive support for digital media files stored on a USB flash drive. The radio can decode MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, DSF and DSDIFF audio files. It also has Bluetooth, which includes the A2DP and AVRCP profiles, which allow music to stream from a smartphone or digital media player. The radio supports LDAC for impressive wireless sound quality and SBC and AAC for maximum device compatibility.

Of course, the radio has a high-quality AM/FM receiver, which captures RDBS information so you can see album and song title information if the station provides it. The retailer installing the radio can upgrade it with a SiriusXM satellite radio receiver, allowing you to listen to genre-specific music or your choice of entertainment channels nonstop from coast to coast. Sony provides a rich SiriusXM interface, including the channel logo and the album art for the track being played if the station you’re tuned in to provides it.

Sony XAV-AX3700
The XAV-AX3700 can be upgraded with a dedicated SiriusXM satellite radio receiver for uninterrupted entertainment.

Apple CarPlay Smartphone Connectivity

The XAV-AX3700 includes support for wired Apple CarPlay. Plug your phone cable in, and you’ll have access to all the music on your phone or your favorite streaming services. You can choose whatever you want using intuitive voice commands. Of course, you can make phone calls, send text messages or get detailed turn-by-turn directions to any address or business in North America using your favorite app.

Sony XAV-AX3700
Wired Apple CarPlay connectivity makes it easy to communicate while driving.

Vehicle Interface Features

As mentioned, the XAV-AX3700 supports the iDatalink Maestro SR, RR and RR2 interfaces. These modules allow communication with the computers in your vehicle to provide access to climate controls, as well as factory-installed infotainment components like microphones, steering wheel controls and a rear-vision camera.

If your application does not have an RR or RR2 module, your installer can integrate steering wheel controls using other modules, like the Maestro SW. Talk to the Product Specialist you are working with for details about your vehicle’s specific make, model and trim level.

Sony XAV-AX3700
The Sony XAV-AX3700 supports the Maestro SR, RR and RR2 vehicle integration interfaces.

Intuitive Interface Simplifies Operation

Sony is the benchmark when it comes to human-machine interfaces. Not only does the XAV-AX3700 boot incredibly quickly, but the button layout on the screen and the menu functions are super-intuitive. The 6.95-inch touchscreen display is bordered by a row of six buttons along the bottom edge.

The main display menu includes five user-configurable options. You can set your favorite sources or commonly used functions, like the backup camera display, to be readily available. When an iPhone is connected, a dedicated icon for Apple CarPlay appears to the left of the clock.

You can also customize the wallpaper image behind the icons from several included options or upload your own image to personalize the radio. A new customizable clock layout feature gives you an option for either an analog or digital clock in the center of the screen, or a smaller digital clock in the top right corner.

Sony XAV-AX3700 Audio Features

This new Sony radio includes a full suite of audio integration features to maximize the sound system’s performance. A five-channel time alignment screen helps improve staging and imaging. A 14-band graphic equalizer can smooth out peaks and dips in the system frequency response. Built-in electronic crossovers with adjustable slopes maximize the performance of your speakers.

The radio includes a four-channel amplifier rated to produce 20 watts per channel, making driving the factory speakers easy. Thanks to dedicated front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs, you can easily upgrade the radio with an external amplifier. An integrated subwoofer level control makes fine-tuning your system to suit your music or mood easy.

Sony XAV-AX3700
Time alignment, a 14-band equalizer and adjustable crossovers make it easy to fine-tune your audio system.

Single-DIN Chassis Simplifies Installation

A feature that car audio installers will love is the single-DIN chassis behind the 2-DIN display. This 2-inch tall chassis design leaves room for wiring, integration modules and wire harness adapters. Notably, the space is available beneath the radio, where these parts typically rest. The depth of that chassis is shallow as well, allowing use in vehicles with a tight fit behind the radio screen.

Upgrade Your Driving Experience with Sony

Whether you’re looking to add Apple CarPlay or high-quality audio streaming to an older vehicle, or you have to replace a factory-installed radio that’s kicked the bucket with one that requires the use of a Maestro module that retains some factory features or settings, the new Sony XAV-AX3700 is an excellent choice. Drop by a local Sony car audio retailer today and ask for a demonstration. You can find a retailer using their online locator tool. Also, follow Sony on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest new car audio products.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Car Audio, Sony

Custom Installations – Past and Present

Custom InstallationsCustom car audio installations have changed a great deal over the years. More often than not, custom installations from years ago often looked like ‘bolted-on’ additions to a vehicle. Modern systems blend seamlessly with your interior. Advances in construction techniques allow your installer to create complex multi-dimensional shapes that look like they came from the vehicle assembly line. Read on as we contrast the materials and designs of the past with what is currently available.

Source Units

If you look at a custom installation more than about five years old, the trademark was an aftermarket source unit in the dash. Working backward chronologically, we saw Double-DIN navigation systems, flip-up multimedia receivers, detachable face CD receivers and pull-out cassette decks with CD changers. The quality and features of factory radios just could not match what the aftermarket had to offer.

Custom InstallationsAs companies like Ford spearheaded the move towards integrated infotainment solutions like Ford Sync, vehicle manufacturers increased their emphasis on providing clients with more features and better performance. Navigation, USB support for MP3 and WMA files, iPhone control and backup camera systems are now common in even the most basic of vehicles.

Modern source units have become a central control system for vehicle functions such as heating and cooling adjustments. They also have become vehicle information displays for things like tire pressure monitoring. In the past, the radio was a single component that performed a single task. Now, they are an integral part of the car, and no longer an option that can be replaced easily. Many modern vehicles use distributed multimedia systems that cannot be replaced at all.

How do we upgrade the sound system? Your mobile electronics specialist retailer is armed with several integration solutions that work with your factory source unit. These products allow for the installation of high-power amplifiers, signal processors and speaker upgrades to dramatically improve the performance of the system. Vehicle manufacturers rarely invest in high-quality speakers, so there is ample opportunity to improve even premium-branded OEM sound systems.

Cosmetic Integration

Another telltale sign of an old-school, high-end sound system were custom door panels. A set of aftermarket components mounted to an adapter plate or panel on top of the factory door skin was common. A premium installation may have a custom cloth-covered grill over the speaker instead of the mesh grill provided by the manufacturer.

Custom Installations
This speaker installation by Adrenaline Autosound is representative of best-practice work.

Modern sound system upgrades are often nearly invisible. With the increase in available speaker mounting depth afforded by complex contoured door panel designs, high-end component speakers can be installed behind factory grills on custom adapter plates. Once the door is back together, there is no sign of the upgrade. Add in some sound deadening and speaker coupling rings, and the performance of your new sound system will increase by another order of magnitude.

Depending on the design of the vehicle, the tweeters from the new component set may fit into the factory location with little to no modification. In cases where the factory tweeter is in a location that doesn’t provide optimum placement, your installer can fabricate a compact tweeter pod for the sail panel or mount them in the A-pillar. Either way, the result is cosmetically inconspicuous while offering excellent performance.

Subwoofer Enclosures

It used to be that having a subwoofer in your vehicle meant sacrificing a significant amount of storage area in the hatch or trunk of your vehicle. A pair of ten- or twelve-inch subwoofers in a large vented enclosure took up take up a large amount of space. While the underlying philosophy of how speakers work has not changed in decades, modern subwoofer designs produce excellent low-frequency output from extremely compact enclosures. Enclosures concealed in spare tire wells or into the corner of a hatch take up little to no cargo space while providing excellent low-frequency performance.

Custom Installations
This JL Audio Stealthbox takes advantage of the slim design of the TW1 woofers.

Pickup trucks are a popular platform for upgrades. There are now dozens of subwoofers on the market that feature basket and motor designs that allow for under-seat enclosures. A pair of ten-inch subwoofers under the rear seat of a Sierra, Silverado, F-150 or Ram is a daily occurrence.

Materials and Cosmetics

If you look back through car audio magazines from the 90’s, you would be assaulted with amplifier and processor racks finished in tweed and trunk liner carpet. For a custom show-car installation, high-gloss painted fiberglass was popular. Looking back, these installations rarely matched the styling cues and materials that came from the factory. Instead, they seemed to contrast them deliberately. There are always exceptions, but from a stereotypical perspective, divergence appeared to be the name of the game.

Custom Installations
This controller mount was upholstered in matching Alcantara for a seamless look.

Modern installations use vinyl that matches the factory materials for color and often for grain. Acrylic plastic inserts replicate factory styling accents. Where new grills need to be created, installers are now including multi-dimensional contours to give the panel more depth and elegance. Many installations feature painted dash or center console inserts for DSPs and radar detector control panels that match other styling cues correctly. Trunk installations are trimmed nicely so the subwoofer enclosure looks integrated rather than something dropped in back of a vehicle. Chrome inserts, accent lines and the use of several complementary materials can turn what was an all-black carpeted trunk into a creative and highlighted part of the system. But it will still look like it is a cosmetically-integrated part of the vehicle.

The highest praise for most installers is to hear that the audio system they installed sounds exceptional, and that it looks like it was a factory-installed option!

System Design and Equipment

The proliferation of reasonably priced digital signal processors has changed the way car audio systems are designed. In days gone by, a mid-level sound system upgrade may have included a four-channel amplifier, a subwoofer amplifier, a set of component speakers for the front doors, a set of coaxial speakers for the rear doors and a subwoofer. Now, rear speaker upgrades are often forsaken in favor of a DSP processor and active filtering on the front stage speakers.

Custom Installations
This Audison amplifier features lots of power and plenty of processing.

The benefits of a fully active system are dramatic. Your installer has full control over the crossover frequencies and output levels for each speaker. He can equalize and adjust the signal delay to the left and right speakers to create a focused and stable soundstage across the dash of the vehicle. Your music will sound more natural and realistic. Many new system amplifiers include built-in digital signal processors to allow for a fully active three-way system installation using a single chassis. Some of these amplifiers are small enough to fit under a seat to save space.

Upgrade your Sound System for Better Performance

A lot has changed regarding car audio system design, equipment choices and vehicle integration. You can enjoy recording studio or concert-like performance from a system upgrade that is nearly invisible. If you were a fan of car audio systems years ago, then it is worth visiting your local mobile electronics specialist retailer today. You will be able to experience the latest products and installation techniques in person.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX8500 Multimedia Receiver

Sony XAV-AX8500

Floating-face car radios are popular because of their flexible installation options and relatively massive displays. The Sony team has been hard at work updating their products, and the new 10.1-inch XAV-AX8500 digital multimedia receiver is their latest offering in this hot market segment. Let’s see what’s been added to the platform to keep it at the forefront of the category.

High-Definition 10.1-inch Floating Face Display

The first thing you’ll see in the XAV-AX8500 is its classy 10.1-inch HD display. The screen has a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels. The touch panel has an anti-glare coating and features a capacitive-touch interface. Compared with a resistive-touch interface, the capacitive design obscures the display less, making the information on the display easier to see. The gapless design around the screen lets it blend into the display chassis. Sony leads the industry in clean and classy styling. While it might not be flashy or attention-grabbing on a display board, it looks as though it belongs in your car or truck rather than at the helm of an intergalactic spacecraft.

Sony XAV-AX8500
The 10.1-inch High-Definition capacitive-touch screen features an anti-glare design so information is easily visible.

One of the most interesting features of this model is the multiple adjustments that can be made during and after installation in the dashboard. During installation, your technician can set, in relation to the chassis, the vertical height, the horizontal left to right position, and the depth between the screen and the chassis mount, and can tilt the screen forward and back to accommodate most dashboard slopes.

After installation, during normal use, you can adjust the screen position, with no tools or disassembly. You can swivel the screen up to 15 degrees left or right to fine-tune the viewing angle in relation to your seating position or for a passenger to view it easier, and tilt the screen forward or backward up to 15 degrees as well to mitigate any direct sunlight shining on it or to improve visibility.

The screen interface is similar to what we experienced in the XAV-9500ES Test Drive Review, with five icons across the bottom. You can pull up a complete list of additional source and setting options and swap any of them into these five primary locations. You can also upload custom wallpapers to the radio to add some personalization or choose from several preset color schemes.

This radio includes six physical buttons along the bottom of the display, making it intuitive to adjust the volume, change sources or activate voice recognition for CarPlay and Android Auto. Hard buttons, as they are called, are crucial to using the radio while keeping your eyes on the road.

Sony XAV-AX8500
The chassis of the XAV-AX8500 is a shallow-mount, single-DIN design, making it compatible with many vehicles.

Source Features

Nowadays, most people stream music from online services like Pandora, iHeartRadio or Spotify. The XAV-AX8500 includes Bluetooth streaming with radio-based control over track selection. As a Sony product, this unit also includes the high-quality LDAC codec to improve performance with modern Android-based smartphones.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is included, and wireless connectivity means your phone connects just after the radio finishes booting. Speaking of which, the Quick Wake-up design ensures that you have a rearview camera image and music playing seconds after you start the vehicle.

Of course, you can connect a USB memory stick to play MP3, WMA, WAV, ACC, FLAC, ALAC, DSF and even DSDIFF audio files. You can view AVI, MKV, MPEG-4, WMV and ASF video files to pass the time when parked. Speaking of video, there’s a micro-HDMI input beside the USB-C port on the rear panel that will work with a smartphone, laptop or even a media player. It supports video file resolutions up to 720p.

The integrated AM/FM receiver includes RBDS to show station information so you know what track is playing. Your installer can add a SiriusXM satellite radio receiver at installation time for uninterrupted entertainment from coast to coast.

Sony XAV-AX8500
The XAV-AX8500 will automatically connect to your smartphone for communication, entertainment and navigation through wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Vehicle Integration and Safety Features

A significant highlight of the Sony XAV-AX8500 is that it supports the iDatalink Maestro RR and RR2 vehicle integration modules. If a Maestro RR is available for your vehicle, the radio can communicate with the vehicle computers to display information like speed, engine rpm, etc. In some applications, Maestro RR interfacing includes climate control and vehicle setting menus. Check with the retailer you’re working with for additional details.

Sony XAV-AX8500
Support for the iDatalink Maestro RR and RR2 allows the Sony XAV-AX8500 to communicate digitally with the computers in your vehicle.

Regarding audio features, the radio has a four-channel amplifier rated for 20 watts RMS per channel into a 4-ohm load at less than 1% THD+N. The front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs can produce 5 volts of signal, so the gains on amplifiers can be set nice and low.

On the topic of audio features, the radio has a 14-band graphic equalizer and adjustable high-pass crossovers for the front and rear powered and preamp channels. A subwoofer crossover with polarity and level control for the preamp signal is also included. Signal delay settings are available for the front, rear, and mono subwoofer output to fine-tune the soundstage and imaging in your vehicle. Be sure to ask your installer about configuring these features during installation.

The Sony has a dedicated backup camera input and two additional video camera connections that can be used with a forward-facing camera or blind spot monitoring solutions. These camera inputs can be integrated with the Maestro module for automatic activation in a supported vehicle, or by the hardwire triggers included in the video harness. The radio includes an external Bluetooth microphone to optimize outgoing voice clarity.

Sony XAV-AX8500
Two-way crossovers, signal delay settings and a 14-band graphic equalizer allow your installer to fine-tune the performance of your car audio system.

Upgrade Your Vehicle with the Sony XAV-AX8500 Digital Multimedia Receiver Today!

If you’re shopping for a high-performance radio for your car, truck or SUV, visit an authorized Sony car audio retailer and ask about the new XAV-AX8500. Be sure to bring your smartphone to experience the intuitive interface and the fantastic responsiveness in person. For more information about this radio or any of Sony’s car audio products, visit their website or Facebook page.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, PRODUCTS, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Sony

Off-Road Electrical Accessories

Off-Road Electrical AccessoriesAn afternoon of plowing through knee-high mud or bouncing off rocks in your favorite four-wheeler is a lot of fun! But proper preparation before embarking on your adventure will help to ensure that your day goes without issue. When it comes to preparation, a reliable electrical system and properly-installed accessories are as important as the mechanical systems on your truck. Read on to find out why your local mobile enhancement retailer is the perfect destination for the installation of your off-road electrical accessories.

Off-Road Lighting

Off-Road Electrical Accessories High-power lighting is synonymous with off-road adventure preparation. Nobody wants to be stuck in the woods after the sun sets and not be able to see. In years gone by, adding high-power lighting meant having a row of large round lights on your front bumper or roof rack. These incandescent lights consumed a significant amount of power. For example, a single KC Pro-Sport Halogen lights can consume 8.3 amps of current and produce 2452 lumens.

Modern lights use multiple LEDs to provide much more efficient, and arguably more durable solutions. Rigid Industries is one of the leaders in LED off-road lights. Their Dually XL lights feature 9 LEDs per light and will produce more than 2736 lumens each while consuming 4.6 Amps of current. Regarding efficiency, that is almost exactly twice as much light output per amp of current consumed.

Off-Road Electrical Accessories Lighting upgrades include light bars, small lights that can mount in your grill or bumper, rock lights, work lights, backup lights and more. Headlight upgrades to HID or LED solutions can make the drive to and from the trail safer as well. Lighting upgrades are popular on ATVs, side-by-sides and if your geography suits it, snowmobiles.

Lighting and Accessory System Control and Installation

When it comes to light installation, there are three important considerations: Mounting/aiming, wiring, and control. A reputable mobile enhancement retailer can provide a unique combination of installation creativity and durability. Custom mounting brackets, unique mounting locations and amazing integration options set their installations apart from conventional “bolt-on” solutions.

Mobile electronics technicians have unmatched experience when it comes to wiring. The path that the wiring for your lights takes is as important as how the lights are mounted and how they are controlled. Protecting wiring from damage starts with avoiding potential damage from moving parts, heat sources and sharp edges on metal brackets. Your wiring will also be concealed beautifully. Proper routing starts at the light by running the wiring into bumpers or roof racks, and where it runs through the vehicle. Cloth tape, braided wire loom, split loom tubing and heat shrink tubing are just some of the standard solutions used to conceal and protect the wiring. Zip ties or tesa tape will secure the wiring to ensure it will not fall out of place and be damaged.

Off-Road Electrical AccessoriesControlling your auxiliary lighting systems offers us another unique specialty of your local mobile electronics retailer. In days gone by, the ubiquitous chrome toggle switch mounted in the center console or on the panel under the steering column was par for the course. These days that would stand out like a paint run on a Bugatti! There are several options for lighting control. Perhaps one of the most preferred solutions is to purchase an OEM switch that fits into a blank in your dash and repurpose it for the new lights. A close second option are aftermarket switches that look like factory switches. Some of these have unusual and unique labeling to help describe the function of the light. Rock Lights, work lights, light bar and the ever-important Zombie lights are just some of the options. Your installer can integrate one or more of these lights into an existing control panel, or fabricate a new panel for all of your accessories.

Many people overlook the importance of how electrical connections are made. There are several options available when it comes to making an electrical connection. We could spend an entire article discussing the benefits and drawbacks of different wire connections methods. We will simplify by stating that soldered connections, protected with premium vinyl electrical tape or heat shrink tubing will offer excellent electrical performance and exceptional reliability.

Off-Road Winches

Off-Road Electrical AccessoriesIf lighting is the number one accessory for off-roaders, then a winch has to be a very close second. Heading out on a challenging trail without a winch is a risky decision. Even a small winch can help you get out of a (literally) sticky situation. When it comes to winches, Warn Industries is the most recognized brand name in the industry. They manufacture winches for trucks and ATVs, as well as heavy duty solutions for tow trucks and compact winches for motorcycles. Winches are powered by an electric motor. To do work, these motors require large amounts of current. The compact Warn XT17 portable motorcycle winch can draw as much as 65 amps when pulling 1700 lbs, and a popular winch like the 10,000 lb Warn Zeon 10-S can consume 409 amps at full load. How your winch is connected to your vehicle electrical system will not impact its performance, but also the reliability.

Just as with a high-power amplifier, feeding your winch requires large-gauge wiring to supply power efficiently. The cable size depends on the size and subsequent current requirements of the winch, and the distance the winch is located from the battery and alternator. For a large winch, you should look at upgrading the electrical connections between the alternator and both the battery and chassis of the vehicle. Your installer can help make recommendations to ensure the system will function reliably.

High-Performance Air Compressors

Another popular off-road accessory is an air compressor. Many off-road enthusiasts will let some air out of their tires to increase the contact patch as they venture off the pavement. Once the day on the trails is done, having a quality air compressor available to pump them back up for the drive home will make your trip safer and more efficient. Air compressors can also be used to activate Air Locker differentials to increase traction or inflate air suspension components to change ride height.

Off-Road Electrical AccessoriesCompanies like ARB offer a full line of air compressors. From a compact unit like the CKSA12 that can flow just under 1 cfm and produce 100 psi of pressure to a monster like the CKMTA12 that will provide more than 6cfm and 150 psi, all of these compressors need current to perform. Big compressors can draw as much as 50 amps of current– similar to what a 500-watt amplifier can consumer. Again, proper wire size selection and reliable connections not only ensure reliability but can increase performance.

Charging System Upgrades

If you are running a big winch, lots of lighting, and have a truck full of all the latest technology…then your electrical system may have a hard time keeping up with the power demands. Your mobile enhancement retailer can help in two ways. A high-current alternator can easily double the amount of charging current available as compared to the factory unit. Many aftermarket alternators provide 280-300 amps of current, and some feature adjustable voltage regulators to fine-tune power delivery.

Off-Road Electrical AccessoriesUpgrading your battery is an excellent way to improve the reliability of your electrical system. A high-performance battery in a stock size can provide a little more capacity. AGM-style batteries can handle the shock and vibration that off-roading induces better than conventional flooded batteries. Your retailer may be able to fit an oversized battery in your vehicle with some simple fabrication.

If you are headed deep into the woods to camp, then an auxiliary battery system may be worth investigation. Having a battery dedicated to starting your engine, and a second battery dedicated to your accessories adds safety and security. The batteries are charged by your truck’s alternator but operate independently. If you kill the accessory battery, the starter battery is ready to get your vehicle running and get things charged back up.

Convenience Accessories

The list of convenience accessories you can add to your off-road is nearly endless. A high-power two-way radio can help you stay in touch with friends, or call for a little help if you get REALLY stuck! A power inverter will let you run 120 VAC accessories like a laptop or small power tools to make repairs. Additional cigarette lighter style plugs or dedicated USB ports can be added to make charging portable devices easier. We once heard of someone installing a snow-making machine in a vehicle. With that said, anything is possible.

When it comes time to outfit your off-road vehicle with equipment to make your adventure safer or more entertaining, drop by your local mobile electronics retailer. They can help you choose the right accessories for your application. Even if the shop does not sell the product you want, talk to them about doing the installation for you. The performance and reliability of your electrical components will thank you for it!

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Jeep Accessories, RESOURCE LIBRARY, Truck Accessories

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May 26, 2025 

Thieves frequently target vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Lexus, RAM, Chevrolet, and Honda. These vehicles are often stolen for their parts or exported overseas. … [Read More...]

Compustar 2WG17 Remote Kit

Product Spotlight: Compustar 2WG17 Remote Kit

May 19, 2025 

Compustar was one of the first brands to allow consumers to choose a remote control package to accompany their remote start controller. Previously, we looked at flagship-level … [Read More...]

Factory Source Unit

To Get Better Sound, Do I Need to Replace My Factory Source Unit?

May 4, 2025 

Not all that long ago, upgrading the performance of your car audio system required that you replace the factory source unit. The industry had dozens of premium CD receivers with … [Read More...]

Testimonials

Very Friendly Staff

Very friendly staff, knowledgeable group . Needed help on my remote starter, they got me back up and running in no time . They also do amazing tint jobs!!

I recommend then to everyone!

Super great place to get lots of custom things done. Very nice, very knowledgeable and very fare prices. I recommend to everyone I know.

Will be going back for sure!

Very happy with how the tint came out. Professional and friendly. Will be going back for sure.

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Location

55 Woodmont Road, Milford, CT 06460

Get Directions to Speed of Sound Technologies

Connect With Us

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Services

  • Car Audio
  • Custom Installation
  • Driver Safety
  • Radar/Laser Detectors
  • Remote Starters
  • Truck Accessories
  • Vehicle Security
  • Window Tint

Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Closed
Sunday

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