How to make atv speakers


How to Install ATV Speakers? – Improvecaraudio.com

There is nothing more exciting than taking your ATV for a ride, but the fun doubles if you have your favorite playlist playing while you are crossing a tree-lined trail on your ATV.

The basic sound system setup includes a receiver and a pair of speakers, but how to install speakers on ATV? Let’s find out.

ATVs have specially designed speakers that can be mounted on the handlebars or a rack using the mounting accessories. Power up the stereo from the ATVs cigarette lighter port or directly from the battery, then connect the speakers with the receiver, and you are good to go.

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Tip: If you want a robust solution with minimum wiring, I recommend Boss ATV25B ATV UTV Waterproof Soundbar with 6. 5 Inch Speakers.

This audio tube contains woofers and tweeters which are powered by a built-in amplifier. It also supports Bluetooth and AUX connectivity with your mobile device so that you can listen to your favorite podcasts or tunes.

Many ATV owners nowadays are installing sound systems on their off-roaders, and if you are also thinking about adding speakers to your ATV, do not wait any longer.

In this article, I will show you detailed information about installing a sound system on your off-roader and answer the most common questions regarding ATV speakers.

Can I Put Speakers on a Four-Wheeler?

There has been a trend going on for the last couple of years that many ATV owners are upgrading their ATVs with sound systems.

You can put speakers on four-wheelers, and in fact, many renowned brands have introduced special marine grade speakers for different ATV models designed to withstand harsh conditions like wind, mud, UV rays, etc.

BOSS MRWT40 Marine Waketower Speakers are the perfect example of an easy way to add or upgrade the sound system of your ATV.

They come in 4-inch size, which makes them easier to fit on mirrors or handlebars of ATVs. Most importantly though, they have decent output and are capable of playing music around 400 watts.

These days you can control most of the ATV speakers with your mobile devices, and some of them include extra features like lightning and remote control.

Below are few key points that you should keep in mind before buying speakers for your ATV:

Wireless vs. Wired

When you start shopping for ATV speakers, you will find two types available in the market: wired or wireless.

I recommend choosing wireless speakers instead of wired ones because they are easier to install, but also, when you go through ups and down on an ATV, there is more chance of failure of the wired sound system than wireless speakers.

  • Wireless Speakers are easy to install, and they come with mounting accessories. You don’t have to set up additional wiring, just plug them into a power source, and you are good to go. Wireless speakers support Bluetooth, AUX connectivity and can be controlled with a remote as well.
  • Wired Speakers need stereo for producing sound. To install wired speakers on your ATV, you will need the help of a professional because of the complexity involved in mounting, wiring, and connecting the sound system. 

Durability 

The ATV speakers have to go through a considerable amount of wear and tear while off-roading. That’s why many companies design speakers which can handle mud, rain, wind, UV rays, corrosion, and high humidity.

Their body is made from polyurethane that helps keep the inner components of speakers dry.

Some ATV speakers also have rubber surrounds (a layer of rubber) inside, which helps produce quality sounds without distortion and makes them weatherproof.

Size of the ATV Speakers

The size of most ATV speakers ranges from 3 inches to 8 inches. The speakers should not be too large, otherwise, you will face difficulty in mounting them.

The ideal size for selecting ATV speakers will be 4-6 inches.

The Output of the Speakers

The output of speakers is measured in watts, and more watts equals more power.

While selecting speakers for ATV, always check or compare the RMS wattage, not the peak wattage.

Good speakers for ATVs are those which are loud enough to cancel the noise of the engine. Ideally, 400 watts 90dB speakers are suitable for high-quality sound on your ATV.

Easy to Install 

The most challenging task is to install ATV speakers because ATVs come in various sizes and shapes. In addition, many speakers come with handlebars brackets that allow you to mount speakers in multiple positions.

Once you have installed speakers, you just have to plug them into a power source of 12-volt port or battery and start playing them instantly.

Speakers come with installation manuals, so do not forget to read the instructions before installing them on your ATVs in case of any specific tricks.

Budget

The budget plays a huge role in selecting speakers for your ATV, and it is the most important thing for any sound system. If you are searching for  ATV speakers under $100, most of them are smaller with not the most robust materials and do not include an amplifier.

Between 100$ to 250$, you will get a pair of solid speakers like Rockville WB65 or a low-power set of 4 speakers. You will also find some speakers with features like Bluetooth connectivity and LED lighting in this price range.

Above 250$, you will get a powerful high-end soundbar, for example, fantastic waterproof BOSS ATVB95LED with 8″ speakers, installed amplifier, Bluetooth connectivity, wide LED light bar and remote control.

How to Connect ATV Speakers?

ATV speakers can be connected through your smartphone either via 3. 5mm AUX or via built-in Bluetooth. Some of them even have USB ports for pen-drive and also have microSD card slots. 

To connect the ATV speakers on Bluetooth with a smartphone, you have to press the power button and hold it for three to five seconds. This will turn on the Bluetooth light on the speakers, and now it is ready to pair with your mobile device.

For AUX connectivity, you need a 3.5 mm AUX cable compatible with your mobile device, iPad, iPod, or MP3 player. 

If you regularly use music streaming apps like Spotify or Pandora, make sure you buy speakers that support Bluetooth if you want to take advantage of these apps.

The specific instructions to turn on the Bluetooth mode of ATV speakers for particular models are different and are listed in the product manual, so make sure you read the instructions before pairing the speakers with your smartphone.

Do ATV Speakers Have to Be Waterproof?

The ATVs are designed for off-roading, so their speakers must go through harsh riding and rough environmental conditions.

The ATV speakers have to be waterproof and weather resistant because only then will they resist mud, rain, dust, rusting, corrosion, and UV damage.

This is why all the top ATV stereo systems in the market use marine-grade speakers with an IPX rating of at least 5. IPX 5 rating speakers are specially designed for the outdoors and work in severe environmental conditions.

You should clean your ATV speakers with a damp cloth every time after coming from the trail. It will not only improve sound quality and volume but also increase their lifespan.

Extended exposure to UV rays makes the rubber and plastic casing of the speaker softer. This further opens the way for water to come inside and damage internal components.

To overcome this, marine-grade ATV speakers are made from special plastic cones, which makes them waterproof. Also, they have a layer of rubber inside to properly seal the enclosure.

The seal protects the voice coil and other electronic components from corrosion and rusting. Some of these speakers also have water drainage channels into the grille.

When buying marine-grade speakers, you should look at two standard tests: the ASTM-D4329 UV exposure test and the ASTM-B177 test.

  • The products that have passed ASTM-D4329 had shown no significant degradation after 200 hours of exposure to high UV radiation.
  • The next test is the ASTM-B177 test, also known as the salt exposure test. Any speakers before passing this test are exposed to fog or spray containing 5% NaCl to ensure that the electronic component used for manufacturing speakers does not corrode or rust.

Do I Need an Amplifier for the ATV Speakers?

The role of an amplifier in a sound system is to amplify the low-level signal from the stereo and move the speaker cones to produce sound.

You should add an amplifier for ATV speakers because the engine’s sound of ATV is loud. To cancel the engine’s noise, you need powerful output from speakers, which is only possible if you have a good amp.

The good thing is that most of the ATV soundbars come with an internal amplifier, so there is no need to install an external amp. For example – BOSS ATVB95LED has an internal 700-watt amplifier installed in the enclosure.

But if you are using basic stereo speakers or selected customized sound kits, you should include an amplifier in your sound system.

The NOAM NUTV4 ATV Speakers Stereo System comes with a stereo, 4″ sealed watertight speakers, and a compact amplifier. The amplifiers in this sound system come with an on/off switch so that it can be turned off when not in use and saves your ATV battery.

The complexity of the sound system increases with the increase in the number of speakers.

You cannot use a typical car amp for an ATV because it will not be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Instead, ATVs have specially designed amplifiers that are waterproof, sealed, compact, and easy to install.

What Is the Best ATV Bluetooth Speaker?

There are many popular brands like Boss Audio, NOAM, Sound Storm, GoHawk, etc. , that sell ATV Bluetooth speakers.

My favorite is speakers for ATV are BOSS Audio ATV8BRGB that you can connect via Bluetooth and 3.5 mm AUX for iPad, iPod or iPhone, smartphone, or MP3 player. I like it mainly because of the balance of the price, and the sounds quality.

Below are the key features which prove that 8BRGB is worth considering:

  • Large 8″ marine grade speakers, with 1.5-inch tweeters, and 450 Watt built-in class D amplifier.
  • It needs to be connected to the 12 V battery, and thanks to the mounting straps, you can install it on either front or back of your ATV.
  • It is equipped with multi-color illuminating lights that change colors with sounds.
  • It is manufactured using the latest waterproofing techniques, which protect it from external conditions.

Which Are the Best ATV Speakers With a Light Bar?

A LED light bar is installed on an ATV and helps see during the night or in the dark.  

BOSS ATVB95LED is number one when it comes to making a sound, but also (or more importantly) when you want to make a track visible while riding at night.

On top of the dual raw wide LED light bar, it has two 8 inch speakers with 1.5-inch tweeters, built-in Bluetooth, and AUX connectivity. Thanks to the 700 Watts amplifier, it makes impressive sounds, and it puts off-roading to the next level.

Conclusion

There are various types of options available in the market when it comes to ATV speakers ranging from the basic receiver and speaker setup, sound system tubes, soundbars, and custom-made sound skits.

Most ATV speakers systems include two speakers, and some have four. 

You cannot install any speaker on an ATV because they have to be specially designed and handle harsh conditions. The speakers also need to have a compact design and have a good sound quality at the same time.

It is recommended to power down your ATV speakers at regular intervals. Otherwise, they can overheat and cause audio problems. 

The Best Bluetooth Speakers for ATV: Key Points (Oct 2022)

In summary, here are the Best Bluetooth speakers for ATV: 

BOSS Audio MRWT40's (see image) 400 watts of power output with 4-inch dimensions make this type of speaker ideal for boats, yachts, and golf carts.

  • The BOSS Audio MRWT40 ranks as the best speaker, and it is famously known worldwide for producing a rich sound system. This speaker is best used on boats, yachts, and the like with its high-efficiency features. Having a 400 watts power output with a 4-inch dimension, you will surely experience an all-out adventure. 
  • NOAM NUTV4 Waterproof ATV Speakers is one of the top waterproof speakers for all off-road vehicles. It comes with a little handle that you can freely bend back to secure its place on your ATV. With its 100W and an advanced Bluetooth remote control, you will expectedly enjoy listening to your favorite music. 
  • The Fugoo Tough XL speaker is the last speaker on the list. It has a heavy-duty waterproof enclosure and a long battery life. You can also use the SIRI and Google commands to control its operation. 

At this point, let’s move forward in reviewing each of these products. 

Speaking of a quality sound and heavy volume, BOSS Audio MRWT40 (see image) can produce more when connected with an amplifier.

  • Power output: 400 watt
  • Dimensions: 4-inch 
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • What I liked: Waterproof, weatherproof, anti-corrosion, inclusive mounting hardware, and marinized construction
  • What I didn’t: No mounting adapters

The highly engineered BOSS Audio MRWT40 makes it part of this list. With its impressive features, it’s no doubt that this became one of the leading products, best known for having an efficient sound system. I bet this BOSS Audio MRWT40 is probably the best among the list of most recommended speakers you have seen so far, but there are still more to this.

I can say that this is truly an excellent option due to its impressive and unique specifications. The 400 watts of power output with 4-inch dimensions make this type of speaker ideal for boats, yachts, and golf carts. Its well-known name makes it even more on top in the marketplace.

Also, it has a rubber surround construction, which ensures that this speaker can deliver outstanding audio and withstand any weather conditions without traces of damage. Speaking of a quality sound and heavy volume, BOSS Audio MRWT40 can produce more when connected with an amplifier. Thus, if you are looking for a recommendable waterproof ATV speaker, the BOSS Audio MRWT40 is the best one to get. 

However, you have to take note that this has no mounting adapter. This product requires an adapter or converter, but I must say that you should check the compatibility first before buying one. Despite this, it cannot outweigh the best quality this type of speaker has. 

Check out the User Manual of BOSS Audio MRWT40.

With a 100 watts power output, the NOAM NUTV4 (see image) speaker remains loud and clear even amidst the vehicle engine at full throttle.

  • Power output: 100 watts
  • Dimensions: 4-inches
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • What I liked: Highly convenient, waterproof, with handles, overheard design, background lights, and wireless Bluetooth
  • What I didn’t: Expensive

This 4-inches NOAM NUTV4 speaker ranks in the best speakers for ATV. It is engineered to produce quality sound output and outstanding bass reproduction while riding in your all-terrain vehicle.

With its wireless Bluetooth connection, you can conveniently play your favorite music streaming directly from your mobile phone devices. You can also connect it via the in-line auxiliary input. But what makes it best to use is it is associated with background light, which will lighten the place under dark conditions.

With a 100 watts power output, the NOAM NUTV4 speaker remains loud and clear even amidst the vehicle engine at full throttle. Like the other speakers, this device is also created with all-around weather resistance, including its amplifiers and remote. Thus, you don’t have to fret when exposed to outdoor elements. 

During your all-out adventure, you don’t have to worry about where to place this speaker, as this comes with a little handle, making it secure to mount in your ATV. If you plan to purchase one, you must first secure your budget. NOAM NUTV4 is priced at $199.95, making it a more expensive speaker than the others on the list, which it only ranges to $100 below. But if you are keen to have one, your money will undoubtedly not be wasted.

Fugoo Tough XL (see image) has a long battery lifespan, letting you experience 35 long hours of uninterrupted jams. You can also use the SIRI and Google commands to control its operation.

  • Power output: 38 Watts
  • Dimensions: 11.3-inches wide
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • What I liked: Mud-proof, shockproof, snow-proof, waterproof, long-lasting battery, and highly durable
  • What I didn’t: Pretty heavy

Fugoo Tough XL is one of the speakers packed with good features. These products assure 100% waterproof, making this a suitable teammate for outdoor bondings, like paddleboarding. These speakers also branded themselves as having a high performance and a durable one. 

You can test their efficiency by dropping it in three feet of water for 30 minutes for you to ensure that these are not just able to withstand splashes but can be more than that. Behind these good qualities are all because of having an IP67 rating, making these fully dust-proof, mud-proof, snow-proof, sand-proof, and waterproof.

If you don’t want to have an uninterrupted experience during your all-out bondings, these speakers are what you are looking for as they provide a long battery lifespan. You will be able to enjoy 35 long hours of continuous party jamming to the tunes. This speaker comes with SIRI and Google commands for your convenience to complete the package.

But there’s one thing I must say that you have to consider before planning to purchase one — Fugoo Tough XL is quite heavy. If you plan on having outdoor bondings with your Bluetooth speaker, I highly recommend you to purchase a shoulder or a hand strap, considering that Fugoo Tough XL is pretty heavy. It weighs approximately 4 pounds making it harder to carry.

Conclusion

Overall, here’s a rundown of the highest-rank Bluetooth Speakers in today’s marketplace.

  • The BOSS Audio MRWT40 ranks as the best speaker, and it is famously known worldwide for producing a rich sound system. This speaker is best used on boats, yachts, and the like with its high-efficiency features. Having a 400 watts power output with a 4-inch dimension, you will surely experience an all-out adventure. 
  • NOAM NUTV4 Waterproof ATV Speakers is one of the top waterproof speakers for all off-road vehicles. It comes with a little handle that you can freely bend back to secure its place on your ATV. With its 100W and an advanced Bluetooth remote control, you will expectedly enjoy listening to your favorite music. 
  • The Fugoo Tough XL speaker is the last on the list. It is designed to have a heavy-duty waterproof enclosure. This speaker has a long battery lifespan, letting you experience 35 long hours of uninterrupted jams. You can also use the SIRI and Google commands to control its operation. 

Music for ATV: selection and features

ATV Music provides an extra dose of adrenaline for some. Others believe that using an audio system is a waste of money, because the sounds of nature and the roar of the engine are the best music. But most riders still agree that the speaker system brings a special mood to the walk.

You can buy an ATV speaker or build your own audio system. It is important to immediately determine what qualities additional equipment should have. High-quality acoustics for an ATV has the following characteristics:

  • Good sound quality. Of course, you shouldn't expect high-quality sound from ATV audio. But the column should not emit extraneous noise, wheezing, other interference.
  • Significant sound power. Music should be clearly audible even with the engine roaring at full power.
  • Tight. If the system does not have this quality, it will fail extremely quickly. Dust, water and other contaminants will enter the speakers, causing damage.
  • Low power consumption. The speaker is powered by a standard battery, so after a picnic in nature, you can simply not start the ATV. Technique can drain the battery, lead to serious problems.
  • Shake resistant. The device will be used when driving off-road. During hard off-road shaking can be very strong, so the system must withstand such loads.

ATV Music: System Description

ATV audio system is highly resistant to the adverse effects that inevitably occur during the operation of a four-wheeler. This is due to the special structure of the system.

Acoustics is in a shockproof case, which prevents dirt, water, dust from getting inside. All elements of the system are protected from the damaging effects of vibration. Mounting speakers on an ATV is not difficult, since this procedure takes no more than 5 minutes. Manufacturers supply strong straps for fixing the device on the ATV.

In most cases acoustics consists of two loudspeakers which are in the case from shock-resistant plastic. The package includes a cable for connecting to a regular battery, as well as a remote control for switching tracks, adjusting the volume.

Modern systems can be connected to a radio or player (including a smartphone), which is located in the driver's pocket. When buying, you should pay attention to the fasteners of the belts. They must be strong enough so that an unpleasant situation does not arise. With the help of fasteners and straps, you can set the acoustics in any position.

DIY acoustics

If you wish, you can make an audio system for an ATV with your own hands. There are many options for creating such systems. At the heart of any method of manufacturing homemade acoustics is the use of speakers. Most often, acoustics of well-known brands are purchased for these purposes, as they are characterized by decent quality. The housing for creating an acoustic system is sewer fittings with a diameter of 160 mm. The column will turn out to be quite budgetary, but you can’t save on the quality of components. For a homemade audio system you will need:

  • Sewer fittings (160 mm diameter).
  • Noise isolation STP.
  • Radio or player.
  • Speakers.
  • Plywood sheet for making the platform and partitions of the system.
  • Mounting foam.
  • Silicone sealant.
  • Frame to protect the radio from moisture.
  • Automotive putty.
  • Paint (preferably sprayed).

Manufacturing process

From two corners 90⁰ and one sleeve creates a frame for curved speakers. A radio tape recorder is attached to the center of the future acoustic system (on the clutch). It is closed with a waterproof frame. Between the frame and the pipe, the space is filled with mounting foam.

The inner cavity in the pipe, where the speakers will be installed, is glued with soundproofing material. When the glue dries, you need to cut out the rings from the plywood. Their outer diameter must correspond to the inner section of the pipe. The thickness of the rings is about 8-15 mm (depending on the size of the speakers). Fix the inserts with a colorless silicone sealant. Speakers connected to the radio are inserted inside the pipes. So that they stand firmly in their seats, plywood rings are installed.

Then carefully remove the remaining foam. The surface of the pipe is ground, and then a layer of putty is applied. When the material is dry, the column is spray-painted.

To power the system, you will need a waterproof connector, a switch. To do this, a hole is drilled in the pipe. Its size corresponds to the dimensions of the switch. The waterproof connector is attached in the same way.

The column is fixed to the body of the ATV with plastic ties or soft straps made of synthetic material. The wire from the speaker must be run to the standard vehicle battery.

You can also make a similar system, but without a radio, but with a player. It can be a standalone gadget or a program installed on a smartphone. To make such a system, you will need to purchase a plastic diffuser instead of a radio, as well as a motorcycle amplifier, since the system will be powered from the cigarette lighter.

In addition to the speakers, an amplifier is also installed in the tube body. Then installed in the grooves of the speakers.

The finish of the column, which is covered with paint in the same shade as the ATV, looks impressive. You can use special vinyl stickers. They will give the speakers originality.

Attach the system to the front rack using synthetic straps. You need to check the quality of their fastening. The column should fit very tightly to the trunk. This will reduce vibration. Also, all internal elements of the system must be firmly fixed inside the case, which will extend the life of the system.

Fitting joints, column mounting locations must be airtight. Therefore, it is recommended to use the appropriate adhesive. A colorless sanitary sealant is best for this purpose.

Maxim Rogov / author of the article

Back in 2011, I got on a motorcycle for the first time and since then I have been addicted to motorsport. I love trying new bikes. I dream of a BMW F800GT and a motorcycle tour of Peru.

ATV not picking up speed - reasons, what to do and how to fix the problem

One of the most common problems that off-road enthusiasts face is the drop in speed of the ATV or “dips” during acceleration. The interesting thing is that the engine can work perfectly, but the dynamics of the device is noticeably reduced. Therefore, it is important for the rider to understand why the ATV is not gaining momentum, and how to solve this problem.

How should the ATV work?

Motorcycle enthusiasts who bought an ATV in the showroom know how it worked from the beginning. But with used equipment, everything is more complicated. Ryder does not know how the apparatus originally worked.

It is also worth considering that low-power models are not very dynamic. This applies to vehicles with an engine from 50 to 110 cubic meters. But if the 150cc quad is not revving, you need to look for the cause of the problem.

Common problems

The reason for the deterioration of dynamics and a drop in speed can be almost any little thing, from a clogged muffler to low-quality fuel. But most often, the problem occurs due to:

  • Fuel system malfunctions.
  • CVT belt break.
  • Clogged air filter.
  • Compression deterioration.

Remember that regular maintenance will help to avoid such problems. Ideally, maintenance should be carried out 1-2 times a season.

Fuel System Adjustment

Owners of carbureted ATVs experience rev drop quite often. This is due to incorrect system settings. If the carburetor is not tuned, the rider will experience:

  • Deterioration in performance. The quad will be reluctant to pick up speed.
  • Engine overheating, due to excessive carbon deposits.
  • Startup problems. The equipment will start to stall or refuse to start at all.
  • Decrease in speed and power drop.
  • Increased gasoline consumption.

The carburetor needs to be adjusted to keep the ATV engine running. The procedure includes setting: idling, gasoline level and fuel quality. It will be difficult for novice riders to understand the nuances of the procedure, so it is better for them to contact a specialized service.

Be aware that too rich or too lean a fuel mixture will result in carbon deposits and a drop in rpm. But pay attention to the fuel itself. If the gasoline is of poor quality, the device will be “sluggish” or refuse to start at all. Therefore, first of all, the motorist needs to drain the old fuel and fill in "fresh" fuel.

Reduced cylinder compression

If you notice that the quadric started to start poorly, the speed dropped and the equipment is not very stable, you should check the compression. It usually decreases due to:

  • Damage to the cylinder rings.
  • High loads (which is natural for ATVs).
  • Incorrect cylinder bore.
  • Errors during installation or selection of components.

The best value for a used ATV is 10 bar. And the higher this number, the better. In most devices, compression reaches 12-13 bar.

But what to do if the compression barely reaches 8-9 bar? In this case, you need to inspect the entire assembly, replace worn parts (rings) and lubricate all components well.

Note: If the compression is low, immediately check all connections. Perhaps one of the tubes has lost its tightness.

CVT belt diagnostics

Another reason why the ATV does not keep speed is damage to the CVT belt or roller. To fix the problem, you should carefully inspect the node. If the belt is badly worn or thinned by more than 1-1.5 cm, it must be changed.

To replace:

  • Remove the variator cover. You may need to remove the footboard.
  • Extend the variator pulley. To do this, unscrew one of the nuts and remove the component.
  • Remove the slack belt.

Note: It is recommended to install English or European components, since Chinese belts last an order of magnitude less.

You also need to make sure that the variator roller is the right size. If the element is too large, the dynamics of the quad will deteriorate. And if you install a smaller roller, the ATV will not be able to reach maximum speed.

Oil Check

Since most ATVs have four-stroke engines, their powertrains need good lubrication. And often, the ATV engine does not gain momentum due to lack of oil or its poor quality.

In addition, lack of lubrication leads to:

  • Increased wear of engine components.
  • Reducing the power of equipment.
  • Overheating of the power unit.

But a lot of oil is also bad.


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