Here’s What it Takes to Install a New Audio System in a 2015 F-150 XLT
The benefits are immense, but a modern audio system upgrade is not for the faint of heart.
Not many people can deny the simple pleasure of driving while listening to music. It’s a great way to break up the monotony of the day and keep sane. But what happens when your truck’s entertainment options aren’t doing enough for you?
That’s the situation that Clint DeBoer of Pro Tool Reviews found himself in when he realized the factory Sync system wasn’t doing it for him anymore. His experience mirrors what most owners will go through when opting to replace their factory audio with something newer and more complex: it’s either your time or your money.
Selecting the scope and the exact equipment for your project is the logical first step for your upgrade. Are you simply looking for better sound quality? Or do you want a more capable infotainment system in your center stack? Answering those questions will likely prevent sticker shock while also keeping expectations for the final product in check. DeBoer decided to go for an extensive rehabilitation of his system that involved replacing his factory unit with a Pioneer receiver, a choice that necessitated the purchase of a dash replacement kit. Those decisions add complexity and cost, two considerations you should keep in mind, especially if you’re installing everything yourself.
Speaking of the DIY aspect of car audio, is it something you can tackle on your own? Because you might want to consider going to a professional, even if you’re just looking to upgrade your speakers. DeBoer makes a good point in his article about the little incidentals that can be overlooked when upgrading audio components. His outfitter fabricated custom seals, foam, and other things to make sure everything fit perfectly after the fact. If you don’t want your truck to develop new squeaks and rattles once all the components are installed, it may be a good idea to seek out a local audio installer.
Complexity is the enemy of the DIY job. Trucks, like all modern vehicles, have a host of wires for pretty much everything, and they can be a nightmare for someone not accustomed to performing in-dash surgery on their ride. DeBoer’s installation required some soldering and wrestling with a whole bunch of HVAC control wiring in addition to the replacement of the factory dash. Making sure those wires are in the right place and organized correctly was the first step, even before the new head unit was installed.
After the new dash kit was installed, the team replaced all four full-range speakers and the factory tweeters that resided in the truck’s A-pillars. Some trimming and a heat gun were necessary to get everything in place and more soldering was required too. Then the Pioneer head unit was fitted into the vehicle, along with some other cables.
Those other cables were required because Deboer wanted a back up camera installed as well. That involved a number of custom parts, like a license plate mounting bracket that needed some of its pieces to be cut using a saw. They also ran the wires underneath the truck’s chassis, something that a lot of people might be uncomfortable doing on their own.
The end result very much pleased DeBoer. He got a modern touch screen entertainment system with built in navigation and Apply CarPlay, and the sound quality improved significantly. Those are great benefits, but they came at a significant cost of at least $1,700. If spending that type of money isn’t your cup of tea, there are other options available to you. Crutchfield.com provides detailed instructions for aftermarket installation. And our forums are a great resource when looking to upgrade too. There are dedicated audio sections that get more specific depending on what you’re looking for. Head units and navigation units have their own sections, and of course there are individual threads that deal with infotainment upgrades as well, like this one on OEM swaps and this thread that covers back up camera installation.
It’s never been easier for F-150 owners to upgrade the audio in their trucks. The internet provides numerous resources to research exactly what is needed for a specific project. Unfortunately, modern trucks are complex and packed with a lot of equipment that can make even the most basic replacement project a daunting experience. If you’re looking for an extensive overhaul of your audio system a professional installer is probably your best bet. Less substantial updates can probably be done yourself, but be prepared and get as educated as possible before ripping out your current system.
Screenshots: YouTube