jrobinsonchicago

I'm upgrading my system in my 2009 Lariat supercrew. I've purchased

2 - 12" Pioneer shallow mounts (1500w/400 rms) each
2 - Pioneer 6x8" speakers for rear fill (350w/60 rms) each
2 - Pioneer 6.5"midrange speakers for the front (500/110 rms) each
2 - Pioneer 3.5" tweeters (250/100 rms) each

I'll be running the subs with a Pioneer 2400 watt mono amp, and the door speakers with a Pioneer 1200 watt 4 channel.

My local shop expert tells me I should upgrade the head unit. I have the stock non Sony head unit. He tells me I'll be experiencing clipping and other problems if i dont replace the head unit.

Can my stock head unit handle this setup? Are there going to be any issues by keeping it stock?

I could upgrade to the Pioneer AVIC 8200. But that's $600, plus a Maestro RR for $125, and the the wood grain double din dash bezel is another $100.

if I can run stock a stock head unit I'd prefer to. But I dont want to have problems either. Thoughts and advice please...

jrobinsonchicago

Also, What is the stock speaker wire guage? Should I leave the wiring stock or should I run new 14 or possibly 12 guage?

HushCarAudio

Stock HU and stock wires are fine.

Wyo11Scab

iTrader: (1)

Like Hush said . Stock HU and wires are fine. Use a wire harness if possible. Don't cut the factory wires.

jrobinsonchicago

Thanks guys. I got the PAC 4 channel LOC plug and play harness.

HushCarAudio

Just curious, I never use a harness and cut all my customer OEM lines. Just wondering why you say this. I've never had any issues before doing so on any vehicle.

Wyo11Scab

iTrader: (1)

Harder for the do it yourselfer to put back to original and people have hooked up the wrong wires creating issues

RLXXI

As an ex dealer line tech I can't tell you how many times I had customers come in after a self install or some other yahoo that butchered the OEM harness trying to connect a radio or alarm system etc and I had to give them the bad news they needed a new harness to repair the damage. It's also why I will only install equipment that's plug-n-play or an OEM accessory.
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PerryB

Why wouldn't you use plug-n-play adapters? They're inexpensive and just too easy not to. If it's an unobtainable item, I get it, but we're talking F150's here.

HushCarAudio

I don't use harnesses because it saves the customer money and doesn't offer much time savings for me honestly. Maybe a few minutes but if I have a wiring diagram the install is pretty simple to do without the harness. I also like the fact that there are fewer wires to tuck behind the head unit. The harness sometimes gets to be a pain to tuck. Just a personal preference I guess. I totally agree with the thought that the common DIYer will benefit from using a kit.