kicker key in a 2020 with 8" entune?

Exactly. That’s why I recommend a quality brand like Knukonceptz. Their wire is true gauge.

 

This is the kit I used - very pleased with it.

BOSS Audio Systems KIT2 8 Gauge Amplifier Installation Wiring Kit - A Car Amplifier Wiring Kit Helps You Make Connections and Brings Power To Your Radio, Subwoofers and Speakers

$25 BOSS Audio Systems KIT2 8 Gauge Complete Car Amplifier Installation Wiring Kit with Power Cables, Ground Cables, Turn-On Wire, Speaker Wire, Terminals

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FKP7TY?_encoding=UTF8

 

All the kits I see in that price range are CCA. The BOSS kit doesn’t even specify. I indicated for best transfer/less resistance, OFC copper is the way to go. CCA (copper-clad aluminum) gets brittle with time, causing resistance and heat. I’m going from 30 years of installing. I’ve pulled too much CCA to use it ever again.

 

I wouldn’t touch BOSS wiring in my shop. I kept a 6” piece of every major wire brand and gauge size to show people. Boss 8 gauge was actually about 12awg, and it was CCA, which makes it the copper equivalent of 14awg.

 

@ZMan2k2

Alright forgive my ignorance. I know OFC copper is superior, but I guessed that in a kicker key amp (200w) that amount of power draw is exceptionally low risk for wiring being less than ideal. If I was running to a 1000w amp then I think that power draw would have a huge impact.

Does it matter really?

It appears that the Knukonceptz power kit is only ~$10 more than the BOSS kit so if there’s important I’ll switch it out. Or investigate other brands. I think true 8 gauge may even be overkill for 200w, but I’m not too well versed on this. I’m thinking about rewiring everything I’ve added to my truck to be a little cleaner and maybe add a 8 gang switch panel anyway.

 

@batman_13 Depends on the gauge of wire used, but the result is the same. CCA or alum wire will degrade faster with temp changes as power draw continues, creating impedance, heat, becoming brittle and eventually breaking.

Yes, I’m more referring to higher current loads, my stereo is 160A max draw for example. Had some 1/0 CCA running to my distro block. Changing it out, after removing the screw, the wire was crumbling, to the point the 1/0 was now 4ga. That’s after about 6 months use. Eventually all aluminum wire will degrade to dangerous levels.

 

Thanks for the advice. When the weather gets warmer I’ll plan on swapping the power cables then. I’ve looked online too for a rule of thumb on what gauge wire should be used for “x” amount of fire and can’t find anything consistent. I was thinking of just going 8 gauge again and buying two since I’ll likely try to install the hideaway at the same time.
Could I “split” a 4ga power wire safely to power two 200W things? So I’d only have to run one wire to the cab if that makes sense.

 

@batman_13 Sure can. Same company sells fused distribute blocks. I’m using the 1/0-4ga version of this:
http://www.knukonceptz.com/mobile-a...bassik-2-way-4-gauge-fuse-distribution-block/
4ga into the cab to two 8ga. Even comes with desired fuses.

 

@ZMan2k2 thanks for the advice! I appreciate your help. I know enough to get me in trouble with confident choices but not enough for them to be the right ones! I’ll probably keep this thread posted once I get everything installed.

 

Can you clarify, I can connect the Kicker 200 and a powered Subwoofer with the TT Camry add a subwoofer kit? How exactly would I do this...

 

Yes. Split the TT harness and connect each end to the corresponding Key harnesses. Move the subwoofer signal leads from the output side of the TT harness to the input side so the sub is pulling from the front speaker signal. Run power for Key and Sub. Run grounds. Done.

 

circa my photobucket account in 2011, stolen from somewhere, but wattage don't change much

 

Doesn't seem like that has changed in my experience with TT. Their customer service is pretty poor, only responding by email when they get around to it. And don't seem too knowledgable on the right parts.

 

I currently have a mono amp using speaker level inputs (tacotuness harness) to power a sub but would like to add a kicker key amp to add some power to my upgraded alpine speakers. what we be the best way of doing that? Im in a 2020 TRD access cab and id like to keep the factory head-unit

 

That's about where I set my gains too. 09:00 front / 11:00 rear