By James Chevrette
Kicker has expanded its “Tailgate Party” system within its Original Equipment partnership program for GMC and Chevrolet pick-ups. The Kicker OE program is a direct to dealership program or available to consumers via www.gmc.com.
This exclusive partnership with GM now includes Kicker’s first Truck Bed Mounted Subwoofer for an OEM manufacturer, rounding out Kicker’s tailgate audio system.
The system includes 2 x 4-inch speakers, a 200-watt amplifier mounted in the tailgate (midgate section) and an 8-inch subwoofer with a passive radiator in a custom weatherproof ABS enclosure mounted in the truck bed.
Kicker released its first “tailgate” audio system for GMC, Chevrolet and Hummer vehicles back in 2019.
Peter Johnson, OE Development Technician at Kicker parent Stillwater Designs, achieved this box mounted subwoofer enclosure by using the GM 7-pin trailer brake harness located in the rear of the vehicle. “The 40-amp OEM circuit easily accommodates the 10-amp maximum draw of our audio system.” explained Johnson.
Tailgate Audio System Compatibility:
#19435808 HD – 2020-newer Chevrolet and GMC HD/EV pickups
#19434974 LD – 2019-newer Chevrolet and GMC 1500
#19434277 – 2019-2023 Chevrolet and GMC Canyon Crew Cab
#19421331 – 2022-newer GMC Hummer EV
The system will be available in late Q2 of 2026.
If it were available to dealers you could have a meet and greet or open house and show off the system. Then if you have a Kicker system in the truck you could up sale or show the improvements therefore driving sales. The dealership has this inside if at all and no one I know is looking for that. You can add custom for less.
We wanted to report on, what is going on in the industry. In my limited research, no one else has done this, have a truck bed mounted subwoofer, maybe it will inspire a retailer or another manufacturer to come up with a solution for the hole in the market that Kicker has identified.
dealers cant buy this so why post about it?
Have to agree with George, It’s been out with GM long enough that Kicker should have something out for it’s dealers. If not hopefully another manufacturer will have an alternative option.
Kicker is under exclusive contract. GM has it all to themselves until the contact expires.