Author: 12VoltNews

Saddle Tramp Ships New RGB LED Lighting Kit for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

HOLLY HILL, FL (03.25.2021) – Saddle Tramp by Metra Electronics is now shipping a new plug-n-play RGB lighting kit designed for 1996-up* Harley-Davidson Touring models. The BC-RGB-K1 is a 12-piece kit that can be controlled via the Metra RGB smart device app for 16 million different color options, preset lighting transitions and flash patterns, the ability to flash the lights to music, and more.

Saddle Tramp’s new kit is pre-wired with trigger controls so installers can customize it to light up with the brake and turn signals, providing extra visibility for riders. The easy-to-install kit includes 12 pre-wired LED strips for the headlight trim, front fender, crash bar, gas tank, back engine, saddlebags, and Tour Pak. Metra has engineered the BC-RGB-K1 with water-tight connectors and OE plugs for a fast installation that will withstand the elements of the open road.

A video explaining this product that was first introduced at SEMA360 is also available below:

The 5050 RGB lighting strips have 3M adhesive backing with prep materials included. Metra Electronics provides a 1-year warranty on the LED strips and RGB controller. A video outlining the product features and installation tips is available from the Metra YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/VtmBrj0-feE. A 6-piece version of this lighting kit, the BC-RGB-K2, will be available soon from Saddle Tramp.


Product Specifications

  • Designed for 1996-up* Harley-Davidson Touring models with Tour Pak
  • 12-piece kit is completely plug-n-play with OE style connections
  • Water-tight connectors to withstand the elements
  • 5050 RGB LED strips with black base and 3M adhesive backing
  • RGB controller included
  • Lights controlled via the Metra RGB smart device app for 16 million different color options, preset lighting transitions and flash patterns, the ability to flash the lights to music, and more
  • Ability to turn lights on/off with an optional hard-wired switch, even when the ignition is off
  • Pre-wired trigger controls for brake and turn signal activation to add extra visibility for riders
  • Pre-wired LED strips for headlight trim, front fender, crash bar, gas tank, back engine, saddlebags, and Tour Pak
  • 1-year warranty on LED strips and RGB controller
  • Installation level: Easy
  • Kit Includes:
    • 12 RGB LED strips with adhesive backing
    • RGB controller
    • Plug-n-play rear lighting T-harnesses
    • 1996-2013 Harley-Davidson 8-pin OE plug
    • 2010-2013 Harley-Davidson 6-pin OE plug
    • 2014-up* Harley-Davidson 6-pin OE plug
    • Independent on/off switch that can turn lights on with the ignition off
    • Alcohol prep pads, adhesive promoter, and zip ties

Visit MetraOnline.com for more.

KICKER Awards Car Toys as Multi-Location Dealer-of-the-Year

Posted on by in Featured and tagged , .

STILLWATER, OK (03.24.2021) – To give credit to one of the hardest working teams in the 12-volt category, KICKER has honored retailer Car Toys with the Multi-Location Dealer-of-the-Year award. Based in Seattle, the 48-store chain has locations in Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Texas. KICKER recognizes Car Toys to be an outstanding partner through a challenging 2020, and into 2021.

JQ Quesada, Senior Merchandising Manager for Car Toys

“Car Toys did an extraordinary job overcoming the hurdles of 2020,” said Tracy Focht, KICKER’s Western Regional Sales Manager. “Car Toys explored new inventory options last year, allowing [it] to keep up with rigorous demand. [It] has consistently shown a willingness to try new gear that fits customer’s needs.”

A long-standing partner with KICKER, Car Toys expanded its 2020 commitment to the brand by bringing in several sizes of wiring kits and loaded enclosures. Focht received ample feedback from the Car Toys install team, resonating how pleased its customers were with the product.

“Car Toys appreciated the convenience and performance of an enclosure that was made specifically for the subwoofer it is loaded with, and tuned for peak output,” Focht continued. “Their dedication is doing – and getting – the best for their clients. We’re going to continue to grow with them.”

Visit cartoys.com and kicker.com for more.

In other West-Coast dealer news, KICKER sales representative Dana Doyle (Weser Sales, Folsom, Calif.) presented Rick Khan of West Coast Car Stereo (Citrus Heights, Calif.) and Stereo City Pros (Fair Oaks, Calif.) with the Northern California Dealer-of-the-Year award. Michael Topalian (Audio Outlet) and Sarkis Topalian (559 Car Audio and Alarm) won Most Improved Dealer awards, and John Tatro (Sierra Select Distributors) won the Distributor-of-the-Year.

Design Engineering Announces New Universal Upholstery Material

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

AVON LAKE, OH (03.24.2021) – DEI’s Universal Upholstery Material (# 50028) is constructed from black, perforated vinyl and laminated on an open-cell, 1/8″ foam backing. Extremely lightweight and flexible for easy installation, the material can be used to reduce heat and noise while providing an attractive finished appearance, making it an ideal solution for any custom interior project.

“This Universal Upholstery Material is perfect for headliners, door panels or package trays,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “DEI’s Universal Upholstery Material has your whole interior covered.”

The Universal Upholstery Material features a high-quality, leather-look pattern texture, a sound-insulating foam backing and an attractive black finish. It comes in a versatile 54″ x 79″ sheet size that reduces the number of seams on larger projects. DEI’s Hi Temp Spray Adhesive (# 010490 or # 10490) is recommended for installation of DEI’s Universal Upholstery Material.

For more information about the new Universal Upholstery Material and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

BB Distribution Earned PowerBass Outstanding Sales Achievement Award

Posted on by in Industry and tagged , .

ONTARIO, CA (03.23.2021) – PowerBass presented BB Distribution with an Outside Sales Achievement Award, for reaching outstanding goals for 2020.

Pictured (L to R) Geoff Theoret, Alvin Dixon, Justin Bond, Dave Berry and Jaren Hjelmeland. Dixon and Berry are the owners of the company.

“We are excited to see how much growth is going on in Canada with our partner BB Distribution, otherwise known as PowerBass Canada. We look forward to a strong 2021 and thank everyone for their support of PowerBass in Canada. Working with the BB Staff is great as the guys get audio and enjoy selling it and talking about it with all of their customers. They put the customer first and go over and above to satisfy their needs on the retail floor. This has enabled BB to grow the brand by leaps and bounds!” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development & Global Marketing stated.

BB Distribution participated in the CMA Industry Week, a virtual platform that showcased the PowerBass brand to dealers across Canada.

BB Distribution has locations in Edmonton Alberta and Oak Valley Ontario.

Visit bbdistribution.ca and powerbassusa.com for more.

Zorg North America Releases Plug and Play Automatic Trailer Camera Systems That Display on OEM Screen

Posted on by in Featured.

RALEIGH, NC (03.23.2021) – Zorg North America has introduced a complete line of easy-to-install, plug-and-play trailer camera systems that automatically change the camera view from the tailgate to the rear of the trailer when towing.

Chris Luft pictured with a Zorg North America Trailer Connect Kit ready to make the installation.

“The Zorg North America team has designed custom kits for most Pickup trucks from 2015-2021 model years. The kits include a T-Harness that connects to the OEM tailgate camera harness under the truck, an IP69 rated waterproof switcher, a trailer connect kit with all parts required for both the trailer and the tow vehicle. The trailer side comes with either a white or black IR assisted, color, heavy-duty camera, 10-meter extension cable, and trailer side connector and bracket. The system provides all camera power, so no other connection on the trailer is required,” Cris Luft, Zorg NA GM stated.

After installation, the camera will automatically show on the OEM radio monitor anytime the trailer is connected, and the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. The installation does not require any cutting or modifications to the vehicle wiring.  Zorg will be releasing a similar system with a toggle switch for applications where customers have special application needs.

Zorg is now shipping kits for Ford (F-150, Superduty, and Ranger), GM, GMC, Ram, and Toyota Tacoma.

Note the system is not compatible with vehicles that have an OEM 360 view or LVDS type camera.

For more info, email contact@zorg-na.com or visit www.zorg-na.com.

Accele Electronics “Makes It Loud & Clear”

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (03.23.2021) –  Accele Electronics has the perfect solution for those noisy vehicle environments where clear communication is critical to job performance and safe operation. The CSA30 is a compact Communications Speaker with a built-in amplifier rated at 30 Watts enabling loud and clear radio communication even under the most challenging conditions. Volume can be easily adjusted with a large gain control conveniently located on top of the speaker.

The amplified speaker’s frequency response is optimized for voice to ensure clear audio when used with Ham Radios, CB Radios, Two Way Radios, Scanners, Navigation Systems etc. The CSA30’s 3.5 mm plug makes it a good solution for Smartphones, Tablets and even Laptops when used in noisy vehicles. Law Enforcement, Construction Vehicles and Ambulances are all potential customers for the CSA30.

The CSA30 includes a 2 foot long power cable and a 2 foot long 3.5 mm mono plug for an easy secure connection. This compact speaker has a swivel bracket for mounting flexibility and is housed in rugged ABS plastic.

“Loud & Clear” is no longer just an expression, it’s a reality.

The CSA30 is available now, MSRP is $59.95, Please contact your Accele Sales Representative. Visit www.accele.com for more.

“We Like It Loud” at ECB Educational K8 Center

Posted on by in Featured and tagged .

WEST PARK, FL (03.22.2021) – Thieves broke into the ECB Educational K8 Center in Broward County on March 17th and made off with flatscreen TVs, electronics and more that the children used daily. Principal Eboni Burts and the students were devastated. The school is a faith-based Christian school and many of the items stolen were used by the students in the class setting each school.

Principal Eboni Burts is excited to receive the big stack of items from Rob Ferro.

Rob Ferro, MR DS18, saw the news story on Local 10 News. “As soon as I saw the segment on the news I wanted to see how at DS18 we could help. I got in touch with Principal Burts and she gave me all the details about the burglary. I knew we had products like the Zumba Loud and other products and things that would help the school. We got together at the office and made plans to make a delivery to the school and relayed that to Principal Burts” Ferro stated.

Rob Ferro being interviewed by the Local 10 News crew with Janine Stanwood.

The school is not far from the DS18 HQ in Miami Gardens, FL.

“When we arrived with a pickup full of items for the school, that included speakers, games and toys, I was surprised to see the crew from Local 10 News at the school. Principal Burts told the station we were delivering items for the school and they wanted to report that on the news” Ferro continued.

Rob Ferro setting up a Zumba Loud speaker, in the class area, that features a smartphone Bluetooth media source and LED lighting that pulses to the music signal.

Once Ferro arrived Principal Burts came out with the students as Ferro unloaded the DS18 Pickup. Janine Stanwood, reporter with Local 10 News crew, filmed everything. The items were then taken into the classroom area where Ferro setup the Zumba loud speakers and showed all how to operate the speakers that include LED lighting.

Principal Eboni Burts happily shows one of the toys to some of the students.

Concluding Ferro offered “It was so great to see the big smiles on everyones the face. Providing these gifts to the school was also very rewarding for all at DS18. The segment aired a couple times on Local 10 News which was very heartwarming to see. The visibility for DS18 of this good samaritan effort was a real bonus for DS18.”

For more see DS18.com

BOSS Audio Systems Introduces New 10” Amplified Under-Seat Subwoofer Enclosure to Elite Lineup

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

OXNARD, CA (03.22.2021) – BOSS Audio Systems, a leader and innovator in 12 Volt aftermarket audio and video products, is proud to announce the launch of a new 10” Amplified Under-Seat Subwoofer Enclosure, SLIM10.

The SLIM10 delivers incredible bass output in a slim form factor that fits in the smallest locations. Coming in at under 4” tall and 14” long, this under-seat amplified enclosure allows users to add bass to almost any vehicle. Featuring high- and low-level inputs and a remote bass knob, the SLIM10 makes installation a breeze.

“This new addition to the MAP protected BOSS Elite line delivers the bass performance and space-saving design to fit a ton of bass into a tiny space,” said Jason Hannon, National Sales Manager. “Great sound, great looks, and a great price, the SLIM10 has everything BOSS Elite is known for.”

Additional features and specifications of the SLIM10 include:

Variable Low Pass Filter (50-150Hz)
Variable Bass Boost 0 to +12dB
Butyl Rubber Surround
Aluminum Cone
Subwoofer Remote Control
PWM MOSFET Power Supply
High- & Low-Level RCA Inputs & Speaker Level Inputs
Thermal, Short, & Overload Protection Circuits
Phase Control
Input Sensitivity Selector: 0.2V-6V, Phase Shift Selector Switch: 0 or 180°
13.58”Lx10.43”Wx3.15”H
LED Power Status Indicator

Visit www.bossaudio.com for more.

Metra Electronics Shipping New Dash Kit with Built-in OLED Screen for 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX

Posted on by in Industry and tagged .

HOLLY HILL, FL (03.22.2021) – Metra Electronics is now shipping a new dash kit with integrated electronics and a built-in OLED screen designed for 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX models. The new 107-GM5B dash kit is designed for most shallow mount aftermarket radios and Pioneer’s DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX modular receivers. (See radio manufacturer for the most current models).

The 3-inch by 1-inch OLED screen is a first for Metra Electronics, which has previously used built-in color LCD touchscreens in the TurboTouch dash kit series. The OLED screen allows for a clear display of the vehicle’s climate control functions and customization menu settings, which would normally be lost after replacing the radio. The high-contrast OLED screen is located below the aftermarket radio, replacing the factory analog clock, volume, and tuning knobs from the original dashboard.

The factory buttons and controls below that are retained and fit into Metra’s center dash panel. An Axxess steering wheel control interface and harness are included with the kit to retain the use of the factory audio controls on the steering wheel. Additionally, there are several audio control buttons on the center control panel, (seek up and down, band, menu, and back), that can also be retained and used to control the aftermarket radio using Metra’s 107-GM5B. An antenna adapter is also included with this kit to provide a convenient, all-in-one solution for radio replacement and integration.

A video showcasing installation tips and how the OLED screen works can be seen on Metra’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/XiDg-5pmBFE and instructions are available at MetraOnline.com.


107-GM5B Product Specifications

  • Fits 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX
  • Designed for most shallow mount aftermarket radios and Pioneer’s DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX modular receivers*.
  • Retains factory control panel and display of climate functions and vehicle customization menus on the 107-GM5B OLED screen
  • Retains factory steering wheel controls with an included interface
  • Retains center control panel audio control buttons for seek up and down, band and menu
  • Harness is included
  • Antenna adapter is included
  • Proudly made in the USA
  • Constructed with the highest quality ABS plastic using injection molding technology to ensure a superior design and fit

Rhodes Off-Road Wins JBL Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 119

Posted on by in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (03.20.21)  WTF…Win This Friday. Rhodes Off-Road won the  JBL prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, March 19th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Three months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 119th time on Friday morning March 19th. The Wheel landed on the JBL Space. The Rhodes Off-Road slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out to Ron Rhodes at Rhodes Off-Road in Farmington MO and he was surprised and pleased to hear the news. A JBL Click mountable bluetooth remote controller will be headed to Ron.

The JBL Click is a mountable bluetooth remote controller that provides easy and safe control of music and call functions on any smartphone. The JBL Click is on a fully adjustable silicon strap that can be mounted to a steering wheel or handlebars and is waterproof.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, the lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, DAS/Off Terrain, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK,  Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME,  Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston and Pro Audio Center in Richland MS.. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will be on Friday, March 26th.