7 Pin Plug in Bed of Truck - Montana Owners Club

ratfink11 · 02-21-2010, 04:27 AM

When I picked up my Montana last year, dealer said to use the 7 pin receptical under the bumper for electrical hook up. Cord hangs down too much for my taste. Does my `06 3500 GMC have the wiring already for fifth wheel wiring along the frame or do I have to use an adaptor or kit? Thanks!

PapaBeav · 02-21-2010, 04:34 AM

Look between the cab and the bed of the truck. If it is wired it should be there, that is where mine was.

mail2us · 02-21-2010, 06:52 AM

Rich is correct Jack. You should have trailer "package" wiring taped or tied to frame area on driver side in plastic to protect it from weather. That is then ultimately taken to the bed where you can install. Mine is back near the tailgate, on bed wall on the driver side.

brooksider · 02-21-2010, 07:48 AM

Mine TV is an 05. Pull the Tail light and work from there. Not a hard job and it sure is better than over the tailgate.

racerjoe · 02-21-2010, 08:46 AM

what I did on ours was take a light bungee cord, and tape it near the top of the cord to take up some slack. Seems to work well, I adjusted it so when I put the slider back it doesen't touch the ground.You can take the hooks off if you need to.

TLightning · 02-22-2010, 02:59 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by mail2us

Rich is correct Jack. You should have trailer "package" wiring taped or tied to frame area on driver side in plastic to protect it from weather. That is then ultimately taken to the bed where you can install. Mine is back near the tailgate, on bed wall on the driver side.

Same here.

Sgrob47 · 02-22-2010, 03:20 AM

If you prefer not to do it yourself take truck to U-Haul they install plug in bed.

Clemson1881 · 02-22-2010, 01:14 PM

A dealer tried that with a friend of mine when he picked up his unit. Luckily for him I gave him a ride as his truck was there getting the hitch put in. When the dealer told him to use the under the bumper plug I told him no way. He insisted on the in bed plug being installed. The dealer argued but complied. I can't believe they pull a stunt like that. No one wants to hang the cord over the tailgate.

kerry · 02-22-2010, 02:18 PM

I wouldn't suggest U-Haul for wiring, especially on today's new trucks. Most trucks today have some ECM control over tow wiring control. Computers can detect flaws or problems with wiring. In our shop, we DO NOT splice into factory wiring and use wire connectors. Several companies provide OEM harnesses that plug directly into factory wiring. Most factory 7way plugs plug into factory wiring so they can be replaced. Wiring, for putting a 7way plug and pigtail in the bed, is inserted at this wiring point, making a waterproof connection, and without cutting wires. We see and repair a lot of U-Haul and like shop wiring jobs.This also applies to converters required in cases of aamber turn signals and red brake lights.

racerjoe · 02-22-2010, 02:57 PM

Well clemson1881, I wouldn't say no one would ever want to plug in at the bumper. We have had 3 5th wheels and two different trucks all with factory bumper plugs and have had NO issues with any of the set up's. It's just a personnal preference, as I like to leave the factory setup alone. yes, the inbox plug is more convienent, but as they say,"if it ain't broke,don't fix it". Just my two cents worth...

kmh3212 · 02-22-2010, 04:18 PM

I bought a 7 pin extension cord online. I plug the cord in the factory plug under the bumper. I then run the cord behind the bumper. With the tailgate halfway open I lay the female end in the bed of the truck. Works great and zero splices. I have plenty of slack for turns and no stress on the plug laying in bed.
This is the extension cord. http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Draw-Tite/20027.html

HamRad · 02-22-2010, 04:51 PM

Where you have your plug is a personal preference. My only experience has been with our current setup which is an in the bed plug. I would do it the same way again.

In my mind having the cord hanging over the tailgate is sort of "asking for trouble". But since I've never had that setup it is just a conclusion on my part. I know that aesthetically having it drape over the tailgate is not as pleasing..... just my opinion.

And before I get a ton of "flame" replies please note that I did indicate this is just my opinion and not 'fact'! Also remember that it is sort of like arguing about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin! In the end it is whether or not the setup works for you.

HamRad

mhs4771 · 02-23-2010, 01:32 PM

I think some Dealers are just too lazy to wire up the plug in the bed. I was surprised when I picked up my new and 1st fiver that the dealer had it hooked up to the plug on the receiver hitch. My truck has the heavy duty trailer package and has all the wires still bundled between cab and box. I haven't decided which way to go. Do the bungie cord and leave it pluged in the back, or wire up the harness and mount a plug in the bed. I think I prefer keeping the cable inside the bed rather than hanging down, seems to me more chance to get disconnected, at least the Prodigy will tell me if I become disconnected.
Again, as said before, personal preference.

mojavemike · 02-23-2010, 03:10 PM

Does Dodge have a bed trailer plug hidden away somewhere?

bncinwv · 02-23-2010, 03:23 PM

Or plug is in the bed, where it was installed by the dealer as part of the purchase. I have never tried the bumper plug and don't think I would be happy with the cord hanging over the tailgate anyway. But, as was stated, to each his own!! The bed installation is a relly simple job from what I can tell (other than cutting into the truck!!)
Bingo

RCN.Stoker · 02-25-2010, 11:11 AM

Bought an custom made extension for my Chev from Etrailer that plugs between the bumper plug and the wiring harness end plug. Ran it up ahead of the wheel and installed a weather proof (maybe) plug in side of bed. I never checked to see if there was already a wiring harness there for a in-bed plug.

Here is a link to a demo installation in a 2008 Silverado

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnR_6C6o4wI

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