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Old 12-11-2008, 05:06 PM   #1
jackel1959
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7-WAY CONNECTOR FOR FIFTH WHEEL

Well we sold the Mountaineer TT and will soon be ordering the new 5Th wheel so now I am in the information gathering mode. So here is my question today. How do you plug your 7-way connector into your tow vehicle? My truck has the standard 7-pin male connector located under the rear bumper by the conventional receiver hitch. Do you just run the umbilical down to that or is there a better way?
As always, thanks in advance.

Jack
 
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Old 12-11-2008, 05:11 PM   #2
Clyde n Deb
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Think you'll get a split decision on this one. Some people plug in where you have the receptacle existing. Many others have another plug put in the inside of the bed area. They did the latter to mine when I bought the hitch. Didn't even ask me. Personally, I prefer plugging in there.................feel more secure for some reason.
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Old 12-11-2008, 05:14 PM   #3
skypilot
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At this time I do as you mentioned -- over the tailgate to the connector on the bumper. I want to have a pigtail (recepticle) installed inside the bed of the truck but it isn't high enough priority for the wife -- grandbabies taking all remaining disposable income before toys (my toys at least .....

If you can get one put in the bed of the truck - I've seen several that are in the left rear stake pocket and they look good, are easily accessible when hooking up / unhooding, and most importantly, it keeps the umbilical in the bed of the truck.
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Old 12-11-2008, 05:32 PM   #4
snfexpress
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My preference is the same as Clyde's and Skypilot's. I like the feeling that it is in the bed. HOWEVER, if you want to get a fifth wheel tailgate box, you will probably find that where they put the 7 way receptacle is in the way and will be hidden.
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Old 12-11-2008, 11:56 PM   #5
lawrenceb42106
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Have used the factory hookup at the bumper for 8 years. It works good for us.
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Old 12-12-2008, 01:51 AM   #6
mtheo
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I have used both methods, I perfer the in bed method. If you use the bumper plug be sure that the cable won't rub on your tailgate. On one long trip I ended up with a scuff mark from the cord rubbing on the paint.
Mark
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Old 12-12-2008, 01:58 AM   #7
DarMar
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We have always used the factory bumper plug since I think our 2002 truck. Also have always installed a chrone cap on the tailgate to take the scuffing and scratching and save the paint!!!
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Old 12-12-2008, 02:38 AM   #8
BB_TX
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I still use the factory plug under the bumper. And with the factory plastic scuff strip on top of the tailgate, scuffing is not a problem.
Actually, I think I prefer it to the in-bed type. I often carry the grandkids bikes in the bed behind the hitch and I think the cable might get tangled in the bikes on corners if it were laying in the bed.
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Old 12-12-2008, 02:54 AM   #9
Delaine and Lindy
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We have a 2008 Chevy 1 ton DRW's, and it has the optional wires ($35.00 option) mid way of the Truck bed on the frame rail when it comes from the fractory, and its factory wired just had to add the 7 blade plug for the in-bed install. It also has the standard bumper 7 pin plug. You can mount the in-bed plug almost any place in the Truck bed, just remember to install in a place you can reach. I installed mine just inside the the V-notch Aluminum tailgate on the left side. The in-bed mount will not allow the IV cable to come loose and drag on the pavement. Most Hitch shops will install for less than $50.00. My last one was done free for buying the B&W system from them. Good Luck on your choice. GBY...
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Old 12-12-2008, 04:46 AM   #10
ALAN
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I don't know what truck you are driving, but I have read that if you are not real careful while installing the in bed plug with a Ford Tow command system, you could have trouble. I am sure there are those on this forum that have a Ford and have done this install and could comment.

Alan & Kathy
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Old 12-12-2008, 07:35 AM   #11
TLightning
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I opted for in the bed.
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Old 12-12-2008, 08:32 AM   #12
MacDR50
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For most trucks you can purchase a cable that joins to the factory 7 way cabling before your rear bumper socket to give you a bed socket. No splicing required. Here is a link. We use these for our work trucks which tow 5th/goose neck and conventional. We have found that a wrap of self sealing rubber tape around the connections helps prevent water ingress which can cause poor connections and shorts.

http://www.reese-hitches.com/product...hevyFord,20134. They also carry a Dodge version.
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Old 12-13-2008, 07:04 AM   #13
Pete Hanson
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I have used the factory connector for years with no problems. I like the idea of an in box connector but felt my money was better spent on other things.
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Old 12-13-2008, 08:35 AM   #14
capn chris
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I like the in-box for many reasons already listed. Also, for hitching and unhitching, my routine is easier, i.e. lock the hitch handle, hook up the breakaway, and plug in the power cord, all from the same location/position. Bingo, bango, bongo. All connections in the bed and secure. MHO.
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Old 12-13-2008, 04:27 PM   #15
jackel1959
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Thanks for all of your inputs...once again "MOC" comes through. I think I will go with the in bed hook up and have it installed when I have the hitch installed. OBTW, I do not have the "Tow Command" system.

Jack
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Old 12-15-2008, 05:20 AM   #16
deerrahn
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I had the inbox put in when I put in the 5th wheel 6 years ago. The other day I wnet to hook up and "NO clerance lights". So I hooked up to the plug below the bumper until I got home. If I do that again I will have to tie the cord up a little so it does not have a chance to hit the ground. TO CLOSE. Anyway, I took it to the guy that installed the 5th and wiring and found that the ground wire connection had come out of the wire on the truck. These little connectors that they put into the truck wiring have a habit of coming out. Another lesson in 5th wheeling. Hve a Good Day
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Old 12-15-2008, 07:02 PM   #17
kmh3212
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I bought an extension cord from etrailer.com for the plug on the rear of the truck. I plugged it in and ran the wire behind the bumper and up between the bottom of the tailgate and the end of the truck bed. The socket end lays in the bed. It is easy to hook up and there is no strain on the plug that can cause loosening or falling out.
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Old 12-20-2008, 01:24 AM   #18
Illini Trekker
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Mine is in the bed placed between the air bag fill lines. One more thought to add if the cord is used over the tail gate and I slide my hitch there is the possibility the cord could get cut on some inclines while backing out? I have a small cut on the tail gate protector now from backing in an uphill camp site.
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Old 12-20-2008, 07:04 AM   #19
grampachet
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I was using the factory one and the cord rubbed on the paint and left a scuff mark, which DW raised her eyebrows at. I then used a small bungee to keep the cord from scuffing. It seemed like an extra potential problem so I bought and installed the in bed one. The man who sold me the plug drilled the hole for free, nice guy. There was a reason that he told me about, for not putting it one the side of the stake pocket, but I cannot remember what it was. I now definitely prefer the in-bed one.
On my last tv, a Dodge, it was installed in the bed about centered. It was very difficult to reach and in an area when I hauled gravel, sand, etc it would cover the plug. Even though it was covered with the hinged lid I was uncomfortable with that.
The new one is in the rear beside the stake pocket and about half way up the side. Easy to reach from the rear and less likely to be in the way if hauling gravel, which I do not do on my newer tv.
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