7 pin connector

[okierver]

i have a 2003 f250 with the in bed connector and the connector on the pumper looking at sob vehicle and noticed it was on the bumper by the liscence plate, i like the in bed connector. has anyone added a in bed connector that wasnt from the factory and how was it to hook in .

[Art-n-Marge]

Ah, you created a new topic, very cool! I'll reiterate...

The bumper connector is typically used for bumper tows.

I have an aftermarket inbed connector that was installed when the fifth wheel hitch was installed and I definitely prefer this. I don't like how the connector dangled when I temporarily used the bumper connector when the inbed had a loose connection. Fortunately, I was able to correct this quickly so I always use the inbed for fifth wheel connections.

I am curious if a factory installed fifth wheel option includes an in-bed connector. I have never heard of a fifth wheel hitch not getting an inbed connector as well and I guess you found one, but I'll admit it's just because I haven't seen one. Does that SOB have a fifth wheel hitch in the bed, yet?

My only curiosity on the inbed is whether it's best in front of the wheel well, behind the wheel well, or some place else. Mine is in front and sometimes I wish it was in back but still accessible in the bed (not the bumper), but it's a matter of which area do you have to worry about the wires being interfered with by the cargo. My issue is because I'm short and had to install a step in the side so I can reach the connection and if it were in the back I wouldn't need a step but it could interfere with cargo. But I do like the less stressful connection of the inbed connection versus the dangle of the bumper connector which might involve extra steps to minimize dangle and provide movement flexibility.

[racerjoe]

there are a couple outfits that make a "T" connector so you can run both. As for us, I use my factory bumper connector and we have never had an issue with it.

[vmoore1]

I did it on our truck, pretty straight forward, no problems.

Vince

[fauch]

mine was pretty straight-forward also!

http://image.shutterstock.com/displa...g-36082699.jpg

[pineranch]

Check e-trailer;
http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-V...ite/20110.html
Select you vehicle and off ya go.
Mike

[Tom S.]

Part of GM's trailer package is a wire harness tied up under the bed to allow you to add an in bed plug. However, make sure you follow the GM wiring guide because the wires are not the same color coding as the Bargeman plug.

Before cutting a hole in the side of the bed, check behind it to make sure you have enough room. You want to make sure the wire doesn't rub on the inside of the fender or it can rub through the paint and rust, not to mention rubbing through the insulation and shorting out.

[bethandkevin]

I've used both. My old truck, which I still have, has the plug in the bed. The cord was always getting caught on something in the bed and causing an intermittent connection. My new truck has the plug next to the license plate. As for the dangling cord issue, I make a u-bend in the cord and insert it in the reciever hitch. This assures that it will not catch on something. I will add that my truck has the class 5 hitch that requires the adapter for 2" use-so no worries about bending the cord too tight. I don't have to reach so far with the tailgate down to un-plug anymore.

[hookman]

On ours part of the hitch installation was the in bed connection.

[DQDick]

I have added one in the bed, not a issue at all.

[RJI47]

I bought the kit from E-trailer for around $50 and it took all of about 10 minutes to install it.

[RRman]

I bought the In-Bed kit for my Dodge from E-Trailer based on so much online advice that its handier, but never installed it. I just run the cord over the Tailgate which has a plastic guard on it and plug into the bumper plug. Can't get hung up on anything in the bed that way. Often I disconnect the trailer connector when parking as the trailer brakes are not needed and why overuse the trailer brakes, so the bumper plug is easy enough to reach for disconnecting.

[okierver]

thanks everyone for all the posts. art. to clearify, my 2003 f250 has one on the bumper and when we bought it it has one l/h side behing fender. just forward of the tailgate. the Chevy i was looking at has not had any 5th wheel hitches installed in the bed. so iif and when we pull the trigger ill have to pull my reese. 5th wheel hitch and have it reinstalled in the new truck.

[2Wanderers]

Did the in bed connection when I had my hitch installed. No problems with the cable hanging up on anything. Have used the other approach of connecting to the rear bumber/hitch connector. Either one works fine, but the in bed is cosmetically attractive. Only thing I came up with since is the brake line shorting in the factory hitch connector due to salt air. Fixed that with a little silicone at the back of the factory outlet at the base of the bumper. No problems since.

[mhs4771]

Dale, if the Chevy you're looking at has the Heavy Duty Trailering package the wiring for an in-the-bed plug may already be there. Both my 05 and the 11 had the package and the wiring was taped up between the cab and the bed. Just had to fish it out and in both cases needed to be extended.

[PackerFan]

When I bought my truck I also puchased a new hitch. When they installed it, I had them add another plug in the bed between the tailgate and the wheel well. I did the same thing on my previous truck and both of them have worked great. Never had the cord hang up on anything.

[Loui]

I have a Chevy with the bumper plug. As previously stated it has a wire harness between the cab and box that you can install a plug onto.Instead I installed a kit like this from Etrailer that does not require any cutting or splicing of the wiring. Only thing to do is decide where in your box you want the plug and cut a hole for the plug.

I put my plug just in front of the wheel well on drivers side.

http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Bargman/51-97-410.html

I found it on ebay for $50