Fifth Wheel Wiring Connector Location

[NCBBA11043]

OK - survey here. I will be picking up my first fifth wheel trailer soon. I will be having a hitch installed shortly. Where should the wiring connector be located in the truck bed. I see sites that say between wheel well and tailgate. I've been told right at the wheel well, and I've seen safest location is between cab and wheel well.
Where's your?

[ependydad]

Between wheel well and tailgate but definitely closer to the tailgate than middle. It's convenient as I hook my breakaway cable to the corner tie down right there.

[bigdaddy1]

I agree ependydad, just easier to reach for me to plug in or take out.

[TURBS]

Wheel well and tail gate

[Oaklevel]

Mines between the wheel well & the tailgate. Previous owner had it there, I have had the truck three years. No issues with me.........I store "stuff" (fire pit, totes grill etc.) between the hitch & the cab so personally I would not want it between the wheel well & the cab. If it was there I would personally move it aft.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Between wheel well and tailgate but definitely closer to the tailgate than middle.

Same here. It's 8" from the back edge of my socket surround to the back edge of my taillight. There's a convenient 'flat place' in the side of my bed right there.

[dkelly]

X2. Left side wall between tailgate and wheel well.

[ferguson65]

I've had both in front of the wheelwell and behind. I'd have to say they each have their advantages. On my old Dodge, I installed it between the wheelwell and front of the bed for it's safety. I use my trucks for both scrap and firewood when not towing, and felt behind the wheelwell was too vulnerable to damage. Granted, at that point I had a gooseneck trailer that required getting in the bed to lock the coupler and install the chains. I ordered my new F350 with the 5th wheel prep, and the connector is between the wheelwell and tailgate. It's had a few close calls, but I haven't mashed it yet. Will be much easier with a 5th wheel since there is no reason to get in the bed to hook it up. Working on buying a dump trailer though so I can stop taking chances with it and beating the hell out of the bed...............................

[wfmdfm]

Just installed mine in my new truck last weekend. Left side just inside the tailgate. Easy to reach from outside the truck.

[jonrjen]

Yep, drivers side between the wheel well and the tailgate. Now that doesn't make it right for you, but it works for me.

[OldCoot]

Driver's side close to the tailgate.

[onetonford]

Drivers side close to tailgate.

[Lefty59]

Mine was installed by the Ford dealer on the driver's side about halfway between the wheelwell and the tailgate.

I also read somewhere that for safety purposes it should be forward of the wheel well so that you aren't tempted to get between the trailer and the tow vehicle to connect it...but for convenience I think the back location wins hands down.

[Mojojojo]

Well ain't I just the odd ball? Cuz mines infront of the wheel well ,if it were behind I would have to plug before I lift the gate up and I'm a big guy so fitting between the trailer and truck is let's just say a little too tight and I'm short enough that I can't reach with bed between the the duals.

[Sirsea]

Driver's side about 8" from the tailgate...plus another connector next to the license plate on the bumper. (nice to have when you forget to disconnect the cable and damage the one in the bed...)

[B and B]

I have it beside the tailgate, if required my cable is long enough to plug in to get 12 v if the battery is dead.

[cpaulsen]

Right next to stake pocket/drivers side rear in front of the tailgate.

[biznsa]

I leave mine loose and drape over the tailgate. I have never had a problem.

[rattleNsmoke]

Mine's next to the stake pocket, drivers side in front of the gate. My story and I'm sticking to it...

[NCBBA11043]

OK - thanks all. I heard forward of the wheel well for safety also, but it sounds like much more convenient closer to the tailgate. I guess that's the way to go.