Been thinking again and I know it's a sin - Page 2

mikeysotp · 01-09-2017, 11:38 AM

The two trucks I've owned since I got my fifth wheel both came with the plug in the bed so I use those. In the past I've towed a lot of gooseneck horse trailers and used the bumper connection and never had a problem with it. If it isn't a big deal to add it I would go for it, otherwise you'll likely be fine without it. Just make sure the cord isn't going to hung up on anything and check the length when turning to make sure the length is sufficient.

CruiserJoe · 01-09-2017, 01:22 PM

Depends on the length of your cord. Too short and could pull out on a tight turn, too long and it Gould drag on the ground.

onetonford · 01-09-2017, 01:32 PM

I put 1 in my bed when I bought my dually because it makes it easy for me to use and I can't see a cord dangling and scratching my tailgate.

tahoe1840 · 01-09-2017, 02:17 PM

My TV is a 2013 Super Duty with a 6.5 foot bed, my 5th wheel cord will easily reach the plug at the bumper with a lot of room to spare for tight turns etc. But saying this I opted to put a plug in the bed so I would not have to bend over all the time, tuff on the back ya know. Also Ford make it so easy to do this as well since you can buy a pre set up cord to run back to the wiring jack. Easy drill the hole, route the wire and plug it into the jack.

hiinthesky · 01-09-2017, 04:03 PM

Could a fella measure the cord for proper turning length - remove his tailgate - plug in the cord - replace tailgate over the cord- maybe a pinching point, maybe not. May need to make a loop or loose knot with cord so the cord wont slide under the TG and onto the road....Just sayin....may need to experiment with it.

gunpro · 01-09-2017, 05:17 PM

I live in Alberta,and I trailer into B.C.a lot. Have not yet heard nor had a complaint about bumper connections. My last three 5ers have all connected to the back bumper without damage to the cords or the tailgate.

Jeff from Burlington Ont · 01-09-2017, 05:20 PM

For the past 6 years my 5ver(s) have been plugged into the rear bumper. that what my truck came with and none of the RV dealers have told me any different. Length of cord has not been a problem. On my last 5ver I used a bungee cord to keep it from rubbing the tail gate, but the new trailer has the cable coming out farther back and it easily clears the bumper. Then again, I only go out 6 to 8 times per year, so I am not a full timer

Ford Idaho · 01-09-2017, 05:24 PM

When towing with the 250 I just removed the tailgate, held the cord up with a couple of rubber bungee cords hooked in to a couple of holes (bed extender?).

Kept the cord off the floor of the bed and out of harms way.

rat4spd · 01-09-2017, 05:43 PM

I prefer the aesthetics and practicality of not having it drape over the tailgate. Fortunately it's as easy as ordering the right pigtail harness and flush mount connector from Mopar.

johnruff · 01-09-2017, 06:27 PM

I think it is safer to have it inside the bed. No chance of running over something and knocking it loose or damaging it. In any truck I had that did not have a connector inside the bed, it was installed as part of the hitch installation without asking or discussing.

CaptnJohn · 01-09-2017, 06:40 PM

three trucks and 2 5ers. Factory 5er cord and bumper receptacle. Never pulled loose, never rubbed truck or ground.

JR Smith · 01-09-2017, 06:54 PM

I bought a rv plug assembly at my NAPA store it plugs into rear harness of pickup . No cut wires. Clean right and tight.About a hundred bucks,

Oaklevel · 01-09-2017, 07:25 PM

I'm in both camps, My 03 Dodge Long Bed (8ft) I used just the bumper plug. It would pull the plug out if I took a sharp turn and had a ball hitch in the receiver. Some very minor tailgate rubbing as well.

The 2005 Dodge long bed I currently have has both in the bed and at the bumper. The original fifth wheel camper was pulled just a few times with this truck. Traded for the current bigger one and my car hauler is also a fifth wheel. Either plug location works fine with no issues. I have used both often.

richp · 01-09-2017, 09:33 PM

Hi,

I've used the plug on the rear bumper with every fiver and Chevy pickup I have ever owned. No problems with length of the power cord, or with it binding during turns.

FWIW.

Rich Phillips

DouglasReid · 01-10-2017, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MillerTime

I use the rear bumper plugs on all my trucks. I have plenty of cord on all my trailers and use bungees to keep the cord up and it will allow flex if needed for turns, but really have no movement of the cord since its attached at the back of the pin box.

If others like the plug in the bed and it works for them, thats great. I've just never had a need to run a 2nd plug.

X3

hbillsmith · 01-10-2017, 09:49 AM

Dealer installed in bed when they installed the hitch. Seems very nice way to do it.

VizJedi · 01-10-2017, 09:28 PM

Sounds like a pretty good split.

3 trucks and 2 5ers. 1st two trucks were on the bumper (no bed plug) and never an issue. My current truck, I use the plug in the bed.

I prefer it now. It is one of the last things I do when hitching up and I always take the opportunity to check the jaws on the hitch while plugging in.

j

Boots49 · 01-11-2017, 01:09 PM

It was one of the best suggestions that the mechanic at our dealer made. The only problem I have had is at the "Y" splice, because GM does not have a connector, you have to cut & splice the wiring. We have a 2500 Silverado & a Wildcat bought in 2010. PS: You should know that they are called Puss & Boots!!

SilhouettePenny · 01-17-2017, 10:57 PM

Hey Wobbles, sounds like you got about half & half on the preference-meter with this question. I've towed 5ers lately with both plug-ins and the only downside I see is on the bumper plug with the new automatic tailgates on the Superduty trucks...gotta remember to hop out and un-plug before you touch the tailgate drop button. Tie a knot in the cable just as it tops the tailgate to prevent too much hang over and this prevents any rubbing on the painted surfaces.

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