Been thinking again and I know it's a sin

[Wobbles]

I have a question for those who have a fifth wheel. I am wondering about the trailer plug-in. Do you recommend adding the plug-in to the inside of an 8 ft bed or is the factory bumper connection viable? Pros, Cons or Whatever?

[BandJCarm]

Inside the bed!!! Mandatory almost.

Cord won't reach bumper receptacle...........and sure won't on wide turns.

[Igave]

X2

[B and B]

X3

[jgourlie]

X4

[bob caldwell]

X5

[NMWildcat]

Inside the bed. I like mine up front, on the drivers side between the cab and fender well bump. Much easier to reach than under the fifth wheel overhang. My brother in law uses the bumper connection with an extended cord and has nice rub marks on the tailgate

[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.

[aupainter]

x2

[Hutch333id]

I don't know for sure but I have been told that in British Columbia (Canada) it is against the Provincial law to have the power connection from your 5er hook into the connector on the rear bumper. For that reason I bought an extension for the connector when I had my previous truck with a seven pin socket between the cab and the wheel arch. The new truck has the truck bed socket back towards the tailgate.

[GreenImp]

I've always WANTED a plug in the bed as it makes for a "cleaner" setup (in my opinion). The rear bumper plug works without any issues whatsoever though, so I have never gotten around to adding one...and probably never will.

As for long bed vs short bed, I was always under the impression that the extra length was in front of the hitch. Isn't that why all short bed trucks are doomed to smash the cab when turning with 5er's (just kidding...sort of).

[bob caldwell]

I made up a short extension cord as the plug in my truck is about 1" outa reach

[5picker]

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.

I'm in this camp.
While an in bed receptacle would make for a much 'cleaner' look, I've been using the rear receptacle for years on all my trucks & trailers. Cords reach just fine, no problems on turns.

[Justice12t]

Originally Posted by 5picker

I'm in this camp.
While an in bed receptacle would make for a much 'cleaner' look, I've been using the rear receptacle for years on all my trucks & trailers. Cords reach just fine, no problems on turns.

X2

[WFD]

Originally Posted by GreenImp

I've always WANTED a plug in the bed as it makes for a "cleaner" setup (in my opinion). The rear bumper plug works without any issues whatsoever though, so I have never gotten around to adding one...and probably never will.

As for long bed vs short bed, I was always under the impression that the extra length was in front of the hitch. Isn't that why all short bed trucks are doomed to smash the cab when turning with 5er's (just kidding...sort of).

x2, but if you don't use a bungee cord, it will leave rub marks on your tailgate....now having said that, it's becoming pretty common place with 2016 model year trucks and up that the In bed Plug in is often factory installed. Talked to a dealer recently who said trucks on their lot that don't have it is simply because they neglected to have that box ticked when they ordered the truck, and that moving forward they will always order it with it included.

[Ford Idaho]

On my 2010 F250 long bed I just plugged into the bumper mounted one, cord is long enough and I did not have any issues with it that way.

On the 2016 I had the Ford prep package installed which is an in bed it works well enough, I have not tried to plug it into the bumper mounted yet but it should be fine.

[Pipeman]

I use the one over the bumper with a pool noodle over the cord which hangs over the gate. I also have a plug in at the front of the truck but have never used it. There's lots of cord to go over the tgate and I can do 90 degree turns without a problem.

[BandJCarm]

I admit..........this is not something I had even thought of. But the place that installed my Companion hitch asked if I wanted it done. I said.........."Uh...Uh...sure". I don't think they even charged me, other than parts for the receptacle. I'm glad I did, but if cord is long enough, it's fine.

[tinkerreknit]

In bed for me. Mine have been flush-mounted just ahead of the tail light at the bottom of the stake pocket. I can reach it whither the tailgate is up or down. Fords have an accessible area there.

[Islander]

Seeing as I have both bumper & bed locations I always use the 'in-bed' receptacle for my 5th wheel....my personal and logical choice.

My truck has a long bed and I mounted the receptacle on the drivers side high up under the box rail behind the wheel well.
I covered my connection cord with split loom for the full length.
Any slack of the connection cord lays on the bed and has freedom to move with turns.
My rear view camera is hard wired and the cable for it follows the same path as the 5th wheel connection cord and connects at the same location near the receptacle, it is also covered with split loom for protection.

Islander