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IBcarguy's avatar
IBcarguy
Explorer
Jan 28, 2017

New 5th wheel

I just bought a new Jayco Eagle 5th wheel and I'm going to pick it up next week. I've got the new hitch adapter in place and I'm ready to go but my son brought up a point that I didn't consider. The trailer wiring plug is located in the back bumper of my truck. He was concerned that when making a tight turn, the cable may not be long enough and could tear out of the plug. After searching, I found that 7' extenders are a common solution but he is trying to talk me into adding a wiring harness from the bumper plug to the inside of the bed of the truck. It looks like a fairly simple install but you've got to punch a large hole in the bed to mount the plug. Not too crazy about that. I also don't see how that's going to add any length to the harness. I'm sure this has been addressed in the past...any input?

23 Replies

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  • Winnipeg's avatar
    Winnipeg
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2017
    I agree, it works to use the stock plug below the bumper. But, with the $$$ you spend on a nice truck / fiver, do you really want the cord hanging over the tailgate? It is much tidier to install an in-box plug (on the side wall).

    If you really don't care about looks, just take the tailgate off and pitch it. Hooking up would be easier.
  • Earl_E's avatar
    Earl_E
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2017
    Never have had a problem with several fivers using a couple trucks with a bumper socket. Don't think you need to worry about it.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2017
    agesilaus wrote:
    Most of the time these are mounted in the wall of the bed not the floor. For the obvious reason when water gets in the bed you don't want it shorting out that socket. I doubt one of those spring loaded flappers will keep water out when mounted flat on the floor.

    Putting it in the wall should not be that much harder.


    Put it in the wall of the truck and skip the bumper connections. All the newer trailers set it up that way.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Jan 28, 2017
    If you put it in the bed put it high enough that you can reach it over the tailgate or over the side of the bed. Having to drop the tailgate every time to hook and unhook the plug would be a pain.

    Mine is located below the rear bumper near the license plate, and has never been an issue.
  • ChuckV1's avatar
    ChuckV1
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2017
    IBcarguy wrote:
    I just bought a new Jayco Eagle 5th wheel and I'm going to pick it up next week. I've got the new hitch adapter in place and I'm ready to go but my son brought up a point that I didn't consider. The trailer wiring plug is located in the back bumper of my truck. He was concerned that when making a tight turn, the cable may not be long enough and could tear out of the plug. After searching, I found that 7' extenders are a common solution but he is trying to talk me into adding a wiring harness from the bumper plug to the inside of the bed of the truck. It looks like a fairly simple install but you've got to punch a large hole in the bed to mount the plug. Not too crazy about that. I also don't see how that's going to add any length to the harness. I'm sure this has been addressed in the past...any input?


    The DW and I are on our 3rd 5th wheel and have never had
    to put a hole in the bed, always used the bumper plug.

    Make sure before you leave the RV sellers lot you check
    it out. When we bought this last trailer it took three
    hours to do the PDI. The Tech stated that I was the
    first person to ever ask for a creeper to look under
    the trailer. The way I look at it when we are paying
    50K or more I'm looking everywhere, under an on top,
    inside and out ;)
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2017
    I think my bumper connection is about 11 feet, but I have to put a loop in it. My fifth wheel has a long cord indeed.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jan 28, 2017
    I have both the bumper connector and in-bed connector, mounted in the sidewall just inside the tailgate. No problem using either. The in-bed connector just means the connector is closer to the pin box and can accommodate a shorter cord.
  • md_procouple's avatar
    md_procouple
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2017
    Good luck on the length of the cord... tried that didn't work ended up putting a plug inside the Left side of the bed wall. I'll also admit that its a lot easier to remember to plug / unplug it esp. if pulling into a site at night Good Luck and Happy Camping !!!
  • IBcarguy's avatar
    IBcarguy
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2017
    agesilaus wrote:
    Most of the time these are mounted in the wall of the bed not the floor. For the obvious reason when water gets in the bed you don't want it shorting out that socket. I doubt one of those spring loaded flappers will keep water out when mounted flat on the floor.

    Putting it in the wall should not be that much harder.


    If I did this, I'd definitely put in the side above the rear tie down hook. I wouldn't consider putting it in the floor of the bed.
    I think I'll hold off on this mod until I get the trailer hooked up and do a little measuring to see if there's enough slack when turning.I'd rather leave it alone if possible.
  • AUwing2's avatar
    AUwing2
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2017
    Nothing wrong with connection to the stock 7-pin @ the bumper - so long as the cables long enough which it likely is. For a cleaner look, adding an in bed plug is pretty easy. Here's one place to look for a kit.

    https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Chevrolet/Silverado+3500/2016/50-97-410.html?vehicleid=201620349

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