Howdy. I am just getting started with RV'ing and have a quick question.I recently bought a new F-250 with some trailer stuff:Trailer brake controller.Trailer sway control.Trailer tow package.So it has a receiver and a trailer electrical hook-up by the rear bumper.Then I won a 5th wheel RV on eBay. An older unit in nice shape that weighs in at about 8k lbs. I am in Miami and need to pick the trailer up a bit north of Atlanta.I found a very nice Curt Q24 with Ford brackets and rails on Craigslist that I am installing now. Curt Mfg. was kind enough to send me a couple of missing spacers gratis.OK, so here is my quick question. Will the 5th wheel electrics plug in by the back bumper or is there another pigtail or wiring extension that I will need to buy?Thanks.

Most 5th wheel pigtails are too short to plug into a bumper mounted plug. You will need an extension or install a second plug near the wheel well inside the bed of your truck. Pay attention to where you mount it in the bed so that it is easy to access when the trailer is hitched. The one that came with my truck is mounted so that it is very hard to get to when the trailer is hitched. A little forward of the wheel well works best.

It should plug in by the bumper, but be careful. If it's too short you can pull wires when you turn. I would add a trailer plug in the bed, it's easy to do and makes life way easier. Surprised the truck with tow package didn't come with it already installed. I bet it's wired for it, just have to add the plug itself. The bumper plug SHOULD be good enough to go pick it up then decide what you want to do.

I towed a 5th wheel for 6 years with two different trucks only using the plug by the bumper with absolutely never a problem or disconnect. Worked perfectly.

My 5er cord is long enough to easily reach the bumper mounted plug.

I've always used the bumper plug, and with a few rigs, the cord was actually a little long, needing a shock cord to keep from rubbing the tailgate. The rig I have now, using a 13 250 TV, it is just right.I don't see you having a problem! Welcome to the forum, and FW towing!Jerry

Quick question from a n00b | Good Sam Community

the_bear_II
Explorer
Nov 09, 2016
Most 5th wheel pigtails are too short to plug into a bumper mounted plug. You will need an extension or install a second plug near the wheel well inside the bed of your truck. Pay attention to where you mount it in the bed so that it is easy to access when the trailer is hitched. The one that came with my truck is mounted so that it is very hard to get to when the trailer is hitched. A little forward of the wheel well works best.
rmoore0852
Explorer
Nov 09, 2016
It should plug in by the bumper, but be careful. If it's too short you can pull wires when you turn. I would add a trailer plug in the bed, it's easy to do and makes life way easier. Surprised the truck with tow package didn't come with it already installed. I bet it's wired for it, just have to add the plug itself. The bumper plug SHOULD be good enough to go pick it up then decide what you want to do.
Jack_Diane_Free
Explorer
Nov 09, 2016
I towed a 5th wheel for 6 years with two different trucks only using the plug by the bumper with absolutely never a problem or disconnect. Worked perfectly.
gkainz
Explorer
Nov 09, 2016
My 5er cord is long enough to easily reach the bumper mounted plug.
MFL
Nomad II
Nov 09, 2016
I've always used the bumper plug, and with a few rigs, the cord was actually a little long, needing a shock cord to keep from rubbing the tailgate. The rig I have now, using a 13 250 TV, it is just right.

I don't see you having a problem! Welcome to the forum, and FW towing!

Jerry
BB_TX
Nomad
Nov 09, 2016
gkainz wrote:
My 5er cord is long enough to easily reach the bumper mounted plug.

Mine too. Even on a long bed. I can't remember seeing one with a cord too short to reach the bumper plug.
allen8106
Explorer
Nov 09, 2016
Mine plugs in just fine with more than enough length.

I expect your should too unless someone has shortened the cable.
alfadog
Explorer
Nov 09, 2016
Thanks y'all. Looks like I should be all right and if I have a problem when I get up there, I should just be able to take care of it before the ride back home.

I appreciate your help and I look forward to more interaction on the forum. I'm a big forum geek, usually on the Pilots of America forum and a few others related to other interests. This is a new area of endeavor for me and I know I have a lot to learn.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Nov 09, 2016
gkainz wrote:
My 5er cord is long enough to easily reach the bumper mounted plug.

Mine also
CampbellDaycrui
Explorer
Nov 09, 2016
alfadog wrote:
Thanks y'all. Looks like I should be all right and if I have a problem when I get up there, I should just be able to take care of it before the ride back home.

I appreciate your help and I look forward to more interaction on the forum. I'm a big forum geek, usually on the Pilots of America forum and a few others related to other interests. This is a new area of endeavor for me and I know I have a lot to learn.

You are in for some fun! I am a couple of months ahead of you on the newbie curve and I have found the various forums and the RVers we have met in person to be, without fail, helpful and considerate. Lots of new tech to learn about and new experiences to share......

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