Forum Discussion

E_mc2's avatar
E_mc2
Explorer
May 01, 2013

Trailer Lights Harness Length Problem

So I have taken our Fiver on 3 total trips since we got it and have done okay manuvering and towing. However the last trip we went on was a little different. While on a search for a fuel station large enough fo us to get into, I found myself having to make a U turn in a large intersection. While making the turn I heard a noise and then my brake controller flashed red meaning the trailer was dissconnected ( my wiring harness plugs in at the bumper). Luckily it did not hurt anything, scarred the outercasing of the harness but no real damage.

So obviously I need to fix this issue. My rig is my daily driver and I use it to haul everything from dirt and rocks to firewood. I REALLY do not want to drill a hole and put a trailer socket in the bed, so I was wondering if anyone else has ran into this and how did you solve it.

Thanks

Chad

9 Replies

  • TakingThe5th's avatar
    TakingThe5th
    Explorer
    May 06, 2013
    Sounds like you are happy with your setup except the cord is too short. Can you just find a longer cord with a 7-pin plug?

    My 5er's cord terminates in a 4 inch electrical box in the pin box. In my case it would be a simple matter to swap out a longer cord. I also do not have a connector in the bed and my cord hangs over the tailgate. The tailgate has a plastic lip protector and I added some plastic corrugated wire loom tubing over the cord - who cares about the rubbing - there was absolutely no harm after 5 years. As long as there is no chance of snagging the cord on something I think you would enjoy this solution.
  • shadows4's avatar
    shadows4
    Nomad
    May 05, 2013
    RoyB wrote:
    Check with ETRAILER or AMAZON. They have a 7-way extension cable that might help you with your problem.

    You may be able to mount this extension cable with just using a side bracket that screws into the inside of the truck bed.

    Somthing like this maybe...


    Roy Ken


    I mounted mine much as Roy B did. I bought a 7-way T harness adapter. It plugs in under the bed where the 7-way on the bumper plugs into the truck wiring harness. I then ran the end up through the stake pocket much like Roy B has. Wire in a 7-way plug and your good to go! Good luck, John
  • ACZL's avatar
    ACZL
    Explorer
    May 05, 2013
    My dealer made a whip that plugs into the bumper plug and ran it up thru the LR stake pocket and then underneath the left box rail ending up at middle of box where they then mounted/attached another plug/receptacle under the left box rail. Whip is out of the way and plug isn't in the way either. Trailer cord plugs right in easily and can do all necessary work for hitch and cord right there w/o having to run cord over bumper and all.
  • stub-kb-2's avatar
    stub-kb-2
    Explorer
    May 01, 2013
    all of my friends and family always put a plug in the bed. i have always used my bumper plug. there are definite benefits to both. having a plug in the bed is great when towing, but might get in the way. it also means you have more connections that could corrode. on my old trailer, i built an extention that i carried in the tool box until i neede it. on my new trailer, i put a longer cord on it. always plugged into the bumper i isolate the 7 way cord with rubber tarp straps between the stake pockets, and zip-tie the cord to one tarp strap. over 80k miles towed without a snag.
  • xPIXx's avatar
    xPIXx
    Explorer
    May 01, 2013
    You could make an extension cheaper then you could buy one.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    May 01, 2013
    Check with ETRAILER or AMAZON. They have a 7-way extension cable that might help you with your problem.

    I have seen some of these mounted to the inside of the truck bed and the 5th wheel will just plug into it. The other end plugs into the truck mounted 7-way connector.. Some are 4-foot long and I have also seen one 7-foot long...


    You may be able to mount this extension cable with just using a side bracket that screws into the inside of the truck bed.

    Somthing like this maybe...


    Roy Ken
  • boogie_4wheel's avatar
    boogie_4wheel
    Explorer
    May 01, 2013
    Have always had 6/7-pin connectors in the truck beds. Always mounted them beneath the driver's rear-most stake pocket near the tailgate. Never had an issue with one. Used the truck as a truck, and even the 6k lbs of gravel in the bed didn't hurt it (it was a dually).
  • JohnBoyToo's avatar
    JohnBoyToo
    Explorer
    May 01, 2013
    I put a trailer socket in the bed as I always worried about the cord being dragged across the hitch every time I turned...

    the 7 pins mounted up high have a good closing cap that will keep it clean...

    My surprise was when the brake controller got snagged on a turn and the trailer brakes locked up bringing us ALL to a sudden stop !!!!!

    Easily debugged and fixed, but BAm it stopped :)

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