Why did the front plug/connection come into being on TCs?

Both Ford and GM and I think also Dodge had Camper Specials since the mid 60's . Early campers that had batteries almost always had them up front for better weight distribution . Coming out the front has the shortest wire run , still does . Just another $.02 .

I am going out on a limb here with this guess...

back in the day I am guessing that there was no such thing as a camper prep package or option from truck manufacturers. The vehicle were made more for work as opposed to hauling any type of RV. Even if there were those scarce RV's, I imagine they had little or no electrics.

When some of the early RV's that did have 12V components I would still fathom that Ford, GM, Dodge, etc still were behind in offering camper packages- ergo, it was the Owners who had to wire them up. Since it was the user/ owner who did this then it was only prudent to take the shortest wire routing which meant taking it only to where it was needed and no more. It did not make sense to run cables to the bumper just to run it half-way back again.

If this were the case, then it is 'prolly tradition that the TC's now still have the plug in the front of the bed and not the back.

As for why, probably just another "look at me" sales item. I will not identify the toy accessories for fear of hurting someones feelings.

I have and gave had 5th wheels, and prefer the cable at the bumper. I can manually apply the trailer brake before backing up to the hitch so the trailer does not move. I can also verify that the pin is properly connected.

Don't know about TCs today but back in the 60s there were doors into the wheel well areas. Open the front wheel well door on the drivers side and plug in the TC. Easy access, short wires and out of the way. Plus with the 10 1/2' TCs that dropped down in the rear you didn't have to crawl under trying to plug it into the rear socket. Most of the PUs during that time had sockets in the front and rear. A trailer could be plugged into that rear socket since many of us towed boat trailers behind our TCs.

Came out long time ago when the camper packages started. Some camper ready rigs have a harness coiled up on the frame rail around the front of the bed for camper or fifth wheel connection.

Truck camper package usually made for 5th wheels. Makes more sense there. I hate reaching through the little door and plugging in by feel if I've forgotten before loading.

I prefer a bumper connection, and that is what I have. Fact is, my cable on my TC comes out the front and I extended it to come out the back. I can unload or load my TC with the cable connected. Certainly easier for me to connect with the TC loaded.

Wayne

Purely guessing that the wires would be eight feet shorter, more universal? Out of the way? Any other thoughts?

That's is a very good question...