Cord rubbing on tailgate

[nano]

Aside from mounting a receptacle in the box of the truck, how can you keep the cord from rubbing on the tailgate of the truck?

[Cummins12V98]

wittmeba,

If I did something like you I would break it off in no time. But at least you did something!

[45Ricochet]

Okie1 wrote:
Exactly.......

hedge wrote:
I don't get it, for the minimal expense and 1/2 hour to install why not install an in-bed plug?

X3

Next lesson : No towing mirrors fix :W

[Cummins12V98]

hedge wrote:
I don't get it, for the minimal expense and 1/2 hour to install why not install an in-bed plug?

Because I have been waiting for you to do it for me.:R

[wittmeba]

For a while we did as MC9 - with the tailgate part way down the plug fits thru the hinge area (at corners) of the tailgate and used the bumper plug...then...

I didnt want the large hole in my truck bed and didnt want wire splices into the factory harness - so this is what I did.

You can use the plug at the bumper with an extension cord. No need to drill large holes in the truck bed. Ford truck bed is a double wall and the cord runs inside the walls. You may need to undo one end connector to pass thru the hole in the truck bed wall and the bracket. Cable is color-coded to match the marked connectors. Easy to reassemble.

1 male connector
1 female connector
1 8' 7 conductor cable
1 mounting plate
About $30.00 total

You can buy an extension for about $35.00 terminated with the right connector on each end. You may need to remove one end for lacing the wire.

Extension cable:
http://www.reese-hitches.com/products/7_Way_5th_Wheel___Gooseneck_Trailer_Extension,118664

Bracket here:
http://www.kaffenbarger.com/index.php?productID=192

If you tow any kind of utility trailer with brakes, the connector is still at the bumper for use.

[grampscamper]

I agree with a few others here. I would install an in bed plug. My last truck didn't have one & I always worried about the cord rubbing on my tailgate. Have one now & wouldn't be without.

[fj12ryder]

I'd considered an in-bed plug, but after using the one under the bumper I decided that it wasn't necessary. The ones I've seen require you to reach into the bed to plug in the cord. That looks more inconvenient than where the plug is mounted now. From what I've seen of them they look like you would have to lower the tailgate to easily plug in, or reach over the top of the bed, both of which more of a hassle than plugging in under the bumper.

[MyakkaTT]

Installed bed plug after cord slipping over corner of truck on tight tour then almost removing cord from trailer when straightening out. Took about 20 minutes and was like 40 dollars. But I did let drape over tailgate for many years before I had the first real issue.

[Okie1]

Exactly.......

hedge wrote:
I don't get it, for the minimal expense and 1/2 hour to install why not install an in-bed plug?

[pyoung47]

Have someone lie in the back of the truck to ensure it does not rub. Good job for future ex-wife or red-headed step child.

[hedge]

I don't get it, for the minimal expense and 1/2 hour to install why not install an in-bed plug?

[Endricken]

Inexpensive black tailgate top edge protector accessory works for me. Improves the looks and complements the black handle and mudflaps.

[fj12ryder]

john&bet wrote:
I have draped over the tail gate for the last 8 years without rubbing paint off or rubbing a flat spot on the cord. In fact it very seldom moves while going down road or on turns.

That's been pretty much what I've noticed.

[sele]

WE have always used a bed plug they are fairly simple to install, for me the hardest part was drilling that first hole. this time I went with an extension that plugs in to the factory plugin. Plug it in when we use the f'ver and unplugged when pulling my boat

[brirene]

I use a bungee cord inside the need to tighten the cord, then a piece of foam pipe insulation over it. It takes the shape of the cord, and I've used the same piece for 5 years.

[Bipeflier]

I use a shock (bungie) cord attached to the back of the pin box then crimped the other hook to the cord. This gently pulls the cord to the rear along the hitch and above the tailgate. The rest of the cord just hangs down to the rear mounted plug. No rubbing