Soon to be fifth wheel hauler

[randygk]

We have a fifth wheel on order and I need advice on where to put the trailer electrical plug. I see that the plug kit says between cab and rear axle on inside wall of bed. Do any use the stock plug on bumper? Also, do you keep the tailgate or get a fifth wheel tailgate?
Thanks

[rhagfo]

fj12ryder wrote:
I use a V-type gate and the plug on the bumper. Works well for me, as I don't want to lower/raise the gate every time I hitch up. The plug on the bumper is easy for me to reach since I couldn't reach one that was in the bed without lowering the gate, which defeats the purpose of the modified tailgate.

This also works great for me.

[jasult]

I just use the one at bumper. Here is my poormans fiver tailgate :B

[bfast54]

I have mine inside the bed a couple inches up from the bottom on the drivers side near the back kinda between the fender well and the tailgate

and I do stock tailgate because I have a taunueu...cover---- that way I can secure everything

[kaydeejay]

Another vote for the receptacle in the box, left side, just ahead of the rear corner.
Hooking up is no issue with the tailgate down, which it has to be for hitching anyway.

[RollandB]

Inside the bed, drivers side, just about to the tailgate

[bpounds]

I like the in-bed location, with either type of tailgate.

As for where in the bed, I had mine installed in the rear corner stake pocket, facing forward. If I had to do it again, I would put it in that stake pocket, but facing to the side. I chose the forward facing direction thinking that it would be less likely to snap on cargo sliding in/out of the bed. But it makes plugging the cord kind of awkward. Snagging cargo now seems unlikely and unimportant.

I suggest you have one put in the bed now. You can still use the bumper socket, or the in-bed socket, whichever suits your fancy.

[tsetsaf]

I have the additional plug in the bed. After a few years of use I am having issues with corrosion due to water in the bed.

[rb71]

I have it in the bed and it's nicer that way (IMHO).

My rams didn't come from the factory pith them but they did offer a simple plug and play adapter. All I did is drill a hole and plugged it in.

[fj12ryder]

I use a V-type gate and the plug on the bumper. Works well for me, as I don't want to lower/raise the gate every time I hitch up. The plug on the bumper is easy for me to reach since I couldn't reach one that was in the bed without lowering the gate, which defeats the purpose of the modified tailgate.

[therink]

Roadtrippin wrote:
I've always used the bumper and I've never had a problem.. I also use the factory tailgate.

me too

[Old-Biscuit]

Seeing as the trailer umbilical cord hangs down from pin box area I installed an additional plug receptacle inside bed, drivers side near the rear.

Keeps all of the cord inside truck bed, doesn't rub on tailgate and is clear of hitch. Easy to reach in and plug /unplug cord. Nice and tidy.

Stock tailgate was replaced with a 5vr 'U' tailgate for one reason and one reason only.........full timing traveling weekly and didn't want the have to Open tailgate, backin, close tailgate when hitching OR open tailgate, pull out, close tailgate when unhitching.
With the 'U' shaped tailgate I just backin---hitch or unhitch and drive out K.I.S.S.

[mowin]

I just picked up my first 5'er yesterday, and my one concern was if the cord was long enough to reach the bumper plug. Thankfully it was. I do have the stock tailgate, and one issue I see is the cord rubbing the paint on tailgate. A soft cloth wrapped around the cord where it contacts the gate sloved that issue.

[bobcouch]

My plug is also on the left sidewall just ahead of the back of the truck. I've tried the one on the bumper - just because it's there - but like the sidewall better.
I think you'll find that most of those (like me) who use modified tailgates with a 5th wheel Vee did not start out that way. They didn't get them until after they had managed to bend up the original. Pulling away without dropping the tailgate is so common that it is probably more a matter of when than if.
Can you get by using the plug in your bumper and an OEM tailgate? Of course you can.
Personally, I use an automatic sliding hitch and a tailgate with a notch just to make the whole process as idiot-proof as possible.

[poncho62]

Bumper plug works for me...and I do some pretty tight turns getting it parked at my house

[Roadtrippin]

I've always used the bumper and I've never had a problem.. I also use the factory tailgate.