Bumper vs In-bed 7 Way Connector

[shrode]

What are everyone's thoughts on the convenience or necessity of an in-bed 7 way connector vs just using the bumper connection?

[piper guy]

If you use the bumper connection you'll always have the cord draped over the tailgate. Could rub paint off or any number of problems. Both of my trucks had it in bed.

[Dave&Ginny]

I've had both and they both worked. I agree with Vaughan about it rubbing and I was concerned it becoming snagged in turns.

I relocated mine to inside the bed and it was a pretty easy process

[travelin' texans]

In the bed, always have the tailgate down hooking up & the break away cable is there also so once the tailgate is closed your ready to roll. In the bumper the cord is always rubbing & banging against the tailgate.

[atom ant]

I bought a kit for my 2008 Ford that didn't have one - about $130 but it was plug and play. It plugged in between the bumper plug and harness and had a mounting plate that made room for the receptacle in the bed without the wires rubbing on the inside of the fender.

I towed about 50 miles plugged into the bumper, and its amazing how fast that can scratch up the paint mixed with a little road dirt.

[RWJSIM2003]

I have had both and currently I just use a extension from the bumper through the 5er tailgate. I then plug in the trailer and drop the cord down to the bed of the truck. I can use the same extension over the standard tailgate if needed. I thought about adding the Plug in the bed but I am not sure I will keep this truck much longer been looking at new 450's would like the 6 speed tranny.

[johnboytoo]

I too had both and liked the in bed one best...
just be sure it is positioned correctly and not so for in that it's hard to get to !

as far as rubbing, etc... never had that problem, but I did put something like this on one of the underside screws right in front of the hitch with a bungie cord through it.
I looped the cord thru the bungie cord to keep it from dragging - You know, that suthern injeneerin

[Ford truck guy]

In the bed is superior in my eyes... I started of with running the cord over the tailgate for the first few months for the first SOB fifth wheel we got...Swapped it for the in-bed as soon as I could with a plug and play self install..

[830hvacman]

In the bed is the way to go!!

[ET156]

I just cut a hole in the tire well and ran a 7 way cord to the factory plug at the fender and installed the plug in the bed of the truck. I did this so I would not need to splice into factory wires. If I need to use the plug at the fender I just unplug the cord leading to the bed. it works for me.

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by ET156

I just cut a hole in the tire well and ran a 7 way cord to the factory plug at the fender and installed the plug in the bed of the truck. I did this so I would not need to splice into factory wires. If I need to use the plug at the fender I just unplug the cord leading to the bed. it works for me.

Ed, you don't have to splice wires anymore. I believe mine was made by "Curt" and it plugged into the factory wiring harness under the rear bumper. Very easy to do.

[johnboytoo]

Yes, no splicing on ours either...
the 'extension' kit had a two way plug that was inserted between the old cord and old plug and ran up to the in bed location... both were live.

[markw]

Your truck probably has the harness up on the frame in front of the left rear tire. It should have a tag identifying the wire colors. If it's there, you just need to drill and mount the male plug.

Mark

[ET156]

Dave I didn't spice any wires I installed a pigtail female on one end and male on the other end. I mounted the female end in the bed of the truck, and if I need to use the bumper plug I just unplug the pig tail . I didn't know about the wiring harnesses thanks will use it on my international if I can find one. My international came with a six prong plug and I am trying to find a way to change it to 7 prong with out rewiring the truck.