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Old 06-14-2019, 12:30 PM   #1
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Wiring Harness for 5.0TA

On the Escape 5.0 TA. I’m getting estimates for a B&W Goose Neck ball to be installed in the bed of my truck. Installers wanted to know if I wanted wiring installed. I told the mechanic I get back to him. After viewing some of the pictures of the 5.0TA on the Internet and pics from the company, it appears the wiring harness drops from the overhang and it can be plug in…either into the rear bumper or into the bed of the truck. Any opinions which is better.
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Old 06-14-2019, 12:36 PM   #2
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Most people prefer to have a 7 pin connector installed in the bed so the cord does not drape over the outside of the tailgate down to the bumper connector and have to be restricted from chafing or dragging. It's a simple procedure and not expensive - they just get an adapter that plugs into your existing wiring at the back of the bumper 7-pin connector and has a cord that extends over to the side of the bed wall near the back, much more convenient.
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Old 06-14-2019, 12:45 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by davidmurphy02 View Post
Most people prefer to have a 7 pin connector installed in the bed so the cord does not drape over the outside of the tailgate down to the bumper connector and have to be restricted from chafing or dragging. It's a simple procedure and not expensive - they just get an adapter that plugs into your existing wiring at the back of the bumper 7-pin connector and has a cord that extends over to the side of the bed wall near the back, much more convenient.
I'm not one of those most people. The cord is in no danger of dragging on the ground, unless it comes unplugged. And since I'm short, I would need a ladder to plug in the cord inside the bed. What I was concerned with an in-the-box connector is packing stuff inside the box and possibly damaging the connector at the sidewall or trapping/pinching the cord under heavy items. Just short of five years later, I'm still happy with the "at the bumper" connection. YMMV
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Old 06-14-2019, 01:10 PM   #4
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I used the indentations in the side (most pickups have them) to put a 2x10 across the bed as a divider. Makes a protected area for the electric cord to lay, and creates a large storage area in front of it around the hitch where I usually stack a bunch of firewood.
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Old 06-14-2019, 02:00 PM   #5
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i use the plug in the bed of my truck i use a little step ladder to hook up anyway (i cant reach anything!) so not big issue for me- never had a problem. With other 5th wheel trailers i have plugged at the bumper that works too not my preference to drape the plug over the tail gate but both work!
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Old 06-14-2019, 02:01 PM   #6
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I wouldn't be without the the 7 pin in the bed. I much prefer to keep the cord going directly from the 5.0 (which is essentially in the bed) to the connection in the bed. Personally, I didn't want it draping over the tailgate and potentially rubbing on the paint and bouncing around. I don't recall seeing a poll but I think with the 5.0 its pretty popular/common to have the 7 pin in the bed.

The cost is usually under $100 to have installed so if you end up not using it you are not out a ton of money. If you don't want to potentially waste the money it is an easy enough option to have done anytime also.
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Old 06-14-2019, 02:36 PM   #7
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I'm not one of those most people. The cord is in no danger of dragging on the ground, unless it comes unplugged. And since I'm short, I would need a ladder to plug in the cord inside the bed. What I was concerned with an in-the-box connector is packing stuff inside the box and possibly damaging the connector at the sidewall or trapping/pinching the cord under heavy items. Just short of five years later, I'm still happy with the "at the bumper" connection. YMMV
Hi: Donna D... I'm with you!!! Our truck came with the 4& 7 pin connector in the rear bumper and a hitch receiver there too!!! I'm quite happy to use them there. I can add some protective covering on the tailgate or a bungee for support. I do have a Rubbermaid 2 step for reaching into the bed to hitch and unhitch!!! Alf
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Old 06-14-2019, 02:52 PM   #8
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When I'm traveling, I seldom unhitch Ten Forward, but will pull the umbilical. I don't want to get out the ladder, move stuff around in the bed of the truck to do so. At the bumper works, what's not to like?


The whole discussion reminds me about 'best' and the trailer power cord. Detachable or pull out. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
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Old 06-14-2019, 02:54 PM   #9
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I had not thought to have the additional connector installed in the truck bed until now, but I've already paid to have the trailer cord replaced after it came loose and dragged! Truck bed installation seems like money well spent before the new cord does the same.
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Old 06-14-2019, 03:09 PM   #10
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I had not thought to have the additional connector installed in the truck bed until now, but I've already paid to have the trailer cord replaced after it came loose and dragged! Truck bed installation seems like money well spent before the new cord does the same.
After I hookup everything and turn on the truck, as long as the truck is running as SOON as there is no power from the tug to the trailer, my dash lights up. I could see how a cord would drag if you didn't know it disconnected. I'm glad that's not my concern.
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Old 06-14-2019, 03:10 PM   #11
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Thanks for all the input. I'll give this matter some thought. I came another post on the same subject about a year ago. Again, thanks.
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Old 06-14-2019, 05:21 PM   #12
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Another reason I prefer the in bed connection is it stays a lot cleaner, no grit or salt gets in. And I don’t worry about scratching the the tailgate or chafing the wire.
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Old 06-15-2019, 06:30 AM   #13
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Another reason I prefer the in bed connection is it stays a lot cleaner, no grit or salt gets in. And I don’t worry about scratching the the tailgate or chafing the wire.
Thanks for the advise
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Old 06-15-2019, 07:58 AM   #14
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I mounted an in box plug high up on the driver's side. Pretty much anyone could reach it though not even I can see it directly. I love using it, though if you wish to use the stock one under the bumper that will work too.
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Old 08-02-2019, 07:41 PM   #15
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Took my truck to my local mechanic and said I wanted a second plug inside the box. (Told him the history.) No dice. Additional connections just invite trouble!
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Old 08-03-2019, 05:25 AM   #16
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Took my truck to my local mechanic and said I wanted a second plug inside the box. (Told him the history.) No dice. Additional connections just invite trouble!
A mechanic told you that??
Find yourself a real mechanic.
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Old 08-03-2019, 05:26 AM   #17
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That's a first.
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Old 08-03-2019, 07:50 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Palmetto Traveler View Post
On the Escape 5.0 TA. I’m getting estimates for a B&W Goose Neck ball to be installed in the bed of my truck. Installers wanted to know if I wanted wiring installed. I told the mechanic I get back to him. After viewing some of the pictures of the 5.0TA on the Internet and pics from the company, it appears the wiring harness drops from the overhang and it can be plug in…either into the rear bumper or into the bed of the truck. Any opinions which is better.
Not sure what truck you have and if you already have 7 Pin plug at the bumper, but many 7 pin wiring adapters plug right into existing wiring harness and puts the plug in the bed wall.

No problems basically plug and play.

I installed my own and no regrets.

https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Bargman/50-97-410.html

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Wir...ck_Wiring.aspx

If you go this route most of the modern day 7 pin fittings are universal. Just make sure you get the one that works with your make model truck.
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Old 08-03-2019, 09:22 AM   #19
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Here's where the in-bed connector is typically mounted, on the left side of the bed in the back. In most trucks the wiring to the bumper connector uses a plug-in connection, the wiring kits plug directly into that and all they have to do is plug it in, run the wiring harness over to the side, and drill a hole in the bed wall to mount the connector there, very simple.

I prefer having the connector in the bed, keeps the trailer wire protected in the back of the bed instead of dangling over the tailgate. Many truck beds have built in slots for boards, I added a 2x10 behind the wheel wells that creates a small space in the back where the trailer wiring lays and then a large area in front of it around the hitch for storing other cargo - in our case, firewood.
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