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06-14-2019, 12:30 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Summerville, South Carolina
Trailer: 2019 Escape 5.0TA
Posts: 4
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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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06-14-2019, 12:36 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Austin, Texas
Trailer: 2019 5.0TA "Junior", 2019 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi
Posts: 1,600
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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.
__________________
David, Mary, and the cats
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06-14-2019, 12:45 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,023
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidmurphy02
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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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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Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
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06-14-2019, 01:10 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Austin, Texas
Trailer: 2019 5.0TA "Junior", 2019 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi
Posts: 1,600
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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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David, Mary, and the cats
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06-14-2019, 02:00 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Olympia wa, Washington
Trailer: 5.0TA 2017
Posts: 2,255
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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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06-14-2019, 02:01 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: WI, Wisconsin
Trailer: 2018 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 465
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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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06-14-2019, 02:36 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: St. Thomas not BVI., Ontario
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0TA / 2016 Ram Eco Diesel 4X4
Posts: 8,035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D.
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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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
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
__________________
Quote Bugs Bunny..."Don't take life too seriously, none of us get out of it ALIVE"!!!
'16 Ram Eco D. 4X4 Laramie Longhorn CC & '14 Escape 5.0TA
St.Thomas (Not the Virgin Islands) Ontario
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06-14-2019, 02:52 PM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,023
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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.
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
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06-14-2019, 02:54 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Green Valley, Arizona
Trailer: 2018 5.0TA
Posts: 138
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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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06-14-2019, 03:09 PM
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#10
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Portland, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 11,023
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PM15283
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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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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Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
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06-14-2019, 03:10 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Summerville, South Carolina
Trailer: 2019 Escape 5.0TA
Posts: 4
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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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06-14-2019, 05:21 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Naugatuck, Connecticut
Trailer: 2017 50 TA, 2016 F150, 2.7 Ecoboost
Posts: 1,056
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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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06-15-2019, 06:30 AM
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#13
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Summerville, South Carolina
Trailer: 2019 Escape 5.0TA
Posts: 4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chotch
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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Thanks for the advise
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06-15-2019, 07:58 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
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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.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
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08-02-2019, 07:41 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Green Valley, Arizona
Trailer: 2018 5.0TA
Posts: 138
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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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08-03-2019, 05:25 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Naugatuck, Connecticut
Trailer: 2017 50 TA, 2016 F150, 2.7 Ecoboost
Posts: 1,056
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PM15283
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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A mechanic told you that??
Find yourself a real mechanic.
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08-03-2019, 05:26 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Southwick, Massachusetts
Trailer: None, sold my 2014 5.0TA
Posts: 7,124
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That's a first.
__________________
Happy Motoring
Bob
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08-03-2019, 07:50 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Trailer: 2018 5.0TA / 2018 GMC Canyon/Duramax
Posts: 561
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Palmetto Traveler
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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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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08-03-2019, 09:22 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Austin, Texas
Trailer: 2019 5.0TA "Junior", 2019 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi
Posts: 1,600
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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.
__________________
David, Mary, and the cats
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