In-Bed 7-pin Connector for 5.0 ?

[Shiny]

Who has installed a connector in their bed, where did you locate it? I expect there will be tradeoffs between loading, hitching, and stability of the connection.

My goal is to reduce the chance for the cable to wiggle the connector, as I have experienced the connection causing intermittent issues with the rear-view camera.

I already purchased an extension harness and truck is a 2018 Silverado 6-ft bed. Installation requires drilling a 2" hole in the bed wall so I don't want to do it twice.

Thanks

Mike

[Centex]

Here's my long-ago DIY installation in a 2005 F150 6.5ft box. I was towing gooseneck utility trailers with this truck long before I got my 5.0, I like having the umbilical above anything else in the bed and it's an easy reach over the bedrail; I've not had any problem with a connector 'wiggling' or such. It's continued to be great with the 5.0.

I don't remember the brand of the extension kit I used (maybe Curt?) but do recall it was 'plug-and-play' to the OE rear-bumper-7pin harness and the extension harness on the bed-end had a 90degree plug so it was fairly shallow behind the visible socket.

It's proven satisfactory for me so I plan to do the same location on my (ordered and hopefully soon to be built) 2022 F150.

Just one option for your consideration, Have Fun!

[Shiny]

Thank you Centex!

Up higher makes sense and it seems above the wheel well has worked well for you.

The harness supplier suggests locating the connector between the wheel well and the cab but that seemed awkward to reach so I like yours better.

As to the "wiggling", the Furrion camera burped again last fall after I had beefed up the receiver connector. I found the heavy trailer cord had dropped behind the tailgate and the loop was big enough to move around while driving. I pushed it back over the tailgate with the loop in the bed and the camera was happy the rest of the trip. I don't have any direct proof but keeping the cord inside the bed sounds like a good idea with no real downside. I also sprayed contact cleaner inside the connector which had a surprising amount of corrosion and/or wear debris built up.

Mike

[TahoeJoe]

Mine is further back, in between the wheel well and the tailgate...I like that because I only have to worry about that little corner as far as cable management. Left side is good because that's where the cable starts on the 5.0. If I had to do it again, I'd go a little higher with it...

[Shiny]

Thank you TahoeJoe

Another vote for "higher" it seems and perhaps further back is less likely to interfere with other stuff loaded in the bed.

[Keith3]

I have mine a bit above Tahoe Joe. Higher is easier to reach as you reach over the side of the bed.

My next truck (2025?) I will move it to where centex has his.

I put more stuff between the tailgate and the hitch than I do alongside the hitch by the wheel well. Other people may pack differently.

When I had a Scamp 19 I took my tailgate off so didn’t store much back there. With the escape that isn’t an issue.

[nepaweb]

I modified an existing hole in my bed where a bed light option would have gone. The location is easy to reach and is slightly recessed, keeping interference with cargo to a minimum.

[Shiny]

Great input, thanks to all for sharing.

I'm unlikely to load on top of the wheel well so I see the merits of putting it there but I tuck stuff both in front of and behind the hitch so there's no obvious winner for me there.

I also agree easy access with tailgate lowered and keeping above the load sounds convenient.

nepaweb - that's cool you had an existing hole! I'll look but not expecting to have your good luck. I also use the tiedown hooks to haul mower gas and propane sometimes so I'll have to avoid crushing the connector with those.

[Shiny]

I decided to put the connector above the wheel well to reduce interference with loads. I used an extension cable that plugged "inline" on the back of the existing bumper connector. This made the electrical connections simple. Crawling around under the truck reminded me my body is acting its age.

Part of my decision to locate there was an existing hole in the bed for a tie-down hook. I enlarged it with a dremel cutoff wheel and cleaned it up with a small grinding wheel.

I have yet to use it but I'm sure it will improve over having the heavy cord dangling over the tailgate.

Thanks again for the input from all.

Mike

[Centex]

Congrats, got it done!

[Hawkeye Ed]

Here's where the Ford factory installed my in-bed 7 pin connector as part of the optional 5th wheel/gooseneck package I ordered for my 2011 F-250. Works great!