Best Wiring Options for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer
Question:
What options do I have to plug in my 5th wheel trailer to my truck? Do I have to use the socket at the bumper? Is there something easier?
asked by: Bill
Expert Reply:
You have a few options when it comes to 5th wheel wiring for your truck. Most trucks come with factory 7-way trailer connectors at the bumper. If your truck has a factory 7-way, then I recommend installing a 5th wheel wiring harness like the Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel Harness, # 41157. In-bed harnesses provide a quick and easy connection point in the bed, so you don't have to modify the existing trailer harness to make it longer or use an extension.
This harness has a 90-degree plug, so it is easy to install in the side wall of your truck bed and it comes with plug-in style connectors to tee into the back of your factory 7-way. Check out the installation video I attached on a Chevy Silverado. This installation will apply to any full-size truck with a factory 7-way.
I've attached a link to all of our 5th wheel wiring harnesses for you to check out.
If your truck does not have a factory 7-way trailer connector, or it does not have the round plug-in connection behind the 7-way, you could splice a 5th wheel harness into the wires using part # 20023. You can splice right into the factory trailer harness by using butt connectors like part # DW05745-10, or quick-splices like part # SWC501915-1. The heat shrink butt connectors are the better long-term solution.
Keep in mind, when splicing, it is important to splice function to function, not color to color. The functions for the wires on this harness are as follows.
Yellow: center auxiliary/reverse
Green: tail and license lights
Brown: right turn and stop lights
Blue: electric brake
Black: battery charge
Red: left turn and stop lights
White: ground wire
You should test the factory wiring before making any splices because the colors probably won't match. To test each wire, I recommend part # PTW2993.
If you don't want to deal with the installation of an in-bed harness and want to save some money, then you will want to take a look at a 7-way extension to your bumper using our Draw-Tite 7 ft Extension, # 20027. This will provide plenty of slack when turning, so you don't have to worry about the harness snagging or pulling out of the socket.
Products Referenced in This Question
7-Way Pre-Wired Car Connector, 7' Lead
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 7 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Draw-Tite
more information >
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 7 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 10
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Butt Connectors
- 12-10 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Quick Splices - Self-Stripping Connector - Closed Port - 10-12 Gauge - Yellow - Qty 1
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Quick Splice Connectors
- 12-10 Gauge
- Spectro
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 10 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Video: B and W Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Installation - 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Shop: Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Shop: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Video: B and W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation - 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Video: Hopkins Endurance Fifth Wheel Wiring Harness Installation - 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Video: B and W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation - 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Video: Review of B and W Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - BWRVK2506
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: B and W Custom Base Rails Kit Installation - 2022 Ram 2500
- Q&A: Installing Front Rail of B&W Custom Installation Kit # BWRVK2506
- Video: Best 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Fifth Wheel Hitch Options
- Q&A: Compatibility of B&W Gooseneck Hitch and Offset Ball with Andersen Ultimate Hitch on 2018 F-150 5.5
- Q&A: Will Eaz Lift Fifth Wheel Truck Bed Rails Work With Reese Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: RV Interior Lighting
- Shop: RV Roof Membrane
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Q&A: B&W Patriot Pivot Head Position on 2021 Ford F-250 Short Bed
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Height Setting for 5th Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: gooseneck to fifth wheel adaptor
- Search Results: 5th wheel puck
- Q&A: Best Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for 2021 Ram 2500 With Factory Prep Package
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
