5th wheel hitch install and color codes for trailer connector wiring

[klenger]

I took the Draw-Tite sliding hitch out of my old truck and will install it on the new truck Saturday. In looking at how the hitch was installed, it seems pretty straight forward to install, but would appreciate any suggestions.



I will also install a bed mounted trailer plug, and would appreciate it if someone could tell me what the color coding is for the exisiting connector. I wrote down how the connector was wired in the old truck, but would like to double check this before connecting.



As always, ... thanks a bunch.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Everything you ever wanted to know about trailer wiring. http://www.rverscorner.com/wiring/index.html

 

[KB0OU]

hithin up

Make sure you mount the frame brackets well for the 5ver hitch.

I put a juction block in the wiring harness to my back bumper plug. It has screw connections for each wire, you can get them at radio shack or other electronic or electrical shop. I ran wires from there to my 5ver plug, I put the plug in the middle stake hole toward the rear on the drivers side of the pickup bed, the way it is flared there is plenty of room and it does not even show unless you look for it. It is also handy to plug and unplug.

Another thing about the junction block, it allows easy install of other plugs for other applications without messing up wiring.

Hope this helps.

John

 

[Loren]

I wanted to try to find the colors from my 2000 year model factory manual, but I can't figure out the wiring diagrams. Sorry. Here's an easy way around the entire problem however:



I had the hitch installer run an extension cord from the center of the rear bumper to the left rear corner of the bed. The receptacle end is mounted in the bed sidewall at the left rear. The male plug is normally plugged into the factory receptacle at the hitch. If I am pulling a travel trailer, or something else that needs the bumper receptacle, I just unplug the extension cord and tuck the plug up behind the bumper so it doesn't dangle.



This is a simple, inexpensive solution, and you don't have to tap into any factory wiring. It is certainly something you could do yourself, as the back side of the bed panel is easily accessible from the under side. The extension cord is held in place with wire ties at appropriate locations.



Loren

 

[Loren]

klenger,



I was looking for something else and I think I found what you need. See



http://dodgeram.org/tech/mods/electric/trailer_wire.htm



Loren

 

[DarrellB]

Don't know if it helps any or not but look on the little cab that covers the plug thats down by the reciever hitch and it tells you which terminal is what. I had a trailer given to me when a bought a mower from someone and the guy had drove off with the plug attached and ripped the wiring out from under the trailer and this is what I went by. If that fails get someone to help you and have them sit in the truck and use the brakes turn signals and such while you take a test light and test the wires.



As for me I just drape the cord out the bed and plug it into the stock plug, but not for long. I bought all the wiring and plug to put it in the bed but I don't have the time to do it.



Hope I helped

Big D

 

[klenger]

Thanks for the input. I got the project done already. As usual, the info I needed was on Fritz's web site. It's also on the sheet with the 7 pin to 4 pin adapter and trailer brake harness that comes with the new truck. Dodge is also including a 4 pin pigtail style connector attached to the 7 pin connector bracket on the new trucks. I cut the 4 pin connector off and spliced into 4 of the wires there, and the other three I spliced in the main bundle.



Ken Lenger

 

[Steve M]

Just for shtz and giggles, I removed my receiver mounted factory plug and remounted it in the left rear pillar by the tailgate. Didn't have to cut any wires but I did have to re-route the harness by the spare tire. I don't foresee towing a travel trailer again. If I do, I'll make an extention cord.