new goose neck hitch wiring question

[JRS]

I am fortunate enough that my company is purchasing me a new 2010 2500. (ask DOT why I can't drive a company owned 3500 SRW and not have to keep log books)



Anyway, I have decided to get a B&W turnover ball for pulling my race car trailer. However, I am not certain how the installer is going to install my 7 pin connector in the bed of the truck. Specifically, is he going to have to splice into the current wiring back there? I had one installed in my 1997, only to find out the installer used those 3M scotch taps. Of course, those lasted about a year before they corroded. I didn't see any info about wiring connection on the B&W site.

 

[Simplysmn]

to save from drilling in the bed and all . get a extention wire for the light's n stuff that's what I use it's 7 ft long plug's into the bumper and keep's everything neat

 

[Mark31]

JRS, Gore Trailers (goretrailers.com) in Whiteville, NC, builders of stout horse trailers for over 45 years, puts short leads on their trailers, to encourage people to put a plug in the box. Mr Gore says sooner or later you'll have an "accident" with a rear plug and tear up a bunch. They have fixed many. My 2c worth: Get someone that will do it right to put in a bed plug. No problems with my 04's plug. Sometime there is room to solder, butt plugs will work, (Real) 3M taps work, then wrap good with 3M brand tape. If good connections are made and kept moisture proof, you ought to be good to go for years. No, I don't own any stock in 3M!! (LOL) Mark

 

[AWeiman]

this is what i put in my bed. all you have to do is drill a hole in the bed for the plug. no wires to splice, it just plugs in with the plug in the bumper.





Valley Industries 5th Wheel & Gooseneck Wiring Harnesses for 1995–current Dodge Dakota and Ram, Model# 30137 | Wiring Harnesses | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[HBarlow]

Draw-Tite Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring Harness with 7-Pole - Dodge with Factory Tow Package Draw-Tite Wiring 20111

Simply separate the male and female connectors at your rear bumper, plug the Reese extension "T" connector into the back of the female receptacle, plug the OEM male into the Reese "T" connector, and you'll have a seven pin in the truck bed.

As another poster stated above, a receptacle in the bed is far safer and far more reliable.

 

[HBarlow]

Edit:

Please disregard and ignore this post. The statement I made below was incorrect.

I have been away from transporting and thinking about DOT rules for more than two years and had forgotten until today when a post by GAmes reminded me.

The threshhold at which a light truck becomes a commercial vehicle and kicks off all the compliance issues required by USDOT is 10,000 lbs. I never paid much attention to this line in the regulations because when I was transporting I was always commercial, even when unloaded and on the way home after a trip.

All duallies will have a GVWR of at least 10,000 lbs. and are, therefore commercial when owned and operated in a commercial activity, even as an oilfield tool truck.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BTW, your company is confused about DOT log keeping requirements. There is NO situation that requires the driver of a 3500 to keep a log book while exempting a 2500.

If it is a company truck towing a company trailer it is a commercial vehicle. Unless you are operating within a 100 (or 150, I've forgotten) mile radius of your home terminal, starting at the home terminal each day and returning each day, you are required to keep a log book.

Read the Texas Commercial Driver's Handbook available for free at every TX DPS driver's licensing office.

 

[jelag]

We found several issues with our trucks... . most of those were cured when we ran an 8 gauge wire from the batteries to the trailer connector and an 8 gauge ground wire... we also modified the trailers the same way...

We also ran our own wiring to the connector in the bed... we found that most of the kits were built to hold down the cost... we ran wires our selves that were soldered and we use shrink tube with an adhesive that melts when the tube shrinks.

I agree with Harvey on the log book, a commercial truck, and commercial truck is the standard, not the size of the truck... also as you cross the 26K threshold your license needs to change... also you'll need a medical card if you don't already have one...

Hope this helps...

 

[ChrisOlson]

I I didn't see any info about wiring connection on the B&W site.

When I had my B&W installed I do not recall any documentation about wiring in their information.



I love my B&W by the way.



I also have a in bed 7 pin connector and have had no problems.



Have a reputable shop do the work. watch them, Ask questions take notes as to where they tapped the wires for your future reference.



My 2 cents worth.



Chris

 

[TMRoper1669]

FYI Most Dodge dealers will use wiring that is spliced anywhere to void the warranty, most RV/Truck accessories shops have all began using the "T" style add on for in the bed wiring.

 

[Wygate]

I have used the "T" tap 5th wheel conectors (factory type conection) on a Dmax and a 3500 Cummins work great and you get to pick where to mount it, and what if any holes need to be drilled and no wrorries about crap conections.

 

[ChrisOlson]

BTW, your company is confused about DOT log keeping requirements. There is NO situation that requires the driver of a 3500 to keep a log book while exempting a 2500.



If it is a company truck towing a company trailer it is a commercial vehicle. Unless you are operating within a 100 (or 150, I've forgotten) mile radius of your home terminal, starting at the home terminal each day and returning each day, you are required to keep a log book.



Read the Texas Commercial Driver's Handbook available for free at every TX DPS driver's licensing office.

JRS You should listen to Hbarlow he is a smart guy you might be able to get a 3500 out of the deal,



If I were going to be a Professional driver I would ask his advice,



he is very forthcoming with sharing his information.



Have a great day



Chris

 

[JayStraight]

Draw-Tite Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring Harness with 7-Pole - Dodge with Factory Tow Package Draw-Tite Wiring 20111



Simply separate the male and female connectors at your rear bumper, plug the Reese extension "T" connector into the back of the female receptacle, plug the OEM male into the Reese "T" connector, and you'll have a seven pin in the truck bed.

Another vote for this option! This is what we use when installing a B&W turnover ball in a Dodge! I think this particular division goes by 'Tow Ready'

but the part number is correct: 20111

 

[KSears]

Buy the Reese fifth wheel wiring kit, drill a 2" hole whereever you want the plug within the length of the wire, unplug the wiring connector at the rear bumper, plug in the two connections, mount the plug , and you are done, very simple install. I have a 7 wire extension setup , the plug in the bed is much better and neater.