Retracting trailer wire harness holder?

[PatrickCampbell]

I am looking for something to bolt or attach to my trailer that will hold up the slack in my 7 pin cord.



I had a little design flaw and when I took my trailer out for a test drive, the excess cord wrapped around my tractor light, destroyed the harness and bent my light bracket.



Basically just need something that'll hold the line slightly taught and allow it to expand/retract when I turn, etc.



I found this thing but can't really tell if that is what I need or not...

http://www.ryderfleetproducts.com/cgi-bin/ryderfp/products/product_detail.jsp?oid=53028&brand=V84



I am thinking something like "GearKeeper" for those who have one on their CB mic.

 

[R C Cola]

Trailer cord

If it is a bumper hitch there is a latch that locks the tongue to the ball that you manually close after coupling. It has a hole in it for a padlock. I use a long shank padlock about 3 or 4 inches and put the cord inside the lock. Then into the plug. It stays put very well. On a 5th wheel or gooseneck a plug in the bed works pretty well. R C

 

[PatrickCampbell]

It's a 5th wheel 3 car hauler but I don't have a bed!

 

[JSienkowski]

Redneck fix it, bungee cord

 

[PatrickCampbell]

I had a bungee cord in mind but they don't seem to do well in weather (rip, fall apart etc). Also not sure how i could attach that to the trailer harness other than duct tape or something.

 

[msperos]

On my gooseneck at work I put eye bolts on the underside of the upper platform on the trailer, I then took a spring like the ones the big rigs use for there lines to the trailer and hooked it to my trailer cord. It holds it away from the hitch and the truck bed but can slack for the turns. If this sounds like what your talking about I can try and post some pictures.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Yeah I think that sounds like the ticket. Where did you get the spring?

 

[JSienkowski]

On my gooseneck at work I put eye bolts on the underside of the upper platform on the trailer, I then took a spring like the ones the big rigs use for there lines to the trailer and hooked it to my trailer cord. It holds it away from the hitch and the truck bed but can slack for the turns. If this sounds like what your talking about I can try and post some pictures.

That actually sounds like a more professional approach and look, I'd try a truck stop or trailer shop, Good Luck!!

 

[msperos]

You can buy it in bulk lengths at heavy trailer company's ( as in tractor trailer). I got mine at the local Utility trailer dealer but they should all carry it. I took a small s-hook and closed it on my trailer lead and the other end hooked to the spring.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Thanks I will try something like that !

 

[msperos]

Pat I forgot to mention that this setup also works great for safety chains

 

[tking]

Instead of duct tape, try a nylon zip tie.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

I looked at springs at Home Depot and they were all way too harsh. I tugged on a few springs underneath a semi-trailer and I was happy to see that it did not take much tension to give slack in the spring so I ordered 2 hose support springs from Ryder for $5. one 12" and one 24". I'll get some pics when I am done! Thanks for the help.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Here we go



#ad




Kind of a weird angle but the harness does not touch the frame at all.

 

[JSienkowski]

Looks good!! Let us know how it works. Safe Travels!

 

[jelag]

I have 2 suggestions.....



Draw-tite makes a kit to locate your trailer plug in the bed of your truck... .



My 05 dodge kit was 18381 and 18321 in draw-tite for the 2 parts needed plus I added some wires... ... .



I also have found a large spring... like what is used to hold the air lines on the back of Semi trailers... you see them hanging down and this spring holding them up from the ground... it about 3 ft long... and has a soft pull..... they only run about 4 to 5 dollars where the big trucks are fixed..... I think I bought several wholesale for 3. 25 each for my trailers... .

 

[Jff24Gordn]

Everybody hates me when they want to borrow my railer. I have it wired with semi 7 pin plugs and use a double ended coiled cord. If you break it, they are at every truckstop, no rewiring.