Wiring for new 7 pin plug...

[RJOL]

I put a 7 pin plug in the bed of my 2001, and ran the wire cable between the side double wall, over the rear wheel, and out to the back. When I tow my 5th wheel, I just plug that extension into the stock plug at the rear bumper.



I'd like to do the same on my 2005. This time, I would like to either tap the wire bundle and sodder the new wires into it, or use some kind of adapter. Does anyone know of an adapter that can be plugged behind the stock bumper plug and the 7 pin wire terminal connector, that has leads on it to connect to a new cable? Any other ideas??

 

[CMcDonald]

I have a 04 and I ran the 7 wire myself. I bought the kit from Dodge for about 70-80 bucks. It was easy and I did it in my garage. The harness runs the lenght of the truck. The only splicing is on the driver rear brake light but it was easy to do. You will start at the rear and run the harness through the frame along side of other wires. It will connect at a fused link on the drivers battery. You will run the brake connector wire through the firewall through a rubber boot and seal with silicone. In the rear the 7 wire connects to your factory 4 wire plug. There is a ground you attach to the frame by drilling a hole. Then you splice into the brake light as indicated earlier. You will attach the plug to your bumber by 4 screws. I did it in about 3 hours with no previous experience. I will admit you can go to the local RV dealer and get a generic 7 wire harness for 1/3 the price but the install would probably not be as neat.

 

[klenger]

Here's how I did it. http://www.klenger.net/dodge/7-pin-connector-installation/index.html

 

[RJOL]

Thanks for the responses, but I don't think I made the question clear enough. I already have a factory 7 pin connector at the rear bumper. I want to connect into that wire harness and run a new 7 pin connector inside the box. On my 2001 I put this new connector just in front of the drivers wheel well, on the sidewall.



I can either splice into the factory harness, or just make an extension plug, that plugs into the factory connector at the bumper.



What I'd like to find is a connector that would plug between where the factory wire harness ends and connects to the factory plug. The ideal connector would have 7 wire leads coming off of it to wire into the extension.



There probably isn't one of these types of adaptors, but it would save having to tap into the factory wire bundle... .

 

[LesStallings]

I just spliced in (solder connections) at the most accessable point just prior to the bumper. I was careful to check each connection, one at a time to have an exact clone for the in-bed connector.



On my `04 there were 2 ground wires running into the 7 pin connector (8 wires, 7-pins), so I just picked one for the in-bed duplicate.



I've got 3,000 towing miles on it and everythings is working fine so far.

 

[RJOL]

I'm sure that's what I will end up doing... I just wondered if there was an adaptor plug out there... Thanks...

 

[JDubien]

I'm sure you have this done by now but here's a link anyway. Take care.

http://autoaccessconnect.stores.yahoo.net/5thwhhaforch.html

 

[byoslandry]

I put a 7 pin plug in the bed of my 2001, and ran the wire cable between the side double wall, over the rear wheel, and out to the back. When I tow my 5th wheel, I just plug that extension into the stock plug at the rear bumper.



I'd like to do the same on my 2005. This time, I would like to either tap the wire bundle and sodder the new wires into it, or use some kind of adapter. Does anyone know of an adapter that can be plugged behind the stock bumper plug and the 7 pin wire terminal connector, that has leads on it to connect to a new cable? Any other ideas??

RJOL

Yes, there is a connector from Camping World, their Item # 26693 with the description of 'T-CONN DODGE RAM (www.campingworld.com). It was made by Reese (Part # 15381). Cost was $21. 34 plus $7. 50 shipping, tax for me was $1. 87 for a total of $30. 71.

It's called a No Splice In-Bed 7-Pin Trailer Connector. It comes with matching male and female factory type plugs that plugs into the original factory 7 pin bumper connector and then into the original factory harness. Coming out of this setup is a length of wire with a four pin flat trailer connector which you cut off and run to your in bed 7 pin connector that you installed in your location. This setup also allows you to keep your original factory four pin trailer plug.

You must splice in three wires into this setup for backup lights (if you need that) battery charging and trailer brakes. Use appropriate AWG wiring gauge for these three wires.

Also, since I understand that the 06 doesn't have fuses for the right and left turn signals, I spliced in water proof flat mini fuse holders for the right and left turn signals. This should protect those two circuits, both factory and trailer circuits. I put 10 amp mini flat fuses in the holders.

I followed instructions from Klenger's link http://klenger.net/dodge/7-pin-connector-installation/index.html. . Good source on how to do this without splicing into any factory harness wiring. I took my time and did it in about two hours, looks professional as I used split wire looms to cover all wiring from rocks/road debris, etc.

One thing to note is that this Reese part has a note that it is only rated for 7. 5 amps, so I really don't know what our trucks and trailers need in the way of amperage????

So far it works well but I'm keeping an eye on the setup for any signs of overheating, etc. and will post if I see any problems.

Take care and drive safely

Byron