We took our 5th wheel out of its dock to see how it acted while backing up and turning a bit. Sort of a trouble shooting venture before taking it on the road.
We found one issue: we have the tow vehicle socket on the bumper and it is difficult to hook up the trailer without either dragging the cord or having it so taut that it gets yanked from the socket when making tight turns.
So, we can do some sort of springy thing (screen door spring?) to hold the wire off the ground, or we can add a socket in the bed of the truck. I'm leaning towards adding a socket in the back of the truck, but thought I would check in with my experienced friends to see what others have done. Or even the best way to add a socket. Type of socket? Position of socket? Proper incantations or sacrifices to make? etc.
Thanks,
Keith
Most 5th wheel installations I have seen have had a socket mounted in the bed.
Here is an extension kit designed specifically for your task:
Here is a video from e-trailer showing the installation process (your installation may be different):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQtzk8c69dw
Hope this helps !!!
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
I would leave a stinger and ball in the receiver. I would run the cord to drop down just to the right side of the ball. I attach the cord to the upper deck with a fairly thick bungy cord which is tied and taped to the power cord to allow the cord to stretch in turns . Then I then lay about a foot of cord across the stinger for support and then route the cord to the 7 pin plug usually on the left side of the ball. When you get to the campground and have to make tight backing turns, unplug the cord first and just drop it over the tailgate into the bed. Sorry no pictures available.
Eddie
I've seen quite a few of the 19 Scamp folks put a 7 pin in the bed of the truck. Usually on the drivers side.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Thanks guys. I will look into installing the extension, but keep the bungy in mind until I get to it.
I bought a six foot extension cord, cheap. Plug it into the socket on the hitch and take it over the tailgate into the bed and secure with a bungie. Plenty of length for all maneuvers now.
-Paul
2004 Scamp 19 Deluxe,
2021 Tacoma, Double Cab, 6 cyl. 4WD
Colorado
Thanks Paul, that is another good idea.
That is sort of what we did to get the trailer home because our truck had one type of six pin and the trailer had the old scamp six pin, so I made a four foot long extension to act as a converter between the two and give me some extra slack. Since then we changed both to the modern RV 7 pin. It would probably be cheaper and easier to buy a pre-made extension than to go back and rewire that old one. I'll look into it.