I think anytime you add connections there is an increased possibility of loose connections.

Steve

 

Each time I have had a problem with the brakes, I have tried the bumper plug, with the same results as with the bed plug. But, this has all been after the bed plug was added.
At one time, the problem was in the underframe connector and the lock clip was broken when the plug was pulled apart--this hasn't helped the long-term dependability of the system. Still, doesn't change the fact that Ford has placed a non-waterproof connection in a very vulnerable place. However, there are lots of Superdutys pulling trailers NOT having this problem, so guess the plug works most of the time.
I would not want the harness hanging over the tailgate just because of the rubbing it would do on the finish.

Steve, have you had any experience with the EZ-Connector plugs? Have seen the videos and online ads, but not heard of anyone using one yet.

Joe

 

I have never had to replace that connector. On this truck I had that connector apart when I wired the 7-pin (truck had a 6-pin when I bought it). I didn't like the way it sealed, so I took a big piece of heat shrink and slid it over the connector and shrunk it.

Never had any problems with that connector on any of the other trucks.

 

I do not have any experience with them.

Steve

 

I believe the Sil-Bond 4500 mentioned above is an acetoxy cured RTV, which has that "vinegar" smell of acetic acid. It is kinda' corrosive to copper and brass.

There are better RTVs to use on electrical connections. Sil-Flex-7500 is an example, and doesn't corrode.

Pop

 

if you're good, you can slip it through the crack at the bottom.

The good thing about hanging the pigtail over the tailgate (if done correctly) is that it has exactly zero motion. The only thing it touches is the plastic cap on the tailgate. You have to run the pigtail all the way to the hitch, then back from the hitch to the plug below the bumper. This fixes the length of the wire run. If you don't go all the way to the hitch, the needed wire length changes around turns, and that's where you get motion from.

 

I have only seen one person ever have trouble with plugging into the seven-pin below the bumper. It was a horse trailer and the seven-pin cord to the trailer was so long when they turned it hooked over the edge of the fender and ripped the junction box clean off leaving the wires dangling. Wild huh? Longest cord I had ever seen!

Steve

 

Here's what I did to mine. Been like this since I bought the truck new in August 2005.




There has only been that dent in the protective cover since I did it. Works great for my 5er.