Trailer Hookup... Overkill?

[Instanator]

I was going through 13 dips one day, when along about the third dip I dropped into a hole, and a big rock took out the electrical hookup for my trailer... no more stamped sheet metal brackets for this old boy!

I realize this enclosure is very crude; I’ve been having vision issues and figured no one would ever get a close look at it anyway. Right?

• The forward end is beveled and covered with a removable plate that also keeps the cable in place.

• The cable entry is an open ended notch so the cable can be easily removed/installed.

[whateg0]

Looks great! Overkill? I don't think so. Just looks like a well-thought-out connector housing. My plug is mounted through a piece of 3/16" but the backside is exposed. If nothing else, your housing will help keep the connector clean, reducing bad connections.

Dave

[bcraytor]

Awesome Job! Not overkill in my book!

[Sirarcalot]

It looks good. I typically just cut a hole in the bumper the right size to accept the trailer outlet. I have a hole saw that is sized just right for it. That keeps it well out of the way of obstacles and works well if you don't mind cutting the hole in your bumper.

[Sirarcalot]

I had forgotten that I have pictures; although not from the best angle.

[Instanator]

Thanks for the complements guys!
I did not have a plan, so it just kind of evolved from my head. It was a little difficult to get the mounting tabs positioned as I did not want to weld on the truck.

It looks good. I typically just cut a hole in the bumper the right size to accept the trailer outlet. I have a hole saw that is sized just right for it. That keeps it well out of the way of obstacles and works well if you don't mind cutting the hole in your bumper.

That would be the ideal setup, but this bumper does not accommodate such an installation without considerable modification, cutting, grinding, Etc. I have to remain a little on the conservative side when it comes to noise.

[GEM]

Good deal! That looks like a perfect solution to a very common problem. I did the same thing Sirarcalot did but that was before I got into welding

[Instanator]

Yea GEM, aint welding great!
The front plate screw holes were very short, so I just drilled on through and ran a tap through them. Then I put some threads on a brass rod, screwed it in almost to the end and melted them shut.

[FWI]

As strong as the hitch now!

[drizler]

If you bottom out enough to bend that beast you will snap the truck in half. I usually bust mine by hitting it with the tongue of my trailer.

[SAWDADDY]

002.jpg

here is a poor picture of my connector protection prior to wiring. That is all 1/2" 304SS. I "overkilled" a couple of connectors, but not again. That bottom one extends about 5" under too so if I drop the bumper in the dirt and drag it I won't wipe it out from the back side. They are too close together for my lunet to come aynwhere near the plug. It ain't pretty, but pretty don't take a beating like this will. And this was all free material, to me free is pretty as can be.

[Instanator]

That thing is massive Sawdaddy, is that 0.75? It will definitely do the job.
I don't actually do much off road driving and never anything really radical. so "pretty" is more my thing. My equipment and skills are gradually improving, so I plan to revisit this project later with some additional features.

[CFRacing]

When it comes to welders, nothing is overkill to us! that thing looks great. My f-150 has a piece of crap sheet metal housing too and have bent it up and back down so many times. When it snaps off, i suppose i will look back on this thread and get idea's.