Water proof PPOB connections?

[Davexxxx]

I did not pony up for waterproof connectors, for the cords I made to run the house, or camper.

I used 10ga household flat wire, mainly because I had it and I wanted it thin enough to close the tailgate with the tonneau closed.

I may upgrade the connectors and to marine grade flexible wire at a later date but right now, I'm kinda still in the, proof of concept, stage. I did use liquid tape, to seal the wire entrances into the connectors.

I'm not worried about in the bed, with the tonneau and the tailgate closed, assuring a drip loop, just after the connection point should suffice but anything outside of the truck, should have some sort of protection.

What I'm currently thinking, is a 5 gal bucket, with notches cut out of the top rim, letting the wires and connection point in, while still allowing the lid to snap closed.

I've seen ready mades, for 15 amp, male to female but no idea how good they are and either way, haven't seen any for larger connectors.

Thoughts? Ideas?

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[fordtruckman2003]

I think by time you MacGyver a solution you can spend same money on proper cables.

 

[Gros Ventre]

What you propose is not by the NEC... You might at least use UF rated wire (Underground Feeder) since it's at least a bit tougher and better waterproofing.

 

[turbopilot]

Thoughts? Ideas?

When it comes to connecting a 7.2kW connection I think the best practice is to do it right with waterproof connectors. Look for this connector set. An existing hole in the bed pillar allows the connection to be moved to the bottom of the bumper.

NEMA L14-30 connectors (Molex Woodhead 28W74 and 29W74)

 

[1stF150Powerboost]

When it comes to connecting a 7.2kW connection I think the best practice is to do it right with waterproof connectors. Look for this connector set. An existing hole in the bed pillar allows the connection to be moved to the bottom of the bumper.

NEMA L14-30 connectors (Molex Woodhead 28W74 and 29W74)

Pardon the ignorance, new with towing and RVing, why do you have both connectors plugged in? I thought you only choose one? Thanks in advance!

 

[Bugzuki]

Pardon the ignorance, new with towing and RVing, why do you have both connectors plugged in? I thought you only choose one? Thanks in advance!

Are you referring to the black connectors on the truck? The top one is the seven pin connector for the trailer lights and brakes. The lower connector is for the Pro Trailer Backup module. He has it installed on his trailer so he can use the steering knob on the dash.

 

[Bugzuki]

Do you have a short cable going from the truck bumper to the 30amp connector on the trailer, or did you put a new plug on the trailer to have the 4 prong circular connector?

 

[Snakebitten]

Looks like he "extended" the PPOB 30A/240V bed receptacle to down below the bumper.

Nicely done too.

 

[Davexxxx]

Looks like he "extended" the PPOB 30A/240V bed receptacle to down below the bumper.

Nicely done too.

Thats exactly what he did. I remember when he posted the mod.

And a very nice job of it too. I just don't want it down there.

 

[1stF150Powerboost]

Are you referring to the black connectors on the truck? The top one is the seven pin connector for the trailer lights and brakes. The lower connector is for the Pro Trailer Backup module. He has it installed on his trailer so he can use the steering knob on the dash.

Yes, oh ok thanks. Is the module something to buy separately? My F150 has the pro trailer knob and tow package but was not provided a separate module.

 

[Bugzuki]

Yes, oh ok thanks. Is the module something to buy separately? My F150 has the pro trailer knob and tow package but was not provided a separate module.

It is supposedly something you can purchase, but I haven't been able to find a parts department that can tell me what part/kit it is.

My truck came with one kit. I put that on my teardrop, but would like to get one for my other trailers.

At some point an update is supposed to make it so I can use the stickers that came with the truck. Not sure when that will happen because the trailer setup still tells me to plug in the module.

 

[turbopilot]

Looks like he "extended" the PPOB 30A/240V bed receptacle to down below the bumper.

Nicely done too.

Thanks. Yes, three umbilicals to the trailer. PPoB extension now has 7,000 miles on it through all kinds of weather. A solid connection to PPoB. The Airstream is fully powered when underway by PPoB, so lithium batteries are always at 100%, refrigerator cold and both air conditioning units running going down the road. PPoB really does change how you use an RV trailer. Boondocking is a word that goes away when PPoB is hooked to the trailer.

 

[turbopilot]

Yes, oh ok thanks. Is the module something to buy separately? My F150 has the pro trailer knob and tow package but was not provided a separate module.

It was standard on 2021 PB, now an option.

 

[1stF150Powerboost]

It is supposedly something you can purchase, but I haven't been able to find a parts department that can tell me what part/kit it is.

My truck came with one kit. I put that on my teardrop, but would like to get one for my other trailers.

At some point an update is supposed to make it so I can use the stickers that came with the truck. Not sure when that will happen because the trailer setup still tells me to plug in the module.

Got it, thanks!

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