OP
N80
Super Member
Follow-up: Got it done. It was fairly easy. Used a punch to start the pilot hole and mounting holes. I forgot to bring my cutting oil and all I had was gun oil or water. Even at slow speeds it would heat up really fast and smoke but I just kept it slow as recommended and found that the water worked fine just sprayed on as I drilled. Cleaned the burrs and stuff off and had no problem mounting the plug although the bumper at this location is not totally flat so the plug assembly does not mount completely flush against the bumper and required a longer bolt on one corner. No big deal.
So now it is tucked neatly into the bumper and the wires etc are completely protected behind the bumper. There is even a bumper mounting bracket to one side back there that gives even more protection. I really cannot imagine why a truck with the OEM towing package has the plug mounted on a cheap stamped metal bracket hanging below the bumper. Of course this is a 14 year old truck. Most newer ones have the socket integrated better these days.
One observation: The first socket I bought I got from Northern Tool. It is the ubiquitous Hopkins brand and it is an absolute piece of junk. Thin flimsy plastic. But the worst part is that the socket is too shallow and slightly too big in diameter. The trailer plug never felt secure in there and if not plugged in just right it would not work. I replaced it with a part from Reese. It has slightly better plastic but the socket depth is better and it fits nice and snuggly with the trailer plug. It is just amazing how much junk there is out there that will not even serve its most simple purpose.
Edit: I meant to lube everything up with dielectric grease. How important is that? I know most of us never use it but the plug instructions recommend it; some even come with a packet of it with the plug/socket assembly.
So now it is tucked neatly into the bumper and the wires etc are completely protected behind the bumper. There is even a bumper mounting bracket to one side back there that gives even more protection. I really cannot imagine why a truck with the OEM towing package has the plug mounted on a cheap stamped metal bracket hanging below the bumper. Of course this is a 14 year old truck. Most newer ones have the socket integrated better these days.
One observation: The first socket I bought I got from Northern Tool. It is the ubiquitous Hopkins brand and it is an absolute piece of junk. Thin flimsy plastic. But the worst part is that the socket is too shallow and slightly too big in diameter. The trailer plug never felt secure in there and if not plugged in just right it would not work. I replaced it with a part from Reese. It has slightly better plastic but the socket depth is better and it fits nice and snuggly with the trailer plug. It is just amazing how much junk there is out there that will not even serve its most simple purpose.
Edit: I meant to lube everything up with dielectric grease. How important is that? I know most of us never use it but the plug instructions recommend it; some even come with a packet of it with the plug/socket assembly.
