Corroded trailer wiring socket

[PM1]

I have an aftermarket (DrawTite) electric brake control and wiring harness on my Tundra. The pins in the 5-pin socket mounted under the rear bumper completely corrode within months. I've replaced the entire socket several times, but clearly I'm not doing something right since I'm continually treating the symptom rather than the cause.

Any suggestions for how I can fix this problem? Thanks for any help.

 

[dodge man]

When I have bought Hoppy(sp?) trailer stuff in the past, in came with a little packet of grease. I assume that is meant to be put on the connectors to keep them from getting corroded. Have you tried something like that? It should help.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You need to use some dielectric grease. You can get a tube that will last you a lifetime at Napa for $5 or buy the single use packets for $1 each at any AutoZone, ect.

Chris

 

[PM1]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll replace the socket first so that I'm starting clean. Do I apply the dielectric grease liberally all over the pins and the connector?

 

[kennyd]

You need to use some dielectric grease. You can get a tube that will last you a lifetime at Napa for $5 or buy the single use packets for $1 each at any AutoZone, ect.

Chris

^^^^^^^^^^^
That is the answer! Use it on every electrical contact. Change a light bulb...fill the socket with grease first.

 

[kennyd]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll replace the socket first so that I'm starting clean. Do I apply the dielectric grease liberally all over the pins and the connector?

Good plan...and Yes, liberally on everything metal.

 

[bigdad]

We always called that grease, "Goose Grease" or Non-Ox. After applying the grease to the pins, cut a small square of cloth and rub some of that (warm) grease into it then put it in the socket with the lid shut.

 

[MarkLeininger]

The pins in the 5-pin socket mounted under the rear bumper completely corrode within months. I've replaced the entire socket several times, but clearly I'm not doing something right since I'm continually treating the symptom rather than the cause.

Any suggestions for how I can fix this problem? Thanks for any help.

I have an SUV so you can't do quite the same thing, but when I had my tow hitch and socket put on, the installer told me to mount the socket on a temporary bracket and leave enough wire that I could unmount it and toss it in the back of the SUV when I'm not using it. We have lots of road salt around here and I've had the same socket on now for about 5 years. With a pickup, maybe you could buy a small weathertight electric box and either keep it loose in the pickup bed or mount it on the receiver frame somewhere so you could toss the socket in it when you're not towing. If you use your trailer all the time this isn't a good solution. But we only haul our horses a dozen times a year, so it works good to remove it and keep it out of the weather. The grease will also help whether you remove it or not.

 

[Skyco]

The OP might also make sure the socket isn't filling up with water. Lots of times the back of the socket (towards the vehicle front) where the wires enter isn't sealed and water runs in, add the 12VDC from the lights and brake wire and you get a great electrolysis action going...especially if salt is in the road spray/water getting in. I also like to tilt the door end of my sockets down a hair so any moisture getting in runs out.

 

[pat32rf]

Make sure you also give the front (rear) of the socket a good coat of grease after you hook the wires to it...and stay away from any crimp connectors. Solder and heat shrink, with grease inside the heat shrink is the way to go if you have road salt....