7 pin connector

dfkrug · May 16, 2018

Morning Wood said:
The 7 pin round with round connectors is a better plug than the 7 pin round rv style plug. Keeping everything cleaned off and good electrical connections is really all it takes though.

I like those connectors with the round pins. I guess my 7-pin connector is "RV-style" with round center pin
and other pins flat. A round steel brush would certainly be easier for cleaning.

I have tried sealing my trailer-side plug, but it seems to trap the moisture inside. Maybe I will add some lube,
as suggested.

QRTRHRS · May 16, 2018

joeu235 said:
I was pulling a 14,000# load. I was going down the steepest decline within 100 miles and my truck said "Trailer Disconnected". My first thought was "Why the F right now" Luckily my truck has an exhaust brake so I was able to maintain 25 miles an hour until I got to the bottom. I pulled over at a gas station and wiggled the connector around and it started working again. I searched on internet and found a connector that the wires are molded onto it instead of screwed onto the end. I think I'll replace the connector with one of these.

I've started soldering every connection as well.

18 wheeler trailers have to have a more reliable system than the POS on lighter duty trailers.

Big trucks use connectors with all the pins round. They too eventually do have issues with wear. In the past, I have had to wrap a small bungee around the weather flap on the trailer and the plug to stop the lights from blinking on every bump. More so for operators that swap trailers, the constant plugging/unplugging keeps the contacts from building up crud.

The recepticle end under a pickup or the like is in a pretty harsh environment. Moisture seems to collect but not drain too well. As mentioned, some kind of spray or dialectric can help. I have had less issues with a gooseneck plug up by the ball then with BP trailer plugs on the back end.