Forum Discussion

Likes_to_tow's avatar
Likes_to_tow
Nomad
Mar 17, 2017

Bad electrical connection between trailer and truck

I have a 2017 5th wheel and the cord from the trailer to the truck continuously gets loose connections every time I plug it back in. I have to take a small flat blade screw driver and bend the female blades on the trailer side of the connection back closer together for it to make contact. Is there not a better type of connection?? I've never had it happen after the connection is made, the brakes always work and I would become aware of this immediately if the connection opened up. But now I'm wondering about the brake and parking lights. How would I know the brake light is not working.....dangerous situation. There must be a better quality electrical connection available!!
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Mar 17, 2017
    I always spray alitle WD40 into the connector and move it all around when plugging in... That cleans up the connectors pretty good for me. The exports on here will say to use Contact Cleaner Grease Lubricants..

    I also find it handy to have one of these 7-way adapters aorund when you are having problems with lights etc... This plugs into the truck side and you can see the small LED's work telling all is OK form the truck side... Got mine from AMAZON...


    google image

    Some folks use stretch rope to keep the trailer cable from being pulled out of the 7-way connector on the truck...

    Roy Ken
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2017
    Never had a problem with any of the specific pin connections. I wiggle the plug while pushing it in and the spring loaded cover has a lip on it and is intended to keep it from backing out.
  • LadyRVer's avatar
    LadyRVer
    Explorer II
    Mar 17, 2017
    The first thing I would be checking, is the cord a little too short to fit securely into the plug on the truck? When turning, maybe there is just enough bind on the connection to bend the blades without pulling out completely?

    2nd thing I would check is the receptacle on truck to make sure the content points are not cracked or broken?

    I tow a fiver. I am sure someone will have some better ideas for you. This is just a start I would check.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Mar 17, 2017
    Could even be your truck connector. I have both the bumper 7 pin connector and the in-bed 7 pin connector. Sometimes the cord to the in-bed connector does not make contact well on my 5er running lights and I have to push and wiggle to get the lights to work. But once they do, they are good til the next time. When they may or may not connect. Sometimes I use the in-bed and sometimes the bumper, and I never have the problem with the 5er connected to the bumper connector. Looking inside both the bumper and in-bed connectors, I can see no obvious difference. And like you, I have tried the screwdriver to the pins routine.

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