7 pin connector lock?

Roundtwo-40 wrote:
Not going to start a debate on the benefit of locking things, Lets just assume it will make me all warm and fuzzy..:) Anyhoo, does anyone know of a lock for the end of the 7 pin electrical connector? For me it would fulfill 2 objectives,l some added level of security, and keeping the end clean and free of debris. I have spent some amount of time both here and online without any good results..(next million dollar idea)? or I just stink at searching..:)

Any suggestions?

I'm a little slow and I don't understand your problem.

I have a 7-pin connector on the back of my RV that has a spring-loaded door that snaps down and keeps dirt out of the connector when the 7 conductor cable is removed. I have the same thing on my toad. When I remove the cable, the connectors at both ends snap down to keep the receptacles clean.

It seems like it would be easy enough to install a hasp lock across both receptacles to "secure" them.

to keep the trailer end clean just buy a spare tow vehicle end and plug it into the trailer end when it's not in use. I'm not sure I see the security in locking a 7 pin connector. Just lock the trailer hitch.

I don't know of any lock for the trailers plug. Putting dielectric grease in the connectors will help keep them free of corrosion.

I can understand the problem. My 7 pin has a spring door lock also. The turning of the FW puts a slight strain on the plug, I suppose, and it will come loose especially when I make tight turns. I now secure the plug with the door and lay the slack of the cord across the receiver hitch with the hitch in place. I then wrap a bungie cord around the cord to fasten it to the hitch. Now when the FW turns the strain is at the bungie and not on the connector.

Is this 5th wheel or trailer?
If trailer...Locking it in place...if you hit some junk on the on road with it locked down, it for sure has no chance of breaking free and will take other wiring with it. Having it just plugged in, maybe you can pull over and plug back into socket if you hit some junk. Stealing a cord doesn't rate that high on things to steal, but never know.
If 5th wheel..very little hangs down below bumper, lock if you feel better.

Does somebody even make a lock for that?

Yeah could have been more specific I guess, it is a TT and I want to lock the trailer end.. :)

While I am unsure of what you really want to do, I have two interesting answers.

We had the J560b plug stolen from our boat trailer when it was stored in a side lot for a long regatta series. My father had mounted a steel box on the tongue to carry the parts that were loose when the sloop was not traveling. So, he cut a notch in one side and ever after stored the plug in the locked box.

A friend had an antique TT that he took to shows. He wanted to be able to run the clearance and tail lights from the trailer battery/converter. So, he put an extra receptacle (the TV end) in the front of the body of the TT and wired it with switches and indicator lights so that they could be turned on inside.
Side benefits:
1-Nothing can make nests in the plug while it is in the receptacle.
2-He added two more switches so he could also test the tail lights from the coach battery.
3-When he caught someone taking apart his plug, he added a short (very short) loop of stainless aircraft cable. He now puts a padlock though that loop and up tight against the back of the plug so it cannot be removed from the receptacle.

Does one of those get you where you want to be?
Matt

Plug Guard

Don't know if this will help, but it is what I use.

I too have never seen a lock for the cable, but if your intent is clean ends, Get a 7 pin connector SHELL from any auto or RV place (no connector just the shell and door( and install it in the trailer.. If a 5er I'd put it so it's on the underside of the "lip" where the king pin is. and plug in there.

if you wish to lock it, a padlock and bracket are all that are needed, If you need I can design something but basically....

A "L" bracket (A wide one) from Lowes or Home Depot et-al, with holes for the padlock shackle, and set it up so the padlock goes just below the plug preventing it's removal from the shell.

Or yoy could use s simple eye bolt Just replace one of the 4 shell mounting screws with an eye bolt and nut (to tighten to the shell) But I'd put a bigger lag-type eye bolt next to the shell, make sure the padlock prevents removal of the plug from the shell.

Tisdelle RV gives these out for free when you purchase something. www.tisdellervsurplus.com.

Basically a plastic compartment that your connector plugs into that has a spring door on it to cover it when not in use. You mount it to the tongue of the trailer and plug your connector into it to keep it clean and secure. It is angled downward, so even if water was to enter it - it will self drain.