Wondering what the problem is with our trailer plug into the tow vehicle receptacle. When the weather is either cold or hot, the plug will not go completely into the receptacle on the tow vehicle and seat itself under the lip of the receptacle cover that holds it there. The other morning in very cold weather, no matter how hard we tried, it wouldn't go far enough in to be able to go under the lip of the receptacle cover to hold it in. DH had to jimmy-rig several heavy duty rubber bands to hold the plug in place, so we'd have lights and brakes for our trip. Even in decent weather, we have to work at getting the plug to settle in correctly. We've already had it replaced once. What's the deal?

Don't know but you might try spraying both sides with something like Corrosion X.

We wrap a velcro strap around the plug and recepticle cover on ours.

You might consider getting a test plug with the LEDs on it. They are cheap and come in handy for checking the tow vehicle receptacle and in this case can serve double duty as it will tell you whether your problem is with the plug or receptacle by whether it seats properly.

I had similar problems with my newer truck trailer connector. My 2004 model Truck the lid almost snapped down on the top of the 7-way connection and made a real firm lock on it. My 2010 model truck doesn't do that as well. It goes in ok but doesn't have that real solid snap when I lock it in place with the connector lid.I ended up wrapping some stretch cord around the cable and hooking both ends into the truck bumper to make sure it doesn't fall out...Roy Ken

Instead of bungee cords or some other silly make shift repairs, why not simply go out and buy new cord end and receptacle and replace both with new high quality parts?

Trailer Plug Won't Stay In | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

mkirsch
Nomad II
Dec 02, 2014
Look for a bent-over or out-of-place pin in the plug.
2oldman
Explorer II
Nov 29, 2014
BenK wrote:
First check out if there is something 'in' there, or worn bit of plastic
x2
jerem0621
Explorer II
Nov 29, 2014
This is a less than $30.00 repair... Inspect the veicle side connector.. it could be a simple twig that found its way into the 7 pin connector. If needed replace one or both ends of this connection.

This is a major major safety issues.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
Miles_Away
Explorer
Nov 28, 2014
I have experienced this same issue. I found, after changing trailer plugs, that the new one was slightly longer than the original, therefore it would not go in far enough for the retainer tab on the receptacle cover to drop down and lock the plug in place. A little work with a file allowed me to shave enough plastic off both side so that it now fits and locks properly. After the fix we took a 5K trip this summer and and had zero issues.
myredracer
Explorer II
Nov 25, 2014
rhagfo wrote:

X6 or whatever, Clean inspect Repair correctly or replace bad parts, Bungee cords and Velcro have their place, they should not be needed to hold the connector in place.

Ditto.

This is a important safety related issue and most definitely a band-aid approach should not be taken. The plug should go in easily and be held captive the entire time. Do visual inspection first to see if it's corroded, dirty and/or misaligned.

The recept. on our '09 was corroded badly when we got it 2+ years ago and had to be replaced. It doesn't necessarily take long for these things to go bad. A hitch shop replaced ours with an aftermarket part instead of an OEM one for a fraction of the cost.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Nov 24, 2014
BenK wrote:
Ditto...fix it or replace

Connectors of this type are designed to mate repeatedly

First check out if there is something 'in' there, or worn bit of plastic

If me, I'd replace as DE and others recommends. If you are not handy
in this area, then any trailer/UHaul/etc can also do the replacement

On this type of thing, I'd not spare pennies and get the better one.
They all have have the same form factor, as that is an industry standard

X6 or whatever, Clean inspect Repair correctly or replace bad parts, Bungee cords and Velcro have their place, they should not be needed to hold the connector in place.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Nov 24, 2014
If receptacle mounting bolts/screws have been installed too tight it will warp the receptacle.
Once warped they stay warped
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
Had a similar problem with my last camper. Turned out one of the pins was not aligned right, preventing it from seating completely. The problem was with the truck female end. The trailer pig-tail was fine. One of the slots the pin slipped into was bent.
JesLookin
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
I'd look closely to the plug and receptacle. Looking for any flashing, from the molding of the plastic part, that is preventing the plug from going all the way into the receptacle.
skipnchar
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
Rubber bands and bunge cords are NOT the thing you want to use to keep something as important as your brakes working properly. I'd recommend you use some electro wash and lots of it to try and clean out whatever is preventing it from fully seating. Use the spray on both male and female ends. If it won't go in far enough to "latch" then it's not fully seated and there is a good chance it will spark and overheat which will only make the problem worse.
Good luck / Skip