Forum Discussion

slotsavegas's avatar
slotsavegas
Explorer
Jul 21, 2014

7 Pin Connector corrosion issue

The umbilical cord from my 5th Wheel seems to always have a problem making good connections after it has sat coiled up inside my pin box for a few months.
I usually apply a generous amount of bulb lube grease each time I remove the connection for storage, but after a few months it appears to be corroded again.
How does everyone else handle this ?
What is the best method for cleaning the connectors inside. Then what is best for keeping them clean ?
What about the male ends that are attached to my TV. Any special care needed for them to ensure a solid connection each time ?

Thanks.

9 Replies

  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    Jul 23, 2014
    I have a spray can of electrical contact cleaner. Might have bought it at Cw or probably Lowes. Too much spray tends to leave a film that requires inserting the plug a few times to get through it for good contact.
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    Jul 23, 2014
    I have a spray can of electrical contact cleaner. Might have bought it at Cw or probably Lowes. Too much spray tends to leave a film that requires inserting the plug a few times to get through it for good contact.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Jul 23, 2014
    I got the connection corrosion problem in the truck's end where the Chev version comes in two parts for some reason.

    The corrosion was hidden between the two halves and not at the pins end you can see, which were ok. Had to take it all apart. That led to more fun where Chev wire colours don't match the 'standard' 7-pin colours plus you have the mirror image problem with the two halves.

    Sort of an IQ test which I was mostly failing. Got fed up and replaced the Chev thing with a standard one piece 7-pin connector :) That, I am able to understand!
  • slotsavegas's avatar
    slotsavegas
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    I do leave it open to the air. the pinbox is completely open at the rear and cord just lays in the open hole. I have used a nylon mesh over the opening at times to prevent birds from nesting in the pinbox, but that doesn't affect airflow.

    I'll try a little contact cleaner to help remove any oxidation and then seal it with plastic wrap airtight to see it that solves the problem.

    Thanks for the answers.
  • Harvey51's avatar
    Harvey51
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    I put plug under shelter from rain but open to the air. The jack has its cover in place. Check the lights every time I hook up. Once or twice a year a contact fails. I give jack and plug a squirt of contact cleaner and it works again.
  • rrupert's avatar
    rrupert
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2014
    Maybe being closed up in the pin box is the problem, condensation could be constantly present. Try leaving it out to the fresh air.
  • calamus's avatar
    calamus
    Explorer
    Jul 21, 2014
    1st I have heard of doing anything 11 year old truck and 25 year old TT and 7 year old 5th wheel and have never even looked at them just plug and go.

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