I replaced the connector because of the electric brakes being weak. I'd had the experience in the past of trailer brakes being weak the first time out for the season, but this year it persisted. I examined the connectors and the one on the TV is in great shape, but the trailer side connector was corroded and had several bent over and otherwise damaged blades. I decided it needed to be replaced regardless of whether it was the cause of the brake problem and in the hope it would solve it. I'll know that in the morning when we head out.
The alternate path theory sounds plausible. It's tough to believe the cause of the white neutral wire coming loose was the short in the connector wires.
