Trailer 7 way plug problem

[Tonny LR]

I need feedback from forum members on my 2014 Escape 19 trailer 7 way plug. While towing with my 2016 Yukon, the display screen kept showing check trailer wiring connection with alarm, then a few second later it would show trailer connected. This alert continued for 45 minutes. I stopped twice to check wiring connection and found all brake and signal lights working without problem. I took my car to GMC dealer to check the trailer wiring/connection issues. no problem was identified. Mechanic suggested to replace the trailer 7 way plug which could be warn since the trailer is 5 years old. I plan to change the plug myself after doing research on internet. However, I may change the whole molded plug and cable with juncton box. I am able to locate the 7 way wire external entry point to the trailer, but inside the trailer, under the bed storage area, I found no wiring junction box. Any idea where is the wiring junction box is located?
Has anyone experienced 7 way plug probems? Thanks.

Tonny LR

[Jack L]

I have cleaned my 7 pin connector several times using aerosol contact cleaner to flush out any foreign material and following up with spray lubricant. I would try this before replacing the assembly. Also check the cord for possible damage.

[cpaharley2008]

In the 19 it should be under the driver side front dinette seat,,,

[Tonny LR]

Originally Posted by Jack L

I have cleaned my 7 pin connector several times using aerosol contact cleaner to flush out any foreign material and following up with spray lubricant. I would try this before replacing the assembly. Also check the cord for possible damage.

You suggestion is a good idea. I shall try to clean it before replacing the plug. Thanks.

Tonny LR

[Tonny LR]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

In the 19 it should be under the driver side front dinette seat,,,

Ok. I will check out the 7 way wiring under the driver side front dinette seat, Thanks

Tonny LR

[steve dunham]

Make sure that the contact cleaner you use is safe for plastics
There are certain cleaners that react with plastics and can make matters worse

[Tonny LR]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

Make sure that the contact cleaner you use is safe for plastics
There are certain cleaners that react with plastics and can make matters worse

Thanks for the info. I looked at CRO 5103 and WD40 specialist quick dry Electronic cleaner. Review showed plastic damage. What would you use? Is DEOXIT OK TO BE USED?

Tonny LR

[Red Dog]

Originally Posted by Tonny LR

Thanks for the info. I looked at CRO 5103 and WD40 specialist quick dry Electronic cleaner. Review showed plastic damage. What would you use? Is DEOXIT OK TO BE USED?



Tonny LR

Hmmmm...as a full timer, I have used CRC 05103 on my 7-pin connector for the last 4 1/2 years with no issues.



Fred M.

[Tonny LR]

Fred,
Thanks for the recommendation!

Tonny LR

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by Tonny LR

Thanks for the info. I looked at CRO 5103 and WD40 specialist quick dry Electronic cleaner. Review showed plastic damage. What would you use? Is DEOXIT OK TO BE USED?

Tonny LR

Deoxit would be a good choice. I have used it in industrial electrical equipment for years.

https://www.amazon.com/CAIG-LABORATO.../dp/B0000YH6F8

[Tonny LR]

tdf-texas,
I appreciated your input. Deoxit appears to be a better product. Thanks.

Tonny LR

[smac2]

Just as a side note, I interpret "plastics" to mean hard plastics and circuit boards.

[Mike Lewis]

Over the past couple of years I've developed this problem as well. The trailer's plug works itself loose while towing. I leave my lights on all the time and keep an eye on the side marker lights through the mirrors so I know when it happens. I've tried lubricating the pins and socket with the contact cleaner mentioned above, I've tried (carefully) bending the pins in the truck's 7-pin receptacle; nothing helps. The connection has just worn to the point where it isn't reliable anymore.

My Tacoma has a spring-loaded cover over the 7-pin receptacle. The cover swings up when the trailer is connected. The cover has a metal tab that sticks down. The trailer's plug has a rubber tab that sticks up. The problem is that they don't mate; there is a gap, allowing the plug to work loose. I think my next step will be to put a screw in the tab on the trailer plug to fill that gap, so that the cover will hold the plug in place.

[cpaharley2008]

I place a large rubber band around the cover and 7 pin receptacle to keep it tight....my tab is plastic and it locks behind the raised tab on the trailer power cord.

[skiman]

I had trouble with my 2014 Silverado/2014 21'. See http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...cks-10543.html

There are plugs that fit better but I hesitated to cut off the plug. The suggested wrap of tape took care of it along with Camco multiclamp. Used electrical tape. One wrap or so arond plug before inserting.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

Over the past couple of years I've developed this problem as well. The trailer's plug works itself loose while towing. I leave my lights on all the time and keep an eye on the side marker lights through the mirrors so I know when it happens. I've tried lubricating the pins and socket with the contact cleaner mentioned above, I've tried (carefully) bending the pins in the truck's 7-pin receptacle; nothing helps. The connection has just worn to the point where it isn't reliable anymore.

My Tacoma has a spring-loaded cover over the 7-pin receptacle. The cover swings up when the trailer is connected. The cover has a metal tab that sticks down. The trailer's plug has a rubber tab that sticks up. The problem is that they don't mate; there is a gap, allowing the plug to work loose. I think my next step will be to put a screw in the tab on the trailer plug to fill that gap, so that the cover will hold the plug in place.

When I bought my Casita, it came with a Camco Multi Clamp to keep the trailer plug from getting loose while traveling.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Camco-391...XLwaAkai8P8HAQ

I now use it with the Escape. It works great to keep the 7 pin from getting loose and causing the lights to fail. Adjusted to just slip over the spring-loaded cover on the 7-pin receptacle, it is easy to remove / replace but keeps the cover secured on the 7-pin connector.

[skiman]

A plug holder helps keep the plug clean and dry. https://www.amazon.com/Camper-Traile...%2C446&sr=8-12

[skiman]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

When I bought my Casita, it came with a Camco Multi Clamp to keep the trailer plug from getting loose while traveling.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Camco-391...XLwaAkai8P8HAQ

I now use it with the Escape. It works great to keep the 7 pin from getting loose and causing the lights to fail. Adjusted to just slip over the spring-loaded cover on the 7-pin receptacle, it is easy to remove / replace but keeps the cover secured on the 7-pin connector.

Me too!

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by skiman

I had trouble with my 2014 Silverado/2014 21'. See http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...cks-10543.html

There are plugs that fit better but I hesitated to cut off the plug. The suggested wrap of tape took care of it along with Camco multiclamp. Used electrical tape. One wrap or so arond plug before inserting.

Originally Posted by skiman

Me too!

I apologize Carl - I must have been composing my reply while you posted about the Camco multi clamp.

But your right about it working well - if mine ever breaks, it would be quickly replaced!

[Tonny LR]

Originally Posted by skiman

I had trouble with my 2014 Silverado/2014 21'. See http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9...cks-10543.html

There are plugs that fit better but I hesitated to cut off the plug. The suggested wrap of tape took care of it along with Camco multiclamp. Used electrical tape. One wrap or so arond plug before inserting.

Carl,
Thank you for sharing your solutions to GMC trucks trailer 7 way plug connections problem.

Tonny LR