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Old 01-20-2018, 02:22 PM   #1
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Corrosion on the pig tail

What is the best way to clean this corrosion on the pigtail without damaging anything? It goes down into it a bit.
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Old 01-20-2018, 02:24 PM   #2
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Having trouble getting the picture to attach, but I've got green corrosion on the end of the pigtail.
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Old 01-20-2018, 02:26 PM   #3
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trying one more time

Maybe it will work this time
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Old 01-20-2018, 02:29 PM   #4
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Having trouble getting the picture to attach, but I've got green corrosion on the end of the pigtail.
I assume you mean the cord to the tug? I keep the outlet on the tug and the plug on the pigtail smeared with No-alox or some other type of dielectric grease to keep the corrosion at bay. If it is too bad you can take the plug apart and clean it up with emery cloth.
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Old 01-20-2018, 02:33 PM   #5
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Dielectric grease is non-conductive so careful how much you smear around. It's best used where the rubber boot and a spark plug make contact ( for instance ) to prevent moisture from reaching the contacts inside.
I use electrical contact cleaner. Comes in a spray can. I have used one of my wife's emery nail boards, cut to fit the slots, but I read somewhere that you want to avoid removing the outer coating on contacts.
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Old 01-20-2018, 03:15 PM   #6
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Hey Greg,
Make a little paste with baking soda and water and wipe it on there then off. Spray a little WD40 into pigtail and hang it so that the end is hanging down to drain. Should be fine.
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Old 01-20-2018, 03:19 PM   #7
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Remember that some of the pins are HOT with power coming from your RV battery. Do not rub steal wool across the end.
I use a very small flat file used to file spark plugs in the old days. You should still be able to get one at an automotive store.
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Old 01-20-2018, 03:49 PM   #8
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Thanks all, I knew I would get some good ideas.
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Old 01-20-2018, 03:55 PM   #9
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Dielectric grease is non-conductive so careful how much you smear around. It's best used where the rubber boot and a spark plug make contact ( for instance ) to prevent moisture from reaching the contacts inside.
I use electrical contact cleaner. Comes in a spray can. I have used one of my wife's emery nail boards, cut to fit the slots, but I read somewhere that you want to avoid removing the outer coating on contacts.
Yes clean w contact cleaner then smear liberally w no-alox...this connection is supposed to be somewhat spring loaded so if you cannot get a connection the plug is worn out. Here in the land of salt it has saved my plugs from corrosion and no problems with good connections
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Old 01-20-2018, 04:06 PM   #10
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If the corrosion is too bad and you don’t want to replace the connector I have used a small sand blaster with glass beads, then coat liberally with dielectric grease. I personally think you can’t use too much dielectric grease.
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Old 01-20-2018, 04:07 PM   #11
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After cleaning install one of these to keep your contacts out of the elements.....
https://smile.amazon.com/AP-Products...plug+protector
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Old 01-20-2018, 07:21 PM   #12
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Don't be surprised if the marker lights on your trailer glow dimly if the corrosion short-circuits a little electricity across neighboring prongs in your "pig tail". It happened to mine. I highly recommend the protective cover Jim mentioned in his post, then make sure it is positioned so no water can get inside the cover.
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Old 01-23-2018, 09:06 PM   #13
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Finger-nail file

I clean the contacts every 6 months by sliding a cardboard finger-nail file, trimmed to the right width, between them.
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Old 01-23-2018, 09:29 PM   #14
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I have had this problem many a time, especially on work trailers. Contact cleaner and a fine file if needed, followed with a good amount of dielectric grease will keep corrosion at bay.

This reminds me my trailer is now a year old and has not been done yet. Will do it tomorrow before we take off.
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Old 01-23-2018, 09:30 PM   #15
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I found my 7-pin to be corroded rather badly after the trailer had been stored for awhile. I suppose the humidity in the air caused it because it was in sheltered storage. I've used Deoxit D5 for a number of years and it does a great job of cleaning and deoxidizing the terminals. I don't like using anything abrasive or tool based to clean the terminals, because it can affect the connection. If you're going to use a solvent though, one caution - disconnect your battery before cleaning, and let it fully dry before using.

https://www.parts-express.com/caig-d...m_campaign=pla
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Old 01-23-2018, 09:41 PM   #16
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Bought this even though it was a little pricey at $32.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 01-23-2018, 09:51 PM   #17
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Bought this even though it was a little pricey at $32.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That's interesting Ross. I notice it comes with a tiny tube of Deoxit that I mentioned above.
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Old 01-24-2018, 07:36 AM   #18
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Same here A trouble shooting thread got their lights going again with this.

Quote:
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Bought this even though it was a little pricey at $32.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 01-24-2018, 10:41 AM   #19
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I found my 7-pin to be corroded rather badly after the trailer had been stored for awhile. I suppose the humidity in the air caused it because it was in sheltered storage. I've used Deoxit D5 for a number of years and it does a great job of cleaning and deoxidizing the terminals. I don't like using anything abrasive or tool based to clean the terminals, because it can affect the connection. If you're going to use a solvent though, one caution - disconnect your battery before cleaning, and let it fully dry before using.

https://www.parts-express.com/caig-d...m_campaign=pla
Would using the battery disconnect switch in the Escape effectively disconnect the battery before cleaning?
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Old 01-24-2018, 10:54 AM   #20
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That's interesting Ross. I notice it comes with a tiny tube of Deoxit that I mentioned above.
Looks like good stuff, both the tool and the cleaner (Deoxit, will have to get some of that).
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