Cleaning contacts - brake lights

[gbaglo]

I've been having an intermittent problem with one of my brake lights. Jiggling the plug from the trailer in the tug connection mostly gets it to work. I used my Leatherman file to clean, as best I could, the trailer plug, but I'm wondering how to clean the contacts at the tug.
I'm guessing that with the engine shut off that the contacts are not live, but I don't want to risk shorting them out.

Can you recommend a tool and technique for this job?

[cpaharley2008]

I have used an eraser on a pencil or a piece of sandpaper with needle nose pliers, But plug in and verify you are dear with the ignition off, otherwise use wooden pliers !!

[Jubal]

Innovative Products of America 7-Way Spade Pin Towing Maintenance Kit
This works good and solved problems on costumers vehicles when I was in the business.
If the 7 blade connector is properly wired there should not be voltage at any of the blades with the ignition switch turned off, the key removed and the head lamp switch turned off. You would have to contact two blades at once to cause any damage and even then would probably open a fuse.
It is a good policy to connect and disconnect with the power supply off.

[gbaglo]

I stole one of my wife's emery nail files and cut it to fit in the slots. Used the other end on the tug contacts. Haven't tested it though.

[cpaharley2008]

that should work...

[RickM]

"If the 7 blade connector is properly wired there should not be voltage at any of the blades with the ignition switch turned off, the key removed and the head lamp switch turned off."

This is true only if the TV has a relay installed. But if there is no relay setup, then voltage will be present at the 7-pin connector regardless of the ignition switch postion.

[Jubal]

Yes
A properly wired 7 blade connector uses a relay to control 12 V battery voltage to the travel trailer.