Soaking a 7-way plug in vinegar

Judd · 05-23-2020, 09:30 AM

I read that you can soak a 7-way plug in vinegar to remove the corrosion from the terminals inside the connector.

,, is it safe to do that while my travel trailer is plugged into 50 amp on the AC side and connected to my 12 volt battery also? Or do I have to go back underneath my trailer and disconnect the 7-way wire somewhere first?

14apex · 05-23-2020, 09:36 AM

...don't believe I would. I'm unsure of just how much the vinegar might support conductivity, but expect it will. That said, it seems likely that there'd be some potential for "shorting" that could damage converter. Without a lot of research, the only way I'd feel safe would be to disconnect both shore power and battery while "soaking". .02$ FWIW

glen1971 · 05-23-2020, 09:40 AM

Since vinegar is conductive, I wouldn't be soaking it while your unit has shore power, or battery power connected. If you can isolate the 12 volt connection on the cord end (pin 4) where it connects to your unit you should be fine, but I wouldn't reconnect it until it was dry.

NavyLCDR · 05-23-2020, 09:50 AM

1. Don't soak it with ANY power source connected. The 7-way plug will have +12 vdc on one pin any time a power source is connected (either the battery, or the converter if plugged into shore power). Vinegar is electrically conductive.

2. Be sure to rinse it with plain water after soaking to remove residual acidic vinegar.

ProfChuck · 05-23-2020, 01:55 PM

You could use a can of electrical contact cleaner spray as used for electrical contacts in electronic equipment. Not that expensive and cleans contacts pretty well. Spray it on and work the connection plug. Be careful to test it first because sometimes it can be harmful to certain plastics. I use "Osborn" High Tech Electronic Cleaner #76334 from Osborn Manufacturing in Cleveland OH. Nice thing is it does leave a microscopic film for protection against corrosion, which could help prevent future problems. I've had the can a while, but, presume it is still made (or something like it). Hope that helps you.

rsdata · 05-23-2020, 02:17 PM

this is best not only to clean but to protect the metal connectors... I spray this on all connections/connectors on the trailer 12 volt or 120 volt...

TitanMike · 05-23-2020, 02:30 PM

If I have a corrosion issue with electrical contacts I prefer to disconnect and manualy clean surfaces. Then reconnect and properly torque screws.

THEN I apply a contact cleaner/protectant.

Larry-NC · 05-23-2020, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanMike

If I have a corrosion issue with electrical contacts I prefer to disconnect and manualy clean surfaces. Then reconnect and properly torque screws.

THEN I apply a contact cleaner/protectant.

Some folks let the umbilical fall into the mud when parked for a while. Contacts can tarnish, oxidize, rust, and even break off if it's been there a while. (Ask me about the break-off part.)

The proper stowage for the umbilical is tucked up into the propane tank shroud from the bottom.

ProfChuck · 05-23-2020, 02:39 PM

Yes, I agree with TitanMike, if you can manually clean the surfaces, that is the best way, then spray. rsdata's brand of contact cleaner is a good one also. I think I got my can of spray from an professional electronics dealer when I was designing our TV Studio about 10 years or so ago, but, that was a while back. It was a 16 oz can.

Dirt Sifter · 05-23-2020, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

The proper stowage for the umbilical is tucked up into the propane tank shroud from the bottom.

My TT has a "cup" on the A-frame for the 7-way to nest in. Really convenient and actually useful. Thanks, Forest River.

retiredcamper47 · 05-23-2020, 05:09 PM

I use PB Blaster to clean electrical connections on my tow vehicle plug and the umbilical cord plug on my tt. I give them a shot every now and then as a preventative maintenance thing.

Bob

babock · 05-23-2020, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredcamper47

I use PB Blaster to clean electrical connections on my tow vehicle plug and the umbilical cord plug on my tt. I give them a shot every now and then as a preventative maintenance thing.

Bob

Why would you spray something with oil in it on your electrical connectors?

rockfordroo · 05-23-2020, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirt Sifter

My TT has a "cup" on the A-frame for the 7-way to nest in. Really convenient and actually useful. Thanks, Forest River.

And if you don't have one, they're cheap:

https://www.amazon.com/Boat-Camper-T.../dp/B006R5C0G4

babock · 05-23-2020, 05:16 PM

I use this one...holds it up in the air with the cap on top so water can't get in. Attaches to the jack. My jack cover provides additional protection

https://smile.amazon.com/HUSKY-TOWIN...0272134&sr=8-2

Judd · 05-23-2020, 09:11 PM

Thanks all very helpful

KRedburn · 05-23-2020, 10:00 PM

wd-40 to the rescue. It has many uses. Works very nice for moisture displacement on trailer connections.

jkoenig24 · 05-23-2020, 10:53 PM

Another vote for Deoxit.

hobienick · 05-23-2020, 10:57 PM

After it is clean smear some dielectric grease on the plugs. Lasts a long time to keep corrosion from forming and has a negligible impact on conductivity.

Qwkynuf · 05-24-2020, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

Some folks let the umbilical fall into the mud when parked for a while. Contacts can tarnish, oxidize, rust, and even break off if it's been there a while. (Ask me about the break-off part.)

The proper stowage for the umbilical is tucked up into the propane tank shroud from the bottom.

So, I shouldn't use the "holster" that came installed on my trailer tongue for that purpose? Who knew???

Dirt Sifter · 05-24-2020, 09:29 AM

Since we've moved into coatings, remember where you live and play. There is a LOT of dust and dirt where I often go. Bare, dry connectors are best with blasts of compressed air to clean things out when needed. The stuff that protects in the humid, wet are not as helpful in the dry and dusty as they tend to gum things up. My $0.02.

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