Trailer Plug(to Truck) Replacement

[Myrtle_Mac]

I did a bonehead move and forgot to plug in my trailer to truck and drove for several miles before realizing, I guess I'm not the first one to pull off this stunt .

So it sheared of some of the plug. Surprisingly, it still plugs in and works but is quite sketchy.

My question is, what's the best way to go about replacing this. Clip the plug off and wire in a new plug head or buy a whole new cord/plug combination and string it back to the box to wire it in.

Appreciate any input on this. Please correct my terminology on parts, I don't think I'm describing them properly.

Thanks!

Doug

 

[bikendan]

I did a bonehead move and forgot to plug in my trailer to truck and drove for several miles before realizing, I guess I'm not the first one to pull off this stunt .

So it sheared of some of the plug. Surprisingly, it still plugs in and works but is quite sketchy.

My question is, what's the best way to go about replacing this. Clip the plug off and wire in a new plug head or buy a whole new cord/plug combination and string it back to the box to wire it in.

Appreciate any input on this. Please correct my terminology on parts, I don't think I'm describing them properly.

Thanks!

Doug

Replace the whole thing.
https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Hop...p9pIxN96LDateEd7a0G3jEn1gwkJ7xiYaAs_DEALw_wcB

As a former firefighter, we were required to do a walk-around before moving the engine or trailer. That became a habit when towing my TT.
That also includes making sure the brake lights and turn signals work. If the umbilical cord isn't plugged in, those lights don't work.

 

[5picker]

Either way of replacing is OK.

Replacing just the plug if your electrical skills are slightly better, replace the plug/cord if not. You'll usually be able to match wire color for wire color.
As mentioned, a walk around before pulling out that includes checking the lights is ALWAYS recommended.

Here's the wiring schematic...

 

[D W]

If the cable isn't damaged, and you have enough slack, just wire-in a new 7 pin connector. I'm a firm believer in the old adage, "if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it".

 

[asr524]

One consideration might be that a new cord has the back of the connector waterproofed where a replacement plug end wont be unless you use a lot of shrink wrap and liquid electrical tape.

 

[StrangeBird22]

One consideration might be that a new cord has the back of the connector waterproofed where a replacement plug end wont be unless you use a lot of shrink wrap and liquid electrical tape.

Good point.

 

[dacheedah]

doesn't get easier https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/etrailer/e99011.html

 

[Larry-NC]

I agree

If the cable isn't damaged, and you have enough slack, just wire-in a new 7 pin connector. I'm a firm believer in the old adage, "if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it".

I agree. DW came to me with a 22 foot trailer she had full-timed in for six years. The umbilical had lain in the mud for that time. One of the contacts had rusted in two and was barely conducting. When we disconnected at a campground, it shifted over and shorted the plug. $7.50 at a nearby RV supply and we were good again.

 

[Tundra 2014]

Plug

If it is a "7-way" I like the idea of doing the cable-connection box together. It is is the flat plug, just change the plug.

 

[jboczek]

If you're changing one end, do yourself a favor and get this one and change both ends.
https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/EZ-Connector/319-R7-01.html

 

[Oaklevel]

Either way, just the plug, or plug and cord will work just fine. More personal preference than anything.

I have 4 trailers with 7 pin plugs both ways. Both have been that way for years.

 

[Oaklevel]

If you're changing one end, do yourself a favor and get this one and change both ends.
https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/EZ-Connector/319-R7-01.html

Bad idea for most, I would not recommend that. That would limit who tows your trailer and what you tow with your tow vehicle.

 

[jboczek]

Bad idea for most, I would not recommend that. That would limit who tows your trailer and what you tow with your tow vehicle.

Actually not a problem for others to tow. They make adapters to the 7 way plug, and also the other way as well as to flat 4 way and just about any other plug you may have. I've had this for years, it's on my second trailer and truck. Love it. I haven't had to clean contacts to get the lights or brakes to work since I put it on.

 

[flyflotrtim]

I would just change the plug. Follow the diagram or use messed up existing plug for a pattern to follow.

 

[Oaklevel]

Actually not a problem for others to tow. They make adapters to the 7 way plug, and also the other way as well as to flat 4 way and just about any other plug you may have. I've had this for years, it's on my second trailer and truck. Love it. I haven't had to clean contacts to get the lights or brakes to work since I put it on.

Seems like a lot of extra expense for no gain. But if it works for you great.

 

[PhilFromMaine]

They do wear out, so I snipped the pug off nd rewired a new one. This is a common fix and the manufacturers have made it easy to do.

 

[Comanchecreek]

IT's about a tossup. On fifth wheels most of the time, there is a junction box inside the back of the pin box where the cable makes connections to it's various functions. Just match the colors and all should be good. On a pull behind the junction box is usually somewhere on the inside of the frame rail or front cross member. Same procedure. Hardest part of doing just the connector is stripping back the insulation, but not going to far that it allows moisture to get in. Still doable. I didn't look at the cost difference, but either option can solve your problem.