Will Adding Fuses to Power 7-Way Trailer Connector Cause 2011 Ford F-150 Battery to Corrode

Question:

Will installing fuses for 7 pin wiring cause corrosion to start forming on + battery terminal? Starting having this issue shortly after I started towing travel trailer. Ford did see the corrosion and cleaned it off but said noting about the battery. I questioned it being caused by battery gases leaking. Ford said battery would not be replaced until it failed. 2011 F-150 2013 Heartland North Trail 26LRSS

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

Adding fuses to power the 7-Way trailer connector will not cause corrosion to start forming on the battery posts. What I recommend in order to stop corrosion from forming is to first make sure that the posts and the cables attached to them are completely clean of corrosion. Using a wire brush like # DW00254 will help a lot. Make sure the battery is disconnected before using any metal tools to clean the battery and cables.

Then you can use any number of products available at auto parts stores to stop or at least severely slow down corrosion formation.

Rest assured that adding the fuses or relays to power the 7-Way would not cause the battery to start corroding.

I did speak with some of my fellow experts and have additional information for you. Terminal corrosion can be caused by venting, but this is less common with todays low-or no maintenance batteries. Terminals can corrode more when the battery is at the end of its effective life. The construction of the battery terminal clamps can also be considered. If they are steel, the corrosion can be caused by the interaction between the steel terminal and the lead battery posts. You should also check the case for leaks, sometimes the clamp is overtightened which can crack the battery case.

expert reply by: Michael H