What Would Cause 7-Way Trailer Connectors on Truck and Trailer to Melt When Connected

Question:

I bought a travel trailer. When I connected the trailer to my 2018 Toyota pick up, the connection started smoking and melted the positive female terminal on the pickup receptical and melted the trailer plug too. What would cause this to happen? It was a scary moment.

asked by: Olive

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you had a massive short to ground on the 12 volt accessory circuit of the trailer wiring. This circuit is in the 1:00 position of the female connector on the truck. The ground circuit is in the position opposite of this in the 7:00 position. My guess is there was exposed wire on the trailer side between these two circuits and they touched which caused the problem.

For a new 7-way kit for the trailer you'd want the part # HS381-9000 and then for a new 7-way for the truck you'd want the part # A10-7072VP.

expert reply by: Jameson C