Troubleshooting Poorly Fitting 7 Way Connectors on 5th Wheel and Tow Vehicle

Question:

Hi Etrailer, I have a question. I purchased a brand new F150 this year and it has a 7 way plug above the bumper. I went to hook up my Open Range 30foot trailer and it feels like the plug from the trailer is not pushing all the way into the plug. I do get brake lights and trailer brakes, but I was thinking it just might be making contact but not spreading the metal in the plug to actually pinch the center plug. So, I did apply some pressure but it seemed the same. The funny thing is that the Male side with the weather cap seems to line up fine with the plastic stop to keep it from coming out. But, I was hoping you could let me know if the function of the 7 way plug is to actually the metal teeth into the female side... or does the metal connections just need to be touching to work properly. I have a feeling that it is supposed to bite into the female plug and spread the metal as it s...but mine does not feel like that is happening. I wondered if it is because my truck male teeth are brand new and my female side is older and needs some Dialectic grease or something. Also, it is weird that if the female plug ed any further, it would be deeper than the plastic stop and be able to back out. Any help would be appreciated... Thanks

asked by: Mark T

Expert Reply:

Putting some Dielectric Grease # 11755 on your trailer connections is always a good idea, and it might provide a little bit of lubrication; it will also help protect against moisture and corrosion. As long as the metal pieces are touching, there will be a signal and it might have a better connection than you think if all of your lights are functioning properly.

It's possible that over time on the trailer the plug has gotten a bit disformed so you can replace it using the 7-way Trailer Plug and Junction Box # HS381-9000; you'll just cut your old plug off and wire the pigtail into this junction box with the included ring terminal connectors. This will give you a nicely wired 7 way to replace your old one and will address connection issues with your factory receptacle.

expert reply by: Erik B