sloppy 7-pole connection

bleckb · 08-12-2018, 10:17 PM

Hi all,

Newbie here. I found that my 7-pole connection has been coming lose. Once I noticed the brake controller wasn't "active" and I pushed the plug in. Then I later, different trip, noticed that one of the turn signals wasn't working. Pushed the plug in and all was well. This last trip, to alleviate any worries, I used some gorilla tape on it to be sure it was solid.

Question: is there a better plug than what my trailer, 17FD Hummingbird, came with? Do I need a better plug on the TV? Is there something like the way my shore power hooks up, with a lock ring? I don't want to either have to worry about not having something work or have to tape the thing together for each trip.

Thanks.

oldmanAZ · 08-12-2018, 10:36 PM

I had intermittent problems with my connector, too. I solved them by using a bungee cord. The bungee cord is fastened so that there is constant tension pulling the plug into the connector. All has been well since starting to do that about 10yr ago.

us71na · 08-13-2018, 06:24 AM

The connector on our tow vehicle has a spring loaded lid with a tab that locks into a corresponding slot on the plug for the trailer. Look at yours and determine if it has the same feature and make sure the tab gets seated in the slot.

**norty1** · 08-13-2018, 06:40 AM

I use a wrap of Velcro to hold the lid and plug tightly plugged in. There are better and various plugs and methods. Mine works well and simple.

bleckb · 08-13-2018, 11:20 AM

Thanks for the responses. I guess the good news is I'm not alone. The bad news is that it seems there needs to be a better design for these plugs.

My plastic, spring loaded cover is broken, so that may be one reason why it won't secure well. Might end up replacing the plug on the TV to remedy that and see how it goes from there.

bleckb · 08-20-2018, 02:17 PM

Added a new receptacle, whatever we might call them properly, to the TV. Wire colors didn't match (two brown!) and some were from the original four-pin. Once I figured that out, all went well. I'll be using a velcro strap as well for the extra security. Last thing I want is for turn signals to not be working and me thinking they are. Or brake lights, or the brakes.

bdreinv · 08-20-2018, 02:24 PM

Buddy of mine installed new connector,connectors are magnetic!Been several years no problems. Thanks

**norty1** · 08-21-2018, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdreinv

Buddy of mine installed new connector,connectors are magnetic!Been several years no problems. Thanks

Those magnetic ones are supposed to be the top of the line. All the others depend on the barb on the flip up lid to hold the thing plugged in. That's the weak line when bouncing down the road. For the price, I'll continue using my velcro latch.

https://www.etrailer.com/tv-review-e...319-r7-02.aspx

bdreinv · 08-22-2018, 09:55 AM

Hey thanks for u tube, think we will otp for Velcro! I could not figure out how to hook up our Micro Air easy start and it had only 4 wires lol! Thanks

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