Difference Between Solid and Split Round Pin 7-Way Connectors

Question:

Pollack offers both a 7 pin round zinc cast vehicle side trailer connector in solid pins 11-720 and in a split pins design 11-721. Does the solid pin design have any advantages over the split pin design? I have heard the split pin design has lower ion efforts vs the solid pin. Also you can expand the pins as you trailer side connector wears. Have you have any complaints about ion efforts on the solid pin design? Also have you heard of the solid pin design wearing out due to excessive ions. I operate a lawn mowing company and I detach the trailers at the end of every day. Which design do you think will work better for this application - thanks

asked by: Chris M

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Pollak regarding the difference between a solid pin 7-Way round connector like # PK11720 and a split pin round connector like the 11-721 that you mentioned (which we don't have available).

He said that the difference really comes down to how the pins make contact with the vehicle side connector but in reality there isn't an advantage with the split pin style. He said that the "old school" way of thinking was that with a split pin design a user could potentially use a screwdriver to widen those splits for better contact but it's not something that would actually result in a noticeable difference.

One disadvantage in going with the split pin model is that it is not tested or designed to meet SAE J560 standards. This standard covers the dimensional and functionality requirements for 7-Way connectors. Because of this I recommend the 7-Way Round Solid Pin # PK11720 to guarantee compatibility with vehicle-side 7-Way round connectors.

expert reply by: Chris R