What Would Cause 7-Way Trailer Connectors on Truck and Trailer to Melt When Connected
Published 03/06/2020 >
Products Featured in This Question
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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Splice-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Multiple Trailers
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 and the P3 Brake Controllers
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
- Article: Aftermarket Brake Control Wiring for 07-13 GM Full-Size Truck with Factory-Integrated Brake Control
- Q&A: Brake Controller Wiring for Ford E-450 Motorhome
- Q&A: Brake Controller Recommendation for a Truck with Air Brakes and a Trailer with Electric Brakes
- Q&A: Should I Get a Proportional or Time-Delayed Brake Controller
- Q&A: Is There Downside to Going with 7500 Air Lift Kit Over 5000
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?

