How To Stop Corrosion On Trailer Pins Inside Connector

Updated 07/29/2021 | Published 07/28/2021

Question:

Many years ago, I purchased a 4 Way to 7-Blade RV Connector from your store, and installed it in my vehicle to tow a trailer. I didnt use my trailer for several years. Last month when I tried to use my trailer, I found that the 7 pieces of copper contacts all turned green, and all the wirings were rusted and could not conduct electricity I cut each wire out and tested each one individually. I dont recall the connector ever soak in the sea water. But I cannot absolutely rule this out. And I definitely had washed the bottom of my car to wash out the road salt from driving in the winter. May be the road salt has corroded everything in the connector? I have replaced it with a new one purchased from your store. My question is how I can prevent corrosion from happening in my brand new connector? If this connector is not the right product for my application, what is the correct product? Should I mount the connector inside the trunk of my car to protect it from the elements instead of mounting it under the car frame?

asked by: Jay C

Helpful Expert Reply:

The pins inside a trailer connector should always be coated with dielectric grease, the Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors part # 11755. There are certain environments where this is a bigger issue than others due to nearby saltwater etc. but regardless, it is good practice to make sure there is is always some grease present. This same product is applied to every trailer connector we install at our facility before it leaves the shop to prevent these same issues you're having.

expert reply by: Conner L