How To Repair A Corroded Trailer Plug

If you've noticed that the lights on your trailer aren't working properly or you're having any other electrical issues the chances are that there's a problem with your trailer's wiring.

The most common source of these issues is your trailer's plug. If you suspect that this connector is corroded then there are several things that you can do to address the problem yourself.

In this guide, we'll take a look at the best ways to clean or repair a connector, as well as some tips about what causes corrosion and how to avoid it in the future.

How To Clean A Corroded Trailer Plug

Before deciding to repair your trailer connector or simply buy a new connector you may want to consider attempting to clean away any corrosion first.

As long as the connector isn't too badly corroded this can actually be fairly straightforward to do and will save you the time and effort of having to repair or replace it.

To clean away corrosion you'll first need to have some basic tools to hand. You'll need white vinegar, pipe cleaners, some PB Blaster, and a wedge-shaped eraser.

If the corrosion on the trailer plug is only fairly light then apply some white vinegar to the affected areas using a pipe cleaner. Make sure that you cover all of the connections as this is most likely what will be causing any issues with your trailer lights.

Then, use the eraser to thoroughly scrub any corrosion away.

If the plug is more heavily corroded then it will need a deeper clean. Firstly, you should spray the plug with some of the PB Blaster. Again, make sure that you go over all of the corroded areas including all of the connections.

Leave the plug to sit for a few minutes and then give it another spray with the PB Blaster. Once it has been left for another few minutes use the white vinegar, pipe cleaners, and eraser to clean away the corrosion.

If there is also corrosion in the connector on the trailer you can use the same process to clean this as well.

The benefit of using white vinegar to clean the plug is that it won't leave any moisture behind which means that you can then apply dielectric grease afterwards to protect your connector in the future.

If the trailer plug is still corroded and the LED lights on your trailer are still not working properly then you'll have to repair or replace it.

Repairing Corroded Trailer Connectors

If the trailer plug is too corroded to be cleaned and the bad connections are still affecting your turn signal lights or any other trailer lights, then you're going to need to repair it.

This is very cheap to do and doesn't usually cost more than $25 but it can require some patience to do it properly. If you're fairly handy and don't mind taking some time to do it then repairing a trailer plug yourself shouldn't be difficult.

However, if you don't feel confident doing it yourself it's best to ask an expert to do it for you.

So, let's take a look at the steps you can take to repair your trailer plug.

Step 1

The first step is to get together the basic tools that you'll need. These are a small screwdriver, a wire stripper, a multimeter, and a replacement plug.

Step 2

Once you have your tools assembled, the next step is disconnecting the positive terminal of your trailer's battery, if it's connected.

Step 3

Next, if the plug cover has screws you'll need to use the screwdriver to unscrew it and then prise it open gently. Some plug covers have clips instead. If so, simply unclip them and then prise open the cover.

Step 4

This stage is very important so make sure you take your time to do it correctly.

Compare the wire insulation color and terminal numbering on the new trailer plug with the corroded one and make sure that they're identical.

If you notice any discrepancies at all you should pause the process and test all of your trailer's lights and brakes so that you can check that each wire is performing the function it is supposed to.

Step 5

Now, unscrew the wires from the damaged plug and check again that the color of the wire insulation corresponds to the same position on the new plug.

Step 6

This is the stage where your search for the problem with the connections in the plug will most likely end. This is because you should now clearly be able to see that the wire cores inside the plug are corroded.

This is what will have been causing any issues you've had with your trailer electrics.

Using the wire stripper, cut and strip away the insulation from the cores so that you will be able to secure them to the terminals later on.

Step 7

Before you begin this step, make sure that you have the wiring diagram for your new plug on hand. Then, take the end cap and sealing plug and fit them onto the end of the cable.

Check the wiring diagram so that you know the correct position and number for each wire and then secure them to the terminals.

Step 8

It's now time for you to reconnect the battery and then use the multimeter, which should be set to a minimum of 12 volts, to check that every connector circuit is properly functioning.

The readings that you get may not be 12 volts as there will be some drop in voltage between the battery and the trailer connector. However, if any of the circuits are giving you no reading at all then you will need to investigate the cause of this before you proceed.

Step 9

The last thing to do is to refit the body back onto the plug and then refit the whole thing onto the connector securing point. Once this is done, you should have a fully working trailer plug.

What Causes Corrosion In Trailer Connectors?

There are three main causes of corrosion in trailer connectors. These are oxidation, electrolysis, and exposure to moisture.

• __Oxidation - __this is a process where the metal of the connector corrodes over time due to exposure to oxygen in the air.
• __Electrolysis - __this happens when a chemical reaction occurs between two different types of metals that are in contact with each other. A galvanic cell is then created which causes the metals to corrode.
• __Moisture - __when any electrical system is exposed to moisture, corrosion is likely to occur.

How To Keep Trailer Plugs From Corroding

The best way to prevent your trailer or truck plug from corroding in the future is to apply dielectric grease to the wiring connectors inside the plug. You should do this when installing a new plug and you should also apply some to the connection on your trailer from time to time.

This will prevent corrosion caused by moisture which is the most common cause of corroded trailer plugs.

FAQs

What are contact cleaners?

Contact cleaners are solvent cleaners that are used to clean away contamination from switches, conductive surfaces on connectors, electrical contacts, and other electrical components that have moving surface contacts.

The majority of these cleaners are stored in pressurized aerosol containers so that the spray has a force that agitates dirt and can reach into crevices within connectors.

Can I clean electrical connections with a brake cleaner?

You can use brake cleaner to clean electrical connections as it's a solvent and will cut through dirt and contamination. However, if you use it for this you need to be careful that you don't get any onto the painted surfaces of your trailer as it may damage them.

It can also be harmful to your skin so it's recommended that you always wear gloves when using brake cleaner.

Is a connector included in a towing package?

If you buy a complete tow package then there will certainly be a connector included so that you can connect your trailer's lights, brakes, and any other wiring that needs to be connected.

What's included in your tow package will vary depending on your requirements and the price of the package. But, there will always be some form of connector included as a minimum.

Can I clean a trailer plug with WD40?

WD40 is designed as a lubricant and isn't actually a cleaning product. If you spray it onto a trailer plug it will probably dissolve some dirt and contamination but it will not help you to fully clean the plug.

When cleaning a connector you should use an electrical cleaner that's specifically designed for the task, or some white wine vinegar.

Final Thoughts

Although a corroded connector can be annoying it's a fairly straightforward issue to resolve. Often, cleaning it will be enough to get it working again but sometimes a repair or replacement will be needed.

Remember, the best method is prevention, so don't be shy to apply that dielectric grease!

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