Umbilical Cord Plug Maintenance?

[RVDreamer]

Does anyone have tips on the proper maintenance and products to use on the umbilical plug that connects the TV to the trailer?

My plug is getting a lot of dirt and moisture in the end and I am not sure what the proper cleaning procedure is or what electrical neutral jelly to use for lube.

Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I use this for the plug end & contacts, male & female.
Comes in handy for a lot of things, stays in the AS tool kit.

Also........route the cord thru a D-ring on the ball lock and secure the plug with a zip-tie and bad things won't happen.



Bob

[idroba]

I use a spray contact cleaner, I think it is CC brand, often available at full line ACE type hardware stores. Spray both the plug and TV socket and push it in and pull it out several times to clean things out.

That said, the umbilical cord plug and TV socket take a lot of abuse and do corrode and get just worn out. Replacement is often a good thing after a few years of service. When you look for new plugs and sockets, look inside to see that the contacts are brass colored. There are a large number of silver colored plated steel contacts showing up at the RV parts stores and places like Wal Mart these days. The plating is not silver, just that color, and the fittings are mostly JUNK. You may have to look a bit for brass ones but they are well worth the time to get good ones.

[RVDreamer]

Thank you for the responses.

What is everybody using for the electrical neutral jelly that was in the plug to keep moisture out and help guard against corrosion?

[cwf]

Clean well, lube up.. Always great for recreational activities.

I then hang the "end" under the propane bottles. Keeps out of rain and dirt.

[SeeMore]

I use a 100% silicone dielectric grease to flood the plug after cleaning it out with an aerosol can spray (TechSpray's G3 contact cleaner). I clean the plug & socket twice a year during use; a cleaning/grease application is done before storage over winter.

[J. Morgan]

If it comes to a point where the plug or socket need replacing, consider changing to the seven pin commercial (round pin) plug and socket. These will last for years without problems, and as a bonus the cord itself can be replaced in any truckstop or Napa type store nationwide.

http://www.etrailer.com/question-27196.html


1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow

[cwf]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

If it comes to a point where the plug or socket need replacing, consider changing to the seven pin commercial (round pin) plug and socket. These will last for years without problems, and as a bonus the cord itself can be replaced in any truckstop or Napa type store nationwide.

Wiring Diagram for 7-Way Round Pin Trailer and Vehicle Side Connectors | etrailer.com


1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow

You "can" install the "vehicle" side on the AS then cable up an umbilical to go between the AS and TV. Remove the cable when storing.

[B00merang]

Based on personal experience Mr. Cross' advice re securing the plug to the TV with something like a zip tie is the most important advice....having lost this connection one time on a steep downhill grade in PA...thus having no camper brakes to help...was an experience I never want to repeat. Mr. Cross's advice can save your AS (and more). Safe travels. jon

[RAH]

I just ordered a cover for the 7 pin cord, when not in use.
From Fastway Trailer Products. $5.95

[cwf]

Originally Posted by RAH

I just ordered a cover for the 7 pin cord, when not in use.
From Fastway Trailer Products. $5.95

Don't store with the connector hanging in a way it can capture water. That could short the wires and the 12v+ line causing issues like battery drain.

[idroba]

That cover will hold the water in the plug very well. I want mine to drain.