Truck losing electronic connection to trailer

[AggieStream]

I have a 2019 F-250 and I'm pulling a 2019 Airstream 25FB Flying Cloud. Recently my truck alerts me that it's lost the connection to the trailer. When it does this, the trailer brakes quit working, but the the lights on the trailer continue to work. It will connect, re-connect, over and over again. If I get out and unplug and plug it back in that will sometimes fix the issue. Is there an easy way to fix this annoying problem?

My dad was told that Grote: Ultra Seal works. I wanted to check here first. Thanks!!

[rbs]

when the plug is inserted into the receptacle on your truck the receptacle cover closes over the plug catching the tit on the plug to hold it in place. We had the same issue and added a couple pieces of duct tape to the tit to make the connection tighter, end of issue. I'm going to do something a little more secure, but that was an on the road fix, and keep forgetting to look at it

[JonDNC]

Mine does that occasionally, either a small bungee cord or a Velcro wrap will keep the cover tight against the plug and help prevent what I call bounce out.

[waninae39]

try cleaning the connection each use and applying using dielectric grease
this will ensure a solid connection and keep is clean

[GCinSC2]

The trucks connection, is the cover hinged at the TOP, BOTTOM or SIDE?

Top hinged helps retain plug, side hinged hasn't made a commitment to holding plug in place and the bottom hinged really doesn't care.

But I bet if you replace the (assumed) Bargman V blade 7 way plug with a Pollak flat blade plug and use a small retainer bungee or similar communication will be restored and maintained.

Seems like the V shaped receptacle and V shaped plug don't play well together. A frequent complaint. The flat blade pushes against the V and forces a better contact by compressing the V a bit.

[knunut]

Had other odd messages (Trailer was not even connected) on 18 F250 . Ford replace 7 pin cable connector. Believe there is a Service Bulletin on it.

[Losman]

Same thing happened to my 2012 F-150 pulling our 2019 FC. The problem was easily solved by replacing the truck's connector at the bumper. The part was $28: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It took all of 15 mins to swap out (if that).

Good luck!

Carlos

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by waninae39

try cleaning the connection each use and applying using dielectric grease
this will ensure a solid connection and keep is clean

^
X2

I also add a reusable zip-tie to hold the plug securely.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[JPSpins]

Originally Posted by AggieStream

I have a 2019 F-250 and I'm pulling a 2019 Airstream 25FB Flying Cloud. Recently my truck alerts me that it's lost the connection to the trailer. When it does this, the trailer brakes quit working, but the the lights on the trailer continue to work. It will connect, re-connect, over and over again. If I get out and unplug and plug it back in that will sometimes fix the issue. Is there an easy way to fix this annoying problem?

My dad was told that Grote: Ultra Seal works. I wanted to check here first. Thanks!!

Same problem with my 2016 Canyon was resolved with an easy electrical tape gasket around the trailer's connector. One turn around did the trick.

[SilverFire]

This can be symptomatic trailering in the NorthWest wet weather. I sometimes will first spray WD-40 on my 7 pin connecter to displace moisture, wipe it down and follow up with a squirt of quick-drying electronic cleaner to resolve connection issues (3 key spray items I carry WD-40, Silicone spray, electronic cleaner).

[URL="https://www.walmart.com/ip/CRC-5103-Quick-Dry-Electronic-Cleaner-11-Wt-Oz/16817418?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1010186 10&&adid=22222222227009475209&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3 =42535874672&wl4=aud-1028050746378la-81197605832&wl5=9033026&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl1 0=214092849&wl11=online&wl12=16817418&veh=sem&gcli d=Cj0KCQiAlsv_BRDtARIsAHMGVSYThbk0HleYaCh38XOR75FY T2jbtCRmXRz32v6sIDd-_1iUuoAebEUaAm6oEALw_wcB"]

[stevegilmore]

My would do the same thing. I use a heavy duty rubberband, keep a few in my tool kit just incase.

[LSGAirstream]

X 2 on the tape. We use electrical tape to make the plug fit a little snugger. FWIW, we also got a lot of messages about loss of connection and other features (BLIS, Cross traffic alert etc) but more importantly, our GPS went berserk. All cleared up with $0.20 cents of electrical tape. Repeat as necessary.

[HunterC]

I just had this issue as well; ended up being a bad ground in the actual trailer plug. Changed it out and works like a charm. I would have a decent 12V electrician take a look at it. Good Luck!

[Jsailmo]

I had the same issue on a 2019 F150 with max tow pkg. The dealer replaced the plug under warranty which solved the issue.

Good Luck!

[dstalzer]

I was frequently getting a "Trailer Disconnected" message so I tried all kinds of things and it did not get better. This year I replaced the brakes on the Airstream and discovered one of the wires connected to one of the brakes was broken. After having connected and shrink wrap sealing the wires to the new brake assemblies, I have not had any more "Trailer Disconnected" messages.

Dennis

[MaineStreamer]

I have had the same problem with my Ram 1500 at the end of the 2020 season. When removing the batteries for the winter, I found that the connector to one of the battery posts was loose; loose enough to pull off without unscrewing the connector clamp. I suspect that was the cause of my intermittent dashboard messages of the brake connection going off and on.

Other cables in the system can also be the problem.

[jcwall]

I had this exact issue. Intermittent disconnection. I used electrical contact cleaner, cleaned the contacts and applied dielectric grease. It was worse. It would constantly go on and off. I took some forceps and bent the female connectors to narrow the opening of all 6 pins. The fit was really tight and the problem was solved.

[StreamDog]

My identical problem with our 2018 Tundra was cured with a software update by the dealer.

[CinTerLine]

Originally Posted by AggieStream

I have a 2019 F-250 and I'm pulling a 2019 Airstream 25FB Flying Cloud. Recently my truck alerts me that it's lost the connection to the trailer. When it does this, the trailer brakes quit working, but the the lights on the trailer continue to work. It will connect, re-connect, over and over again. If I get out and unplug and plug it back in that will sometimes fix the issue. Is there an easy way to fix this annoying problem?



My dad was told that Grote: Ultra Seal works. I wanted to check here first. Thanks!!

I had same issue with 2019 Bambi and Brand new 2019 Tundra. Dealer originally claimed it was a Tundra issue. Toyota dealer checked it thoroughly and said it was an Airstream issue. After nearly a year of dangerous driving, Airstream authorized complete replacement of braking system. Worked great and a Montana hail storm totaled the rig. Now towing 25ft Flying Cloud with no issues. Good luck. Be persistent!

[solomon.m]

I had the same message on my 2020 F150. Tried the bungee cord to better seat the 7 pin into the receptacle on the TV, a bit better but still the occasional error message. Ultimately I replaced the 7-pin on AS with this one
https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Pollak/PK12706.html
and lengthened the umbilical to have a bit more slack in turns with the Hensley and the error messages stopped