Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

Dryrot

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 13, 2004
Messages
32
Does anyone have a quick fix to clean the male and female ends of a trailer connector that attaches to the back of a truck for the lights, brakes etc.? Somebody said to put brake fluid on them to clean the oxidation from the metal. Does that work? Any other suggestions?
 

ZodFutMk2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 6, 2005
Messages
162
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

Personally, I use WD40 and fine grit emery cloth and that's only when they really need it.<br /><br />Spray the connector, slip the emery cloth over the end of a flat bladed screwdriver and rub it over the metal and you're done.<br /><br />I'd be concerned the brake fluid would break down the rubber or plastic body of the connector.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

Prevention is better than cure.<br /><br />Cut the plug and socket off a spare harness and connect the now blank plug and socket to the truck and the trailer when they are not in use.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 

Major Woods

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 7, 2001
Messages
317
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

WD-40 and a small round wire brush. Then dialetic grease on the pins.<br /><br />Walmart has plug covers to keep out the dirt & debri.
 

craze1cars

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 26, 2004
Messages
1,822
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

They're cheap. Dirt/grease is one thing that can be blown out with just about any solvent in a spray can, but in my opinion they're not worth trying to clean up if you indeed have some corrosion present. The last thing you want when towing in the dark is to have only 80% certainty that you have a good connection. I'd just buy a new matched set and replace both ends.
 

briannh1234

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 19, 2003
Messages
233
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

My connector on my truck was corroded real bad. I cut it off and replaced it with a new connector. I also moved it so that instead of being in the weather (under the truck bed) I moved it into the truck bed. I have a cover on the bed as well.<br /><br />End result - It's been several years and there is still no corrosion. <br /><br />- Brian
 

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

Electrical contact cleaner and protectant (Radio shack or The Source now) and an old toothbrush. If its really badly corroded don't waste the time trying to clean it. Buy a new end and replace it.
 

all thumbs

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 22, 2005
Messages
438
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

I've seen mechanics at our garage use a wire brush made for male and female ends. Our plugs at work are round so they won't work for my flat type. I have to believe someone makes a flat version of this but I can't seem to locate one.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

I use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water ( in a small spray bottle, in my toolkit) to keep everything clean.<br /><br />WD-40 to protect.
 

Dryrot

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 13, 2004
Messages
32
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

Thanks everyone for your replies . I will try some of your ideas for cleaning the contacts. The connections are not corroded, just dirty.
 

fseries

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 18, 2005
Messages
46
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

put some grease or vasoline on the ends
 

notarealone

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 21, 2005
Messages
36
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

The best way to clean corrosion on electric wires is mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda into 8 ounces of water. Then either brush on or soak for 2 hours. Then clean and shine with steel wool or emery paper. For the female connector, use a round wire brush from a .22 rifle cleaning kit or a .18 air pistol cleaning kit.
 

imported_bjs

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 21, 2005
Messages
368
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

but youre taking off the protection thats already gone.so youre back to square one replace the connectors tractor supply has all that stuff.when i back my trailer into the water i unplug it from the truck.
 

notarealone

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 21, 2005
Messages
36
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

If you want protection there is a white paste that is available that is a conductor but will not allow the metal to oxidize.<br />Under no circumstances put grease or vaseline on any electrical connection.
 

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

'If you want protection there is a white paste that is available that is a conductor but will not allow the metal to oxidize.'<br /><br />Its called dieletric grease. Available at most automotive suppliers. Expensive but effective.
 

jeff_nicholas

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 2, 2002
Messages
174
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

For the vehicle (female) end of the connector I use toothpaste (extremely mildly abrasive) or Soft Scrub (Comet Cleanser) on a Q-tip in a power drill. Flush with plenty of water then pack w/ dielectric grease. For the male portions, Scotchbrite.
 

rwidman

Lieutenant
Joined
May 27, 2004
Messages
1,396
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

One person suggested electrical contact cleaner (from Radio Shack or another electronics store). That was the best answer. Brake fluid, WD40, etc. will not clean the contacts although they may protect them from further corrosion.<br /><br />Spray the electrical contact cleaner onto the connections, brush wirh an old toothbrush (some contact cleaners come with a built in brush), and spray again to remove residue. Repeat if necessary. After cleaning, protect the connections with dielectric grease (available at auto parts stores). Dielectric grease will tend to pick up dirt so cover the plugs when not in use.
 

MrBill

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
710
Re: Cleaning trailer plug connectors?

Use electrical contact spray available from several manufacturers stocked by all home centers, Home Depot etc in the electrical dept. Also, keep from corroding by using electric contact paste for use in electrical connections of dis-similar metals. Use the paste to prevent corrosion and maintain good connectivity, and the spray to clean connections.<br /><br />WD-40 works well but the stuff that's made for electrical connections is the best...
 
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