Corroded 4 pin flat trailer plug?
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 266
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Corroded 4 pin flat trailer plug?
I have had the exact same problem with my ranger and now my '04 f150; The 4 pin flat trailer plug on my truck corrodes out after a couple years...
Oddly enough, the only pin to ever corrode on either truck was the running light pin (pin nearest the ground pin). The other three never even started turning blue!! I tried coating it with grease, anti sieze, copper gasket compound and just about every product local parts store carried and couldn't stop the corrosion! Anyone else have the same problem??
OEM Replacement for the ranger was over $30. I assume a replacement for the f150 will be at least as much. I think it is time to mount an aftermarket product with a 6 or 7 prong and 4 prong, so I have more trailer options. Any suggestions on what to get? should I just install a 7 prong and buy adaptors?
TIA- jim
Oddly enough, the only pin to ever corrode on either truck was the running light pin (pin nearest the ground pin). The other three never even started turning blue!! I tried coating it with grease, anti sieze, copper gasket compound and just about every product local parts store carried and couldn't stop the corrosion! Anyone else have the same problem??
OEM Replacement for the ranger was over $30. I assume a replacement for the f150 will be at least as much. I think it is time to mount an aftermarket product with a 6 or 7 prong and 4 prong, so I have more trailer options. Any suggestions on what to get? should I just install a 7 prong and buy adaptors?
TIA- jim
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,604
Likes: 148
From: SE Georgia
over in the car section of Wallyworld they sell universal trailer wiring kits. buy one of those (they're less than $10) and cut off your old one. then wire on the new one. Some of them even have a rubber plug that seals the pins when not being used.
easy and cheap. just make sure to get some of that heat shrink stuff and electrical tape to prevent corrosion/shorts.
easy and cheap. just make sure to get some of that heat shrink stuff and electrical tape to prevent corrosion/shorts.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 266
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the only problem...
the only problem with the wally world plugs is that they don't have that $20 piece of moulding to mount it solidly in the original spot. I really dislike the plug dangling around.... I guess I shouldn't be complaining...
-jim
-jim
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,604
Likes: 148
From: SE Georgia
yeah, good point. I've looked at my plug only 1 time to make sure I had the tow package.
you could try threading the pins out 1 by 1 and then putting the replacements in the same housing. seems like alot of trouble though.
you could try threading the pins out 1 by 1 and then putting the replacements in the same housing. seems like alot of trouble though.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 4
From: Sunny tourist infested FL
Try a product called CorrosionX. This stuff is electrically neutral and can be sprayed on live electrical equipment. It displaces water, cleans and protects. It will not eat plastic like some contact cleaners.
Here's their website www.corrosionx.com
Here's their website www.corrosionx.com
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14,413
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
I was at Wal-Mart the other day and they had a 7 way and 4 pin truck side plug that you could swap in. That way you have both connections available. It was about $35 or so (Canadian dollars).
I wish I would have seen in a week earlier and I would have bought it for my 2001 instead of just the 7 way. DOH!
-Matt
I wish I would have seen in a week earlier and I would have bought it for my 2001 instead of just the 7 way. DOH!
-Matt
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 939
Likes: 1
I dont know what the plug looks like you guys are talking about but I had a extension for my plug (4 way flat) and it got corroded. I took my dremel tool with a file bit on the end of it and cleaned it up and it worked great. Then added some dielectric grease to it.
Just a thought..
Just a thought..
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
mine corroded out and i bought a 7-pin round to 4 pin adapter. i just use that for everything now. now that i think about it i guess you would have to have the 7 pin trailer tow for that to work. if you do, then thats an option too.
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