Parkliner '14 - replacing 7-pin / entire cord?

[UrbanSurfer]

The 7-pin does not consistently keep a contact while driving. We can see this by the side running lights being off.

That means the rear lights and directionals are not working either. Our 2020 Subaru Ascent receptacle is clean and solid. I have cleaned the gunk out of the plug, taken a flat pick and aligned the contacts.

We push it in and get it seated tight. If lights are on, we go. Sometimes we have to use a cardboard shim around the edge of the receptacle to make the contact happen.

Not a permanent solution. Am wondering, do you just get the plug replaced?

Or is it smarter to replace the entire cord. (it disappears into the Parkliner and we don't see where it ends) - thanks

[Dave Fish]

Earlier has a replacement plug for about $15. I kind of prefer the plug and cord combination to assure that it is waterproof.

I changed from 4 to 7 plug to get the extra circuits on my Campster using the molded plug/cord and a junction box on the tongue. That might be an option for you if you can'tfind or reach the terminus inside your trailer. I remember on our Casita that it was on the floor at the back of the closet behind a panel. Not easily reached but not impossible either.

[Joe MacDonald]

low temperature cord is available , it's a molded plug and cord assembly
CURT 56613 Extreme Temperature
Cold Weather 7-Pin RV Blade Trailer Wiring Harness Plug
10-Foot Blunt-Cut Wires


Joe

[UrbanSurfer]

thank you both for the reply. This is Not something I'll be doing myself.

I'm inquiring with the only 2-places we might use, an RV service biz in North Jersey and a local auto repair center / RV'er enthusiast.

I'll be sure to ask about the specific part / quality of cord & 7-pin.

[CharlesinGA]

DO NOT attempt to, or have, just the plug replaced. There are some rather good sized wires in that harness and its darn near impossible to get all of the strands in each connector and tighten up the screws.

The very best thing to do is buy a new 7 pin with cord. You can get them in various lengths. Measure the cord all the way from the connector to the junction box (which may be inside of or outside of, the trailer)

Bargman is probably as good a quality as you can get, and yes, they do make them with a cold weather jacket that remains flexible at low temps.

The pin positions vs function is standard, however there are two different wire color patterns used. Etrailer is one source but there are many.

Charles

Charles

[UrbanSurfer]

thank you for the input, Charles +1

[Wayne Collins]

In any case, be sure to get both the plug and the socket from the same manufacturer to be sure they fit properly.
I would just replace the 7 pin plug on the trailer cord.
Any experienced electrician can do it.

[Friz]

If you are on the road, and the connector gets intermittent, find a fingernail file.
The finer the better. May have to trim it narrower to fit the connector fingers.
A relay contact burnishing strip w/be the ideal tool. GC Electronics 9338
After a while you will wear off the plating, and replacement will be necessary.

[Mike_L]

These trailer plugs are subject to sunlight, water and road debris exposure over time that degrades and corrodes their contacts etc. They are readily available. cheap to purchase. easily replaced but difficult to repair effectively.
Ensure the new plug fits the connection on your tug. The new plug should come with a wiring diagram or you can look it up on line as this is a standard arrangement.
Connect the wires one at a time in the same pattern as the original plug.
Inspect the wiring looking for cracks in the insulation, corrosion or other damage and replace as necessary.

[War Eagle]

It's worth checking the contact terminals within the receptacle on your tow vehicle. We once had a similar problem, and it turned out the tow vehicle's plastic receptacle housing had broken internally, letting one of the contact terminals "float", sometimes making contact, sometimes not. We had the tow vehicle's receptacle replaced. Problem solved. Best of luck.