7 Pin sockets, be careful!

[RonD]

I took off the plastic covers off my 12S & 12N sockets to check all was OK and found the cover on the 12S appeared to have held about an inch of water which had corroded a few pins. I had to replace the socket. I'm tempted to leave the covers off to stop this happening again. Maybe a check of yours is a good idea?

Ron

 

[JTS]

Ron D.

This happened to me a few years back. The solution is simple, drill a 1/4" hole in the bottom of the socket cover, any moisture that enters drains away. As an added precaution I also give the the socket a quick spray with silacon oil before I push the cover on.

Good luck. JTS.

 

[RonD]

Thanks JTS, I thought about something like that...good tip. I did spray the new socket with WD40, hoping that would help.

 

[xtrailman]

I've had the same problem in the early days of towing, tried the hole in the bottom of the cover, found it still held water.

So now i leave the covers of permanently, and have had no problems. It might not look as pretty, but it works, no covers.

The important thing to do is liberally smear/pack silicon grease inside both plug and socket, this prevents the "green thing", and stops the galvanised cable connection screws from rusting.

I also spray silicon oil, or WD40 onto the outside pin/sockets etc.

 

[MikeJE]

For much the same reason I drilled holes in the recesses on the 'A' frame fairing which accomodate the two plugs when not connected to the car.

 

[xtrailman]

On my 2004 bailey, the plug holders are a joke, as said they hold water, i have never used them.

Invest in a hitch cover, my plugs spend there life under this cover, only getting wet when towing. Also put the break away cable under to stop the end rusting.