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Topic: Trailer plug connector cleaner and protectant (Read 179 times) previous topic - next topic
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Trailer plug connector cleaner and protectant
I am looking for a contact cleaner and lube to spray on the pins of hard-to-insert trailer plugs. I can find cleaners that tout that they leave no residue, but I would like to leave a residue of a lubricant to allow the pins to slide into the sockets smoothly.

I don’t think I want a dielectric grease as a lubricant, since I want low resistance between the contact surfaces, and the point of a dielectric is to be non-conductive.

Anyone have a suggestion?
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
Re: Trailer plug connector cleaner and protectant
Reply #1 –

Keith-

You could try a silicone lubricant spray first. It dries, after which it should not pick up dirt.

Here is a link from a Web article to a combination contact cleaner and silicone spray (MG Chemicals 404B). I have not tried it, so can't recommend it one way or the other.

I have successfully used dielectric grease. The contacts scrape off most of what I apply, so that there's no significant insulating effect. The drawback is that dielectric grease is, well, greasy. It will pick up dirt. I must be careful not to drop the cable ends on the ground.

Mark H.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Trailer plug connector cleaner and protectant
Reply #2 –
Ditto

I use the dielectric as a thin coating on both toad and coach connections.  Thin coat.

Allows nice smooth insert of the male plugs, and seems to insulate and lubricate the pins.  If is also water resistant.

Every so often if the connections appear to pick up road dirt, I simply dip the ends in a small amount of alcohol and shake.

Has worked every time.

Cheers!

Tony R (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: Trailer plug connector cleaner and protectant
Reply #3 –
Dielectric grease is your LD's best friend for the electrical system.
While the grease is technically an insulator, it's ultra-low viscosity allows the grease to flow out of the direct metal to metal contact in the plugs. The grease surrounding the connections keeps water out and prevent corrosion. It's also a lubricant.

Consider dummy plugs for the towing connection and breakaway switch, to keep out debris when the plug(s) are not being actively used. Any residual grease in the exposed plug will collect dirt.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: Trailer plug connector cleaner and protectant
Reply #4 –
Use cleaner on all contacts until contact is reliable and consistent w/o lubricant. Then use the dielectric grease.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit