trailer disconnect

kiwi2000 · 07-03-2012, 06:55 AM

I am wondering if anyone is experiencing this issue I am currently having. I see it is definitely an issue as the internet is full of this problem.

After picking up my 5th I noticed right away that the dash display showed "trailer connect", then "trailer disconnect" about every 60 seconds followed by a chime, nice. Of course that is when the 5th is connected.

A trip to the ford dealer indicated it might be the 7 pin. I had it replaced. It tested O.K. Back on the road same issue.

I went to the people that installed the hitch they suggested running a new wire for the 7 pin, tested O.K. Same problem still exists.

It is a 2010 F250 super cab diesel and 2010 Montana Mountaineer.

Is it the trailer or truck or a combination of both?

From what I have read online it appears the electric brakes of the Keystone cause issue with the Tow command of the Ford.

Ford has claimed no issues exist, (of course) and will not correspond on this issue.

Has anyone been able to over come this?

JBE-Dad · 07-03-2012, 07:28 AM

I've had the same problem while pulling one of my cargo trailers. No problem with 5th wheel, no problem with the car hauler, only my smaller trailer. We found that there was a short in the trailer wiring. I had the pigtail replaced and all worked fine from then on.

DJ85 · 07-03-2012, 08:40 AM

I had a 26ft jayco that did the same thing. I would have to spray some dielectic spray on the both connectors each time I hooked up and the problem would not happen. I found it would do it everytime I turned the corner. I don't think it's the truck because my 5th wheel doesn't do it at all.

kiwi2000 · 07-03-2012, 09:32 AM

Quote:

dielectic spray

That is a cheap try anyway. Mine does it every time I apply the brakes.

kiwi2000 · 07-03-2012, 04:59 PM

I have been to Home depot and part source where do i find dielectic spray?

SteveC7010 · 07-03-2012, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiwi2000

I have been to Home depot and part source where do i find dielectic spray?

Electrical aisle. Also available as a grease in a tube. Any auto parts store will have it, too.

66ken · 07-04-2012, 06:03 AM

My son also owns a 2010 Ford with the tow package that has the same problem. The truck plug seems to be a little larger than the trailer plug. We were able to put a wedge beside the plug to keep it tight. My thought is that Ford bought some cheap plugs to mount on these trucks.

DJ85 · 07-04-2012, 09:21 AM

I also found that if I pushed the connector in and wiggled it back and forth it would not do it as well. Is there anything you can buy now a days that just doesn'y scream cheap. I think you are on to something with the plug not fitting tight any bad connection in either plug, (truck or camper) in will send the truck into a trailer disconnect problem. The dielectic spray cleans the connections and keeps them for oxidizing. The connection have a coating on them to keep this from happening thats why the say to never clean the connector with anything abrasive material.

kiwi2000 · 07-09-2012, 08:28 AM

I found some product at Canadian tire, going to try it out tomorrow. If it does not work I suppose it is off to the Rv dealer truck and all.

kiwi2000 · 07-10-2012, 01:06 PM

Well the return went well the "trailer connect/ disconnect", only went of 5 or 6 times the entire trip as opposed to 5 or 6 times per minute!

Still not quite good enough but much better, thank you for the suggestion.

The dielectric I purchased was a tube of liquid, quite thick. I suppose I can try more liquid in the connection area along with fiddling with the connection as well for next trip.

DJ85 · 07-10-2012, 01:12 PM

Sounds like your on the right track it is a connection probblem not a truck or trailer problem at least. Just make sure the connections are tight.

DJ85 · 07-10-2012, 01:15 PM

Forgot to add that adding more silcome is not a good idea. In this case a little dab will do ya.

randy69 · 07-10-2012, 01:21 PM

I had the same problems. But now I use a large tyRap to hold the 5th wheel plug in tight. Works great, no more problems.

kiwi2000 · 07-10-2012, 03:04 PM

Quote:

I use a large tyRap to hold the 5th wheel plug in tight.

So where do I get this item? any size or ?

rhagfo · 07-10-2012, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiwi2000

So where do I get this item? any size or ?

Try a length of double sided Velcro, HD or Lowe's carry it and it is reusable and easy to remove.

I would also double check the ground connection on both sides of the connector. Trailer and truck frame.

Johnnyfry · 07-10-2012, 08:45 PM

I have had problems with the trailer connection since day one. It is simply unreliable. The guy who designed this connector pair should be shot! I have had to pry the pins on the female side to make better contact, used contact cleaner spray. Nothing seems to work long term. I do find that once I am able to establish contact it works OK until I disconnect -- it would be really bad news to fail on a long downgrade!!

I haven't found any suitable substitutes, possibly the design they use on semi's could be used ( any semi drivers out there who could comment?)

John

kiwi2000 · 07-11-2012, 05:19 AM

Quote:

it would be really bad news to fail on a long downgrade

John that is not the case for myself at all. Everything works all the time except I get the pesky chime and message on the truck dash. The lube really helped and I will try to make the connection more secure.

hankaye · 07-11-2012, 06:22 AM

Johnnyfry, Howdy;

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnnyfry

I haven't found any suitable substitutes, possibly the design they use on semi's could be used ( any semi drivers out there who could comment?)
John

The 7-pin 'spade' connector style is the same as used on the 'Big trucks'.
Corrosion can and will be a problem if you don't keep the connectors clean.

I'm of the opinion that tying your trailer to the tow vehical is not a good thing.
You'll probably end up (sooner or later), replaceing more than is necessary.

hankaye

SteveC7010 · 07-11-2012, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiwi2000

So where do I get this item? any size or ?

Electrical aisle of any hardware or home improvement store. Also called cable ties or wire ties.

rhagfo · 07-11-2012, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66ken

My son also owns a 2010 Ford with the tow package that has the same problem. The truck plug seems to be a little larger than the trailer plug. We were able to put a wedge beside the plug to keep it tight. My thought is that Ford bought some cheap plugs to mount on these trucks.

For $20 to $30 I would just replace both sides of the connector. That would most likely solve your problem. You could have some corrosion on a screw terminal or some thing like that.
I would be tearing apart for a better look at this point for sure.

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