Replacing the trailer electrical connection socket question

[Crunch]

Connected a trailer yesterday and only the left light on the back of the trailer was working. The friend I tow for had connected it to his truck and it worked fine. In looking at the pins on the connection in my truck I noticed that it looks like there is some corrosion. Before I buy a new one I'm going to remove it and test for current to the back of the truck, pre-socket. If it checks out OK I'll replace the connector.

That opens up the question as to whether this is one of those parts that absolutely positively should be replaced with the OEM part, any off the shelf part or is there another brand that is hands down better than the OEM part. My friend was at Northern today and sent me some pictures of what they had. It must be a pretty standard part because the same connector fits several models of GMC, Ford and Dodge.

Any thoughts on the way to go?

 

[seafish]

Check and for corrosion on the pins inside the connector and on the back of the connector as well.
I replaced mine about 6 years ago with an after market one from etrailer after the cover cracked off the original and it has been working fine.

 

[brucejohnson]

Connected a trailer yesterday and only the left light on the back of the trailer was working. The friend I tow for had connected it to his truck and it worked fine. In looking at the pins on the connection in my truck I noticed that it looks like there is some corrosion. Before I buy a new one I'm going to remove it and test for current to the back of the truck, pre-socket. If it checks out OK I'll replace the connector.

That opens up the question as to whether this is one of those parts that absolutely positively should be replaced with the OEM part, any off the shelf part or is there another brand that is hands down better than the OEM part. My friend was at Northern today and sent me some pictures of what they had. It must be a pretty standard part because the same connector fits several models of GMC, Ford and Dodge.

Any thoughts on the way to go?

Try cleaning it up first. A little corrosion is common.
As far as replacements, quality varies significantly. I prefer OEM, or one of the big RV suppliers as their connectors are sturdy and clamp the connections tight. Some of the less expensive have wimpy single slide contact blades, not made with heavier, springy clamping contacts and most cheap ones are made with inferior metals and generally do not last as long.

 

[BigPapa]

I had a problem with mine once where the terminals in then connector had been mashed flat where they’re folded over. I spread them back out just a little and all was good.