Hello Just using the trailer last Saturday for a dump run. It was early on a cold frosty day and the car windshield had a nice layer of snowy ice to scrape off. Well I connected up the trailer and off we went. Then I heard a thump and dragging and we pulls right over. We found that because of the ice, the trailer latch did not properly engage under the ball and popped off and pulled the light connectors apart, The chains kept it attached to the car but the trailer latch dragged on the pavement for a few feet. So I properly latched it on the ball after scraping out the ice and when I went to plug it in and to my dismay the wires were ruined! The tongue on the trailer must have dragged the wires on the asphalt!! So I picked up a new connected with wires and spiced it on. The lights are working now but here is my question? How can I protect the wires of this happens again? See pics below
I'm not trying to be smart but when you latch your trailer you should put a pin or bolt in the hole on the latch so this doesn't happen again. As far as the wires you could get some wire loom.
I was going to say the same thing. I like the pins with the clip that makes them stay in. Wire loom helps as well.
Me to on the pins.. Funny. I bought some firewood of my brother 2 or 3 years ago and he shows up with his 7x14 dump full of wood with no pin in the hitch. Kind of scarry if you think about it. He said he forgot it.. I gave him something to get him home.
Hello Thanks a lot guys. I got this trailer used and never heard about these lock pins! Looks like this should do it? Trailer Hitch Lock Coupler Locking Pin ??
Wire loom or maybe a piece of rubber hose , you would either have to cut the plug off or split the hose and tape it back around the wires. And yes , add a pin a bolt , lock ? = Something
There it is, that's what I use. These are cheap too. Now it won't keep anyone from unhooking the trailer or stealing the trailer, but it certainly won't be able to pop off while driving.
This^^^ is what i do also. Always put something thru the latch! Bolt, tie wire, bungee strap, lock...anything. And wire loom on the wires
Ok I have repaired many trailer wires from the same thing I usually upgrade the wiring to the heavier wire and plug assembly those flat connectors are ok but I prefer the std trailer plugs These are made by bargman trailer it may seem as a overkill but it should be a once an done repair you would also have a few extra wires you could add back up lights to your trailer which is something I add to many trailers JB
I apply Di-electrolytic grease to all electrical connections that are exposed to the elements. It keeps the moisture out and prevents the connections from getting corroded.
I have started adding a 2 foot extension when replacing damaged wiring harnesses. The harness plug is secured in a protected area on the frame with the extension being used in the area between the tow vehicle and trailer. A damaged extension can be quickly replaced.
The wire loom helps but there will still be some damage if the wires are directly trapped under the tongue. Don't have a foolproof answer for that. I have a Master lock similar to the one you pictured and it stays locked to the trailer, stored or towing, providing theft protection and a latch lock!
