12 Pin trailer plug - keeping it secure
Submitted: Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 14:15
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outback epicurean
Hi
Just replaced the old 7 Pin plug with flat 12 pin unit (New van!). In the past, I have always used an elastic band to keep the 7 pin cap in place around the unit and stop the plug rattling out on corrugated roads (learnt the hard way!).
Just wondering if people have had any similar issues with the 12 pin units and any simple ways to stop the plug rattling out. Very smooth main unit and hard to secure an elastic band around the 2 halves.
many thanks
Reply By: Gronk - Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 14:18
Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 14:18
Never had a prob myself, but if you're worried, instead of a rubber band...use a bigger rubber band !!.....cut off say 100mm from a motor bike tube ( probably a small one like a postie bike ) and slip that over it ..
AnswerID:
554561
Reply By: Notso - Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 14:19
Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 14:19
My old flat 7 pin had a latch on it that hooked the plug and socket together, don't they all have that?
AnswerID:
554562
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 14:55
Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 14:55
I have been using a flat 7 pin socket/plug combination for years without any problem.
The spring loaded cover includes a couple of lugs that when opened and the plug inserted, provides a mechanical locking arrangement.
Actually, I lie!
Have had the plug exit the socket on one occasion when I hit a washout and smashed the socket to bits.
It's in a bugger of a location and I just have never got around to moving it:-)
AnswerID:
554565
Reply By: HKB Electronics - Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 17:24
Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 17:24
Never had the problem myself either but if your worried why not use
a reuseable cable tie?
AnswerID:
554571
Follow Up By: outback epicurean - Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 17:51
Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 17:51
thanks, all good ideas and will try thee large rubber band
FollowupID:
840693
Reply By: Member - Chooky and Wobble - Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 19:45
Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 19:45
The flat 12 pin unit should be kept in place by the spring loaded lid. If it doesnt you have a faulty unit. The flat 7 pin is the same.
AnswerID:
554577
Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 22:44
Thursday, Jun 04, 2015 at 22:44
One of the problems with the strain device being the cover flap is that if you mix brands they may not mate properly. I have generally used Brylite products. The flap on the 12 pin socket holds both the 7 and 12 pin plug properly. However one caravan repair place replaced the plug with a cheap brand and the Brylight socket cover flap would not mate properly with the new plug.
Check you have properly mating units with the strain device before fitting them.
FollowupID:
840705
Follow Up By: Sigmund - Friday, Jun 05, 2015 at 04:10
Friday, Jun 05, 2015 at 04:10
Anderson plugs eg can rattle apart. I've had it three times. Using a locking mount or cable ties can save you a lot of hassle.
FollowupID:
840708
Follow Up By: TomH - Friday, Jun 05, 2015 at 08:59
Friday, Jun 05, 2015 at 08:59
If Anderson plugs are pulling apart they are either not mating properly or the cable is too short.
I had two bolted together and had to buy the little T shaped handle to get them apart. Could never get them separated without it.
FollowupID:
840711
Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Friday, Jun 05, 2015 at 09:38
Friday, Jun 05, 2015 at 09:38
I would say if you are having problems with good quality trailer plugs/sockets or Anderson plugs then there is a bit of maintenance required.
Check that you have the correct length of leads,
check the leads don't dangle into a danger area and replace plug/socket combinations that are worn or otherwise don't mate properly.
Plugs without the necessary mechanical strain relief are the only ones that have become disconnected on my rig.
FollowupID:
840715
Reply By: vk1dx - Friday, Jun 05, 2015 at 09:27
Friday, Jun 05, 2015 at 09:27
Similar response to others above. We have never had an issue with our metal pair. The spring loaded lid on the socket sits over some extrusions on the plug.
I also keep it clean by hosing it with a strong jet, even when not used. Maybe dust is the lid hinge or spring is the problem.
This is a very similar pair on ebay (Item#: 321519121469):
AnswerID:
554586
Reply By: Kenrconn - Friday, Jun 05, 2015 at 11:10
Friday, Jun 05, 2015 at 11:10
I too, have never had a problem with the 12 pin flat plug. BUT
mine has a cover on the plug that is hinged to it opens horizontally and will go down the side of the socket and lock on to the socket. It also has the cover to the socket which is hinged and opens vertically. This then locks on to the top of the plug and holds that in place as
well. The only problem that I have had is with the rubber boot on the plug not being long enough or flexible enough to allow the wires to manouvre. This was fixed by the used of silicone tape. The new WONDER-HELPER to all travelers.
AnswerID:
554594