The umbilical that came with my travel trailer (Jayco 30FBS) has started to split at the plug that inserts into the truck socket, exposing the wires inside.
I guess I could wire on a new plug but there would still be strain on the connection. Have any of you come up with any novel ways to provide strain relief, like maybe a spring or something?
I would replace the entire cable if I could find one with an effective strain relief built in at the plug, but I have not. If you know of any on the market, I would appreciate a tip...
You can buy plugs attached to a length of wire ready to be spliced in at most RV stores......just cut the existing plug off and splice in the new one leaving some extra length so it wont happen again. Make sure that the colour of wires matches eg; yellow to yellow red to red. Use electrical tape on each individual wire and then on the main wire to keep rain and water out. If you have access to heat shrink rubber conectors they are the best.
I have always attached (ie: crimped one hook on the umbilical) a bungee cord to mine and put the other end into the hole in the TV bumper, just above the 7-pin connector. This is mainly to keep it from falling out and dragging down the highway. Happened once, a long time ago!
Otherwise, I would just wrap it good with electrical tape.
Dusty & Lindsay
Sadie the "Lassie" type collie
Oakland Maryland and Tierra Verde, FL
Our 3rd TT is an '02 26' Nomad Scout
Ford F150
I am planning on cutting my wiring harness at the front end of the trailer, then adding a vehicle-side socket. I am then going to make up a pigtail to go between the vehicle and the trailer, which I will remove when not in tow -- should save weathering and the like.
I would suggest (if possible) pulling the plug off the wires and inspecting the terminals. If the outer sheath is damaged, water may have gotten in and corroded the contacts. Patch it back up with heat shrink, and you shouldn't have to worry about moisture.
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