How do you prevent trailer connector contacts from corroding

Karl Konecny

New member
I'm still fairly new at boating in salt water and have a question: what is the best protocol for preventing trailer connector contacts from corroding? I'm having issues with intermittent connections to my trailer that appear to be caused by corrosion.
 
I second the importance of a good ground. I chased bad grounds last year on my trailer. Found out that the wiring was corroding under its insulation only getting 7 volts to the back of the trailer. Trailer is only 4 years old. I replaced all my wiring with heaver gauge tinned marine wiring, problem solved.

Not cheap at $1/ft. Having lighting issues before going to the ramp could wreck a good boating day.
 
Thanks for all the tips, I bought some contact cleaner and will give it a try. I've thought about dielectric grease but my truck sees lots of dusty roads and the cover on the trailer hookup doesn't keep all the grime out. I'm concerned the grease will just turn to mud, anybody have that problem?
 
We have used a light coat of the electrical grease or Corrosion block. The contact cleaner is just that: a cleaner. The corrosion block or grease is preventative maintenance.
 
I also agree that a dielectric grease is the proper way to attempt to reduce corrosion. It would also be a good idea to have that cleaner to clean out the dust/grime build up occasionally. The idea is to prevent salt water from contacting the electrical conduction areas and the grease will be most helpful in that regard. Good luck.
 
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