Trailer light cable vibrating loose

[Oldtom]

I tow a small pop up camper with my Dodge Caravan. The pop up has electric brakes, stop lights and turn signals powered by a standard 7 pin trailer plug mounted on the rear bumper. Lately, the trailer cable plug is vibrating part way out of the socket, killing the brakes and lights. Losing the trailer brakes suddenly could be dangerous. The parts look to be in good shape, with no wear or damage.

How do you secure the plug to keep it from vibrating loose? I use a lot of paracord to tie the cable in place but, this is cumbersome.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[skyactiv]

A 7 way round should have a tab on the spring loaded cover to prevent the socket from coming out. I'm thinking of a semi truck however.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SHBO2Q2/ref...la-314214739640

 

[clinebarger]

Something is worn/broke or your dealing with cheap components?

 

[spasm3]

Is the socket door present? Usually there is a tab on the plug that is held by a tab on the outlet door.

This one is well made and has good reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009F5D81O/ref...026728&sr=3

Trailer end

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009F5DFYY/ref=asc_df_B009F5D81O1521802800000?tag=shopzilla0d-20&ascsubtag=shopzilla_rev_266-20%3B15220269196081086359410080302008005&creative=395261&creativeASIN=B009F5D81O&linkCode=asn&th=1

 

[Donald]

I am surprised a pop-up camper has brakes and that one notices the loss of brakes. I think on a larger vehicle like a 3/4 ton pickup no brakes would not be an issue.

 

[Oldtom]

You nailed it Skyactiv! The socket and cable have the tabs, but, the cover spring has lost tension or broken. Until I can replace the socket a bungee cord wrapped round cover and plug will keep it in place.

Thanks to everyone who replied

 

[Kira]

If the "catch elements" are there, it has to be that the spring is broken.

 

[meep]

I pulled a pop-up with an 01 3.3 caravan/T&C. it didn't have e-brakes, as it was only 2500 lbs.. Did not have any issues with it. The chrysler minivan did a MUCH better job pulling it than the 97 pathfinder we also owned.

 

[Kira]

It's good you had no issues but a trailer WITH brakes is a great, safe feature to have.

On towing a trailer an old geezer told me, "Don't let the tail wag the dog".