4 way flat or round?

[am_dew]

My trailer and tow vehicle uses the 4 way flat connector and flat socket. I always have a tough time plugging it in and was thinking that perhaps a 4 way round connector and socket would be easier. What's your experience, if any, with 4 way flat versus 4 way round? Which do you prefer?

 

[oldjeep]

4 way round is non-standard. If you have trouble plugging in a flat connector then maybe switch to a 7 way round - all my trailers came with 7 pin from the factory.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Like said above, the round is non-standard. A long time ago I had the 4 way round connector but since I have multiple trailers, a long time ago I went to flat connectors.

What is your problem plugging in a flat connector? Buy one with a cover molded in and coat the prongs with dielectric grease.

 

[am_dew]

Like said above, the round is non-standard. A long time ago I had the 4 way round connector but since I have multiple trailers, a long time ago I went to flat connectors.

What is your problem plugging in a flat connector? Buy one with a cover molded in and coat the prongs with dielectric grease.

It's not a big problem, more of a nuisance I guess. Getting the pins to line up, especially if they have gotten slightly bent, is the biggest challenge. I'll check into a connector with a molded cover. Thanks.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

The short answer is that solid mounting the vehicle plug might be the easiest answer to help you out. Bracket link

I had a 79 Ford with the round 4 pin plug mounted in place of one of the license plate lights in the bumper and I really liked it. Being solidly mounted made it easier to plug/unplug than the two hand wiggle of putting the dangling flats together. In my mind it made a more reliable/better connection. I also liked that the contacts were somewhat more protected by the flapper and up out of the spray/mess that comes with winter here.

The downfall is that it's not the standard (wish it was) any small/mid size trailer you will ever have or come across is going to be the flat so at best you convert every trailer you ever own to a round plug (not hard), may need to convert it back if you sell it (harder but not bad), and always carry an adapter just in case (at least I did anyway)

My current Tahoe has a 7 wire round solid mounted under the bumper so I have a store bought adapter that I leave with my boat trailer and one that I carry. It's on my list to add a round 4 pin and convert my trailers but for now it's not a very high priority.