Wire crimping

[follow maggie]

I need to replace the 7 pin trailer connector at the back of my pickup. I don’t want to lay on my back & do all that soldering so I’m looking for a high quality connector solution. Does anyone know a legit, professional quality wire connector/crimping system that is bullet proof reliable? I want to do it once. I don’t mind spending the money for good parts and a quality tool to do it.  I appreciate any recommendations.

[wadu1]

I've done a bunch, this one is the only crimp on one I know of.
https://www.amazon.com/Poweka-Connector-Electrical-Converter-Mounting/dp/B089Y3Z7XG/ref=asc_df_B089Y3Z7XG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=647116644900&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9246170597860325072&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033490&hvtargid=pla-1949339783891&psc=1&mcid=e1773004a816313b83ead9be63605bc6

[lewy]

Use non insulated crimps and heat shrink on each wire then another heat shrink over all the individual splices, you can then do a spiral cable wrap for additional mechanical insulation/protection

[2MANY]

Don't forget to slide the shrink tube on the individual wires before crimping connections and the large one over all the wires.
Thank me later.

[Ghost Hunter]

If a OEM replacement is available I would go with that.  Some have a plug connector that goes to the micro wire harness that new rigs have.  My 2005 Ram has one.

[LDennis24]

Use these and if you need to slide heatshrink over the wires first then you can do that also.

180PCS Solder Seal Wire Connectors-haisstronica Heat Shrink Solder Wire Connectors-Waterproof Wire Connectors - Insulated Electrical Connectors Butt Splice(5Colors/5Size) https://a.co/d/dCbpA6G

[follow maggie]

Thanks for the input everyone. I’m going to look into these.

[LDennis24]

Just use a heat gun and not an open flame torch or lighter to shrink them. You'll just burn them up. Some heat shrink tubing should help as mentioned by 2MANY. That stuff will save you headaches later on if done right.

[MeepDog]

Hate to say it but soldering + heat shrink really is the best method. I had those end to end connectors last awhile once but only because they were finished with PVC glue to stop the water getting in. Any sort of crimp isn't going to fare well in contact with water and that's where the solder shines. It's a bonded connection less prone to corrosion.

[wadu1]

Just use a heat gun and not an open flame torch or lighter to shrink them. You'll just burn them up. Some heat shrink tubing should help as mentioned by 2MANY. That stuff will save you headaches later on if done right.

Used similar splices at the Bumbling B, back in the day. A standard heat gun works just fine even Hobo Freight ones.

[follow maggie]

Hate to say it but soldering + heat shrink really is the best method. I had those end to end connectors last awhile once but only because they were finished with PVC glue to stop the water getting in. Any sort of crimp isn't going to fare well in contact with water and that's where the solder shines. It's a bonded connection less prone to corrosion.

I agree with you but I have arthritis in my neck & doing that type of work is really hard on it. I’ll lose the feeling in my arms for 3-4 days after & I can’t afford to hire it out..

[Come Get Some]

Mari e hear shrink has a fantastic glue in them. You cannot cut them apart once heated. They stay sealed forever. Soldering is a problem due to road vibration. Boats and vehicles should bot have connections soldered. They will eventually fail. A good crumper made for heat shrink connectors is a must. You do not want to fracture the coating. I have rigged,wired many boats from scratch. Never had a failure with the connectors and crimper mentioned. Pm me if you have questions. I would definately go with factory replacement.

[LDennis24]

Unsupported soldering will vibrate and fail but if your going over top of it with heatshrink tubing it shouldn't be a problem. When you solder wiring and don't support the wire properly on each end of the joint then you will have a stress point. Same goes with regular crimped joints. If you let it flex where the wire enters the joint then it's going to eventually wear out and break off. Just have to make sure you don't short cut the job. Every time I have to rewire something it's because the wire failed by a connector and its usually left hanging or able to move around when the vehicle is moving etc.

[Angry Perch]

Don't forget to slide the shrink tube on the individual wires before crimping connections and the large one over all the wires.
Thank me later.

You can rest easy knowing you're not the only one! 

[follow maggie]

I’ve learned that lesson more than once. Hopefully my learning of it is done!

[wadu1]

Don't forget to slide the shrink tube on the individual wires before crimping connections and the large one over all the wires.
Thank me later.

You can rest easy knowing you're not the only one! 

Boy do I know that one. When working at the Bumbling B, I had a job in the RH WW doing 24 or so moisture proof splices. When I submitted to QA, OK to close all I got was "CLOSE' what. 

[Russ McDonald]

So what I have done is regular butt connectors with heat shrink over the top.  I have done tons of stuff like this in the last 37 years doing 2 way radio installs, full cop and fire rig build ups.  Biggest thing to have is good crimpers.  Kleins ha e always been the best for me https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Crimping-and-Cutting-Tool-for-Connectors-1005SEN/100352095 like these.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

[LDennis24]

I second using Klein tools. That's what I buy for work. Or Jonard.