I think I may have posted this somewhere before, but I can't find it and time is running out...

Basically I'm looking for some weather proof connectors for my plow. It's a Curtis hitch-n-run, has been good to me for a few years but the pins on the large modular connector are brittle now, one has broken off (one I need of course!). I think there's 15 pins on it, runs all the lights and solenoid controls. To replace it with an O.E. plug is too much $$$, and I never really liked the quality of it anyhow. Anyone know of some weather tight connectors to either crimp on the inserts or splice onto a pigtail? I don't mind if there's more then one plug, can always color code them. Beats making up wirenut splices when I need it. Most I've been able to find online is a 6-pin, would like a few more if possible.

Thanks for suggestions.

 

http://www.casperselectronics.com/store2/index.php

 

I was going to suggest you look at Acklands-Grainger but it looks like they might only be in Canada. Maybe Tractor Supply can help you out.

Could you use a couple of 7 pin trailer connectors?

 

IIRC the stereo shops have some nice rubberized stuff for their stuff. A lot better than you will find at NAPA or the auto parts stores.

 

T-rad the metri-packs on that site are exactly what I was looking for. Thank you! Gotta check if my crimper will work with those now...thanks again.

Metripack

 

This doesnt help you much but because I leave my plow on all winter, after I connect up the elect I smear a bunch of non-conductive Dielectric grease on the connector (just lights for me).
I than put some plastic wrap on the connector and some elect tape to hold it on just to keep the grease from getting rubbed off.

Its not pretty but its cheap and no water gets in. The connector is still in good shape after all these years.

 

Actually, a liberal daub of dielectric grease, wiped off with a rag when you have to handle it, and the connectors will last approximately forever.

 

I've had dielectric grease on them since new, they are brittle beyond the rubber mold and break off flush on the "male" side. They are clean and make good contact beyond that. I like the style of the above connectors because the pins are supported by the plastic rings around them, the curtis plug just has the prongs hanging out of a flat surface...so they break.

 

Agreed. They probably lasted much longer than expected. Good connectors well maintained will last a long time. Plugged dry and allowed to be exposed when not in use and they won't.

 

Thanks for that site, T-rad!

Good source.

 

FWIW, with the weather pak/deutsch connectors like the ones shown, you do not need to spend $100 on the crimper. You can carefully hand crimp the pins onto the wire with a set of needle nose pliers (have to do it jsut right so they fit into the connector) and then solder them. Also note, make sure you snap the pins in the correct spot the FIRST time because unlike the crimper, there is no easy alternative to getting them back out other than the removal tool which is costly as well.

Also check what guage wire you need to run. In my experience these connectors are not made for high load connections and 12ga is about the largest wire that will work with the std connectors.

 

Happy to help!

It'll be a few days until I get back to the house but I have some stuff I bought at the local John Deere equipment dealer that you may also like. It's a lubricant but when applied on the exterior of electrical connections it's suppose to be water tight. Give me a few days and I'll get the name for you. I've heard it mentioned on several of the plow sites as well.