Vehicle connectors for monitoring connection with trailer connectors

Apparatus are disclosed for vehicle connectors (100/108, Fig. 1) suitable for supplying an electrical connection and a system for monitoring the connection with a vehicle (102, Fig. 1) and a trailer (106, Fig. 1). The apparatus featuring a wall 302 defining a cavity 304 to receive a trailer connector (108, Fig. 1), a seal 304 to engage the trailer connector when the cavity receives the trailer connector (108, Fig. 1), and a first trailer-connection sensor 322 disposed in the seal 304 to monitor engagement of the trailer connector (108, Fig. 1) with the seal 304 to identify a secure connection in the connector. In another embodiment of the invention, there is a fist switch (402, Fig. 4A) operatively coupled to the first sensor 322 that actuates when the connection is detected to close an electrical circuit, and a display (118, not shown) to indicate secure coupling has been achieved.