towing electrics

[96terrano]

I've created this thread in hope it'll be a good source of anything and everything about towbar/trailer/caravan/horse box...basically anything to do with towing, all in one place

To start it off here's a wiring diagram and a thread containing more electrical related stuff, links to good websites etc:thumb2

http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19821

 

[SPARKIEDOO]

Nice .... Well done :thumbs

 

[96terrano]

Nice .... Well done :thumbs

Cheers:thumb2

 

[rustic]

Try this link for all wiring queries for caravans.
Including leisure battery testing, % charge etc vs terminal voltage.
Determine wire size, current voltage drop etc.


http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/library/files/Beginners-Guide-To-Electrics.pdf

best regards,

Rustic

 

[jims-terrano]

My tip for towbar sockets and plugs is to fill the back of the socket with grease and give the terminals on the front a good coat too. I do the same with the plugs too. Last loads longer with no fiddling to get them working. Oh I also tin the ends of the wires with solder too.

Don't know if you've noticed but the very bottom terminal of a 12s socket is the permanent live. This is the one that lives in water when you have a rubber cover or water in back of socket, it corrodes really well because of the lecky shorting through it.

 

[Lazy-Ferret]

These are my notes from when I fitted my socket.

1999 Nissan Terrano Tow Bar wiring

Cables located hinge side of rear door behind panel.
Green/Yellow (1 white dot) Brake
Green/Yellow (2 white dots) RH Ind
Green/Black (2 white dots) LH Ind
Red/Black (1 white dot) Fog
Red/Blue (1 white dot) Side
Orange/Solid (2 white dots) Rev

Blue/Orange (1 white dot) Ign to fuel tank
Green/Orange (1 white dot) Fuel Light
Thick Black/Solid Go to empty socket behind bumper
Thick Black/red Go to empty socket behind bumper

 

[96terrano]

My tip for towbar sockets and plugs is to fill the back of the socket with grease and give the terminals on the front a good coat too. I do the same with the plugs too. Last loads longer with no fiddling to get them working. Oh I also tin the ends of the wires with solder too.

Don't know if you've noticed but the very bottom terminal of a 12s socket is the permanent live. This is the one that lives in water when you have a rubber cover or water in back of socket, it corrodes really well because of the lecky shorting through it.

I used Vaseline on my electrics as Its waterproof:thumb2

I need to get a good tuber cover for me sockets:thumb2

 

[96terrano]

When I get my Hyundai back, ill include pics and vids if how to wire in a towbar, indicator beeper and split charge with aux battery, these are all the things I'm doing to the car :thumb2

 

[rustic]

Both my sockets on the back still work after 18 years, with no repairs or messing around.
Waxoyl for me.:thumb2
I have in the past, used Vaseline like Ryan, but that will probably get too many people talking.

Now I use the bootlace ferrules which are thin metal tubes that slide over a waxoyl covered wire, the tube stops the individual strands being cut by the screw.

Tinning wires with solder and then using screw fixings is not good practice.
What happens is, the solder is soft, and starts to flow under the screw pressure, and the connection eventually becomes loose.

I have re terminated many mains plugs, where this has been done. What you see now is small metal crimps on the end of wires inserted into plugs.

Certainly unprotected connections in the sockets and plugs, sold or installed by suppliers need to be stripped and something added, otherwise in three years time you will be chasing faults.

best regards,

Rustic

 

[96terrano]

Both my sockets on the back still work after 18 years, with no repairs or messing around.
Waxoyl for me.:thumb2
I have in the past, used Vaseline like Ryan, but that will probably get too many people talking.

Now I use the bootlace ferrules which are thin metal tubes that slide over a waxoyl covered wire, the tube stops the individual strands being cut by the screw.

Tinning wires with solder and then using screw fixings is not good practice.
What happens is, the solder is soft, and starts to flow under the screw pressure, and the connection eventually becomes loose.

I have re terminated many mains plugs, where this has been done. What you see now is small metal crimps on the end of wires inserted into plugs.

Certainly unprotected connections in the sockets and plugs, sold or installed by suppliers need to be stripped and something added, otherwise in three years time you will be chasing faults.

best regards,

Rustic

Yes, the wireing that came with the towbar 12S had little metal covers crimped on the bare ends of the wire so they don't get damaged when inserted into the screw connectors

 

[cupcake]

Forgive the dumb question as I have zero knowledge about towbars. I've been reading a few threads in the towing section, but I'm not really any the wiser. How do you know what 'kind' of towbar you have? :nenau

I have never ever used one, never looked at one in any detail, never even thought about it and now I have one. Wouldn't have a clue how to use it

 

[96terrano]

Forgive the dumb question as I have zero knowledge about towbars. I've been reading a few threads in the towing section, but I'm not really any the wiser. How do you know what 'kind' of towbar you have? :nenau

I have never ever used one, never looked at one in any detail, never even thought about it and now I have one. Wouldn't have a clue how to use it

well, youres is probably a flange towbar....that is actually the name:lol if it looks like this

if it's like this its known as a swan neck

 

[cupcake]

This is it...

 

[rustic]

Forgive the dumb question as I have zero knowledge about towbars. I've been reading a few threads in the towing section, but I'm not really any the wiser. How do you know what 'kind' of towbar you have? :nenau

I have never ever used one, never looked at one in any detail, never even thought about it and now I have one. Wouldn't have a clue how to use it

You can even get a tow bar and trailer for your motorbike, these use a standard 50 mm tow ball that you find on cars, for use with 2 wheeled motorbike trailers, similar to camping trailers.

But there is now a special hitch arrangement, to enable a special single wheel trailer to be attached that leans into the corners as the bike leans.

Now that must be cool.


You can also buy a trailer to tow behind the Terrano, that can take a motorbike or two. Great for events, or in case of bike breakdown.

 

[rustic]

This is it...

This is a standard 50 mm tow ball, you can buy attachments, like bike racks, stabilisers for caravans etc.

You only have the one socket, this is the 12N socket, that basically gives the same lights as per the rear of the car for the trailer, except the reversing light.

For compatibility, ALL sockets should be wired the same.
Hence Ryan's post.

hope this helps,

Rustic

 

[96terrano]

This is it...

yup, that's the standard flange type:thumb2

 

[cupcake]

That's a big help, thanks. At least when I read other threads it will make more sense to me now :thumbs

 

[96terrano]

You can even get a tow bar and trailer for your motorbike

just found this

 

[96terrano]

That's a big help, thanks. At least when I read other threads it will make more sense to me now :thumbs

:thumb2:thumb2

 

[rustic]

just found this

Where's the toilet roll holder?
That looks scary to ride.