towing electrics

[96terrano]

So mine should already have one of those wired in? Presumably wouldn't pass the MOT without it if it's a legal requirement?

Probably yes

 

[RobN]

Useful information

A few sites I have found useful over the years. Towbars and towing have changed rapidly over the years there are a lot more rules and regulations -
National Trailer & Towing Association Ltd - are definitely one to read.


http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/expert-advice
http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/
http://www.caravanninglinks.co.uk/index.html
http://www.rydertowing.co.uk/ (Lots of Technical stuff.):thumb2
http://www.towitall.co.uk/
http://www.tyreline.com/ (Good for general tyre info for non trailers)
http://www.gocaravanning.com/ (info on everything)
https://sites.google.com/site/jim4meg/caravan-repair (good for old caravan repair)
http://www.pfjones.co.uk/
http://www.rightconnections.co.uk/
http://www.ntta.co.uk/ (The definitive on all regulations):bow

and finally when you are legal.

http://en.airecampingcar.com/

 

[96terrano]

A few sites I have found useful over the years. Towbars and towing have changed rapidly over the years there are a lot more rules and regulations -
National Trailer & Towing Association Ltd - are definitely one to read.


http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/expert-advice
http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/
http://www.caravanninglinks.co.uk/index.html
http://www.rydertowing.co.uk/ (Lots of Technical stuff.):thumb2
http://www.towitall.co.uk/
http://www.tyreline.com/ (Good for general tyre info for non trailers)
http://www.gocaravanning.com/ (info on everything)
https://sites.google.com/site/jim4meg/caravan-repair (good for old caravan repair)
http://www.pfjones.co.uk/
http://www.rightconnections.co.uk/
http://www.ntta.co.uk/ (The definitive on all regulations):bow

and finally when you are legal.

http://en.airecampingcar.com/

briliant:thumb2 only ones i've heard of are pfjones and rydertowing

 

[AD Ent]

I've only got 1 socket. Why would I need 2?

 

[96terrano]

I've only got 1 socket. Why would I need 2?

2nd can be uses for powering a fridge in a caravan, so will keep food chilled :thumb2

 

[Lazy-Ferret]

I've only got 1 socket. Why would I need 2?

You only really need 2, if you tow a caravan, or need something on the second socket....

Basically, the reversing lights, and various 12v feeds for fridge, battery charging, running caravan internal lights and stuff are on the other pins. There are also a bunch of extra "Grounds", to allow for all the extra power that is normally taken through that socket.

In the old days, before the alto reversing brakes, there was a device called a "reverse master" that basically allowed you to reverse, by electrically disconnecting the brakes. A lot of horse boxes and car trailers had it retro fitted, so then you needed the second socket for that, and if you had a light in the horse box, they would take the 12v as well.

 

[zippy656]

Best fit the 13 pin use an adapter to go to 7 if needed


Alko balls need to be clean and paint free

 

[96terrano]

Best fit the 13 pin use an adapter to go to 7 if needed


Alko balls need to be clean and paint free

what's the point in 13 pin sockets?

 

[zippy656]

Its a single socket that dose both plugs

All new caravans use them

 

[Lazy-Ferret]

what's the point in 13 pin sockets?

One socket instead of 2, so looks smarter on the back of the car.
They physically lock together, so no worry about them falling/pulling apart
New standard, in the future the old N and S will become obsolete.
All connections on one plug, so less worry of ground loops.

 

[96terrano]

One socket instead of 2, so looks smarter on the back of the car.
They physically lock together, so no worry about them falling/pulling apart
New standard, in the future the old N and S will become obsolete.
All connections on one plug, so less worry of ground loops.

but they are differand connections too the 12S so will need to change my trailer(s)

 

[96terrano]

liker how the towbar will mount on my hyunday, as the electrics are hidden, looks quite neat :thumb2

 

[AD Ent]

One socket instead of 2, so looks smarter on the back of the car.
They physically lock together, so no worry about them falling/pulling apart
New standard, in the future the old N and S will become obsolete.
All connections on one plug, so less worry of ground loops.

I like the sound of that... Are they backwards compatible with socket on the trailer I use?

 

[Lazy-Ferret]

I like the sound of that... Are they backwards compatible with socket on the trailer I use?

You have to buy a little adapter that locks into the new 13pin socket, and turns it into a 7S socket. That is what I use for my little Erde and the towing dolly. Halfrauds sell them, and so loads of other places.

 

[AD Ent]

You have to buy a little adapter that locks into the new 13pin socket, and turns it into a 7S socket. That is what I use for my little Erde and the towing dolly. Halfrauds sell them, and so loads of other places.

Thanks. :thumb2 good to know. Just need a caravan now

 

[96terrano]

i'm just staying with what i know, 12n and 12s:thumb2

 

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

with euro 13 pin, can get a plug that splits cable to 12n and 12s, about £25!

if theres an adapter that plugs in and gives 12n without any cable between
please post a link, might be tempted to go euro when relocate electrics to
top side of bumper.

the alko extended is because the alko hitch on the trailer is wider sometimes
than a regular hitch, the body of it due to the locking mechanism of the pads,
and can then foul bolts on ball on towbar.

I had a 4 bolt ball on last t2, by witter the studs/bolts were very close but never
actually fouled. If use alko ball as said also helps avoid spare wheel, or a ball/jaw
combi where ball sticks out further than the jaw and pin has same effect.

use petrol or turps to clean grease from ball if using an alko type hitch, there are
other brands!

 

[96terrano]

with euro 13 pin, can get a plug that splits cable to 12n and 12s, about £25!

if theres an adapter that plugs in and gives 12n without any cable between
please post a link, might be tempted to go euro when relocate electrics to
top side of bumper.

the alko extended is because the alko hitch on the trailer is wider sometimes
than a regular hitch, the body of it due to the locking mechanism of the pads,
and can then foul bolts on ball on towbar.

I had a 4 bolt ball on last t2, by witter the studs/bolts were very close but never
actually fouled. If use alko ball as said also helps avoid spare wheel, or a ball/jaw
combi where ball sticks out further than the jaw and pin has same effect.

use petrol or turps to clean grease from ball if using an alko type hitch, there are
other brands!

So are 13 pin plugs the norm in everywhere else except UKk?

 

[jims-terrano]

Hey Zippy, can you have a new caravan converted back to the 12n and 12s rather than using an adapter cable. Think of the extra losses due to yet more connections with the adapter.

 

[Lazy-Ferret]

with euro 13 pin, can get a plug that splits cable to 12n and 12s, about £25!

if theres an adapter that plugs in and gives 12n without any cable between
please post a link, might be tempted to go euro when relocate electrics to
top side of bumper.

the alko extended is because the alko hitch on the trailer is wider sometimes
than a regular hitch, the body of it due to the locking mechanism of the pads,
and can then foul bolts on ball on towbar.

I had a 4 bolt ball on last t2, by witter the studs/bolts were very close but never
actually fouled. If use alko ball as said also helps avoid spare wheel, or a ball/jaw
combi where ball sticks out further than the jaw and pin has same effect.

use petrol or turps to clean grease from ball if using an alko type hitch, there are
other brands!

There is this that gives both... bit unwildly for my liking...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Compact-Towing-Adapter-13pin-Euro-To-12N-12S-UK-7pin-Sockets-Trailer-Caravan-/161031981733?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item257e410aa5


And this is the one I have, that just give the 12N

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Adaptor-converter-for-a-7-pin-12N-Towing-Plug-to-fit-a-13-Pin-Socket-WSW-/190858295349?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item2c700a7835