Choose the Correct Towbar Wiring Kit

If you ever bought a tow bar, you may have noticed that there are many options when it comes to towbar wiring. You must decide on the type of wiring, and also the type of electric socket that you need.

The wiring options are either the low cost universal wiring or the more expensive dedicated vehicle specific towbar wiring.

There are 3 types of towbar electric socket, Single Electrics (12N), Twin Electrics (12N+12S), or 13 Pin Electrics.

Steps

  1. Determine what the main purpose for your towbar will be; i.e. Will you be towing a caravan or just a trailer to move items.
  2. Decide on your towbar. Once you are happy that you know all the things your towbar will be used for you can make an informed decision as to what wiring option you need.
  3. Know about the different types.
    • Universal electrics usually require that you cut into the vehicles electrics. (If you feel this is beyond you, PLEASE CONTACT A TOWBAR FITTER, as you could potentially write your vehicle off)
    • Single electrics or 12N electrics are used for towing trailers and for use with cycle carriers to power the cycle carrier lighting board which is needed if the cycles or carrier obstructs the view of the car rear lamps. Most newer vehicles may need a universal bypass relay fitted. This protects your cars electrics from damage cause by the additional load of the trailer.
      • 12N uses outlined
        • Trailers without leisure batteries
        • Boat trailers
        • Cycle carriers with no reverse light. (13 pin electrics are required to power the reverse light.)
        • As a fly lead on clip on cycle carriers
    • 12S electrics commonly referred to as the twin electrics socket has a grey cover, and are fitted in addition to the 12N socket when towing caravans, trailer tents and alike. The 12S electrics are used to charge the leisure battery, the charge for this is taken from the towing vehicle charging system via an automatic split charging relay so that both leisure battery and vehicle battery have sufficient power. The 12S socket also contains a power feed for the reversing lights on the caravan.
      • 12S uses outlined.
        • Caravans (pre 2008) with a leisure battery.
        • Trailer tents with a leisure battery.
        • Catering trailers with a leisure battery.
    • 13 pin towing sockets are the newest style of towing socket and as of September 2008 all caravans manufactured will be wired up with 13 pin plugs that meet ISO11446 (International Standards Organisation ) and the U.K. representative B.S.I. ( British Standards Institute ) requirements.
      • 13 Pin uses outlined.
        • Caravans (post 2008) with a leisure battery.
        • Cycle carriers where you need to power a reverse light.
        • The 13 pin socket is also more adaptable for detachable tow-bars that have a spring mounting single socket plate that can be folded up behind the bumper so that it is invisible.
    • If your car has a 13 pin socket and your caravan has 2 x 7 pin towing plugs (12N + 12S) you can purchase a conversion lead to allow you to tow a caravan with twin electrics, and if your caravan has a 13 pin plug but your car has 2 x 7 pin sockets (12N + 12S) you can purchase conversion lead to allow you to tow.

Tips

  • When fitted with vehicle specific wiring most vehicles will require that the cars computer system is updated. This can be done at the dealer who will charge a fee, or a reputable towbar fitter would do it as part of the installation of the towbar wiring.
  • Dedicated plugin kits are vehicle specific. These connect to your car's existing electrical wiring. However it can be a time consuming job requiring interior trim to be removed from your car in order to install the wiring.

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