13 Pin Connector Problems

[HOVIS1]

Am I going daft? I cannot for the life of me connect the 13 PIn connector to the Caravan. I have done it before on several occasions but today checking all for a weekend trip the two will not connect - Am I doing something stupid or has something unknown to me, happened? HELP!!!!
Hovis

 

[Damian]

I am guessing that the locking ring has moved and is not allowing the locating peg to engage in its slot.
Make sure the outer sleeve is fully to the left with the round extension part at the 3 o clock position and the inner pin holder has the raised locating peg at the 6 o clock position.
Then it should presss in and the outer turn to lock, bringing the raised disc up to the 12 o clock position.

 

[HOVIS1]

Thanks for the reply, However, being a re-convert to caravanning from Motorhoming, I don't quite follow your "Inner and outer ring" bit. Could you please clarify?
We never had these problems when we were caravanning prior to changing to a Motorhome in the late 80's!!!
Hovis

 

[Damian]

The inner ring is the bit with all the 13 pins sticking out.
The outer ring is the bit with the round extension sticking up.
Both parts when in their correct positions, looking straight at the pins, there is a small locating lug which should be at the bottom of the bit with pins in, and the round extension bit should have the extension at the 3 oclock position.
As you turn the plug to mate with the car, the lug stays at the 6 oclock mark, and the round extension now is at the 9 oclock position,,,,,,,then the plug and socket should mate and a turn of the outer with the extension to 12 oclock will lock the plug in place.

 

[RogerB]

I have had this problem twice and its ,as Damian says ,due to the outer collar having rotated to the wrong position relative to the inner section.Sounds confusing but keep a cool head and look at the connector to understand how the plug rotates and pulls itself together.It is then obvious how the two sections must be positioned.

 

[HOVIS1]

Thanks for both replies, however, I visited the local Caravan Spares and had a look at a new Plug, and saw that the outer rotates (partially) around the inner - not a lot of people know that! Back home I had a look at mine,and it didn't move. Took it to bits, cleaned it and it moved. Partially fitted together, it moved. Fully fitted it didn't move! Tried this 2 or 3 times, still the same. So I have now purchased a new plug and will attempt (weather permitting!!) to fit it today. O'h the joys of caravanning and we are off on Sunday !!!!!
Hovis