13 Pin Electrics

[Sterlingstuff]

Hi

Have any of you folks converted to the 13 pin plug and socket system? I have got the plug and socket but seem unable to get the 13 core cable. I purchased all the parts including some 13 core cable from Towsure but the cable is unsuitale because of the core sizes (only 1x 2.5 mm and it would seem 12x1.5mm)for a fridge and battery charging. Towsure advise me it is unsuitable for this, So why sell it ! anyone know of another supplier

Thanks

 

[Guest]

You have 2 choices. Use the cable supplied and possibly have problems with the fridge, or..

Use an adaptor cable that has a 13 pin plug and leads into 2 7pin sockets for your caravan plugs. Most dealers have these.

Now the problem will arise if your vehicle has been wired up in such a way that the fridge circuit is disconnected. Yes, it can happen as owners of Volvo V70's, with Volvo's own towbar will confirm. If it is connected then you should have no problems. Don't forget the wiring from your towhitch may be a 13 core, or 2 by 7 core cables. the latter is better from an electrical point of view, but both will work.

 

[MikeP]

My caravan is an import, and was converted to 12N/12S with a junction box under the gas locker. I decided to convert the car to 13 pin at the end of the summer, and it was pretty simple. I found that the towbar fitter had scored the insulation on some of the 12N wires, so it's a good job I redid it. Properly.

I used wiring info from this site. There seem to be two sets of colours for 13 core, which doesn't help. I bought the cable from Tanfield of Horsham, and it was about

 

[Rod_5041370]

My last 4 caravans were supplied with 13 pin electrics.

For the first vehicle that I converted to a 13 pin socket I obtained the kit from Towsure and:

1/ the cable was not up to the job.

2/ the 13 pin socket corroded within 1 month.( It was supplied with some kind of white cream in the pins whch turned green and the pins broke up ).

I scrapped this lot and have never used Towsure since.

I now use Western Towing:

1/ Much better quality.

2/ Correct 13 core cable.

3/ Lower prices.

4/ Faster & cheaper delivery.

Having just installed towing gear on my new Amazon using Western Towing kit, I am very satified.

I have no connection with Western Towing apart from being a satisfied customer.

 

[RayS]

I've converted several vans as my towcar came with 13 pin socket. Cable readily available from Vehicle Wiring Products 0115 9305454 - no website but excellent service.

No conncection other than as satisfied customer (no pun intended)

The 13 pin plug has a quarter turn fast thred and provides excellect connection properties; no more spreading and steel wool on the 12 N and S,

I made up a long conversion lead with 13 pin plug one end and 12S and 12N sockets the other (new) connected the van plugs and sealed the joints with self amalgamating tape, coiled the leads and secured them under the front of the van, so they are still available in emergency. this might even discourage the odd toerag from stealing the van, as he probably won't have the correct lighting circuits.

 

[John_5040781]

John

I tow using a 13 pin plug The work was done by Portland Towing of Lincoln and I have never had any problems.

It is easier to use and the caravan plug locks into the car socket.

 

[Lutz]

A Towsure correctly advised, a 13 core cable with only one 2.5mm core is unsuitable for wiring the car and/or caravan. The cable that I purchased for the same purpose of rewiring had three 2.5mm and ten 1.5mm cores, which is OK.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Gary,

We've always towed Eriba Touring caravans, and the last two tow cars have been fitted with the 13 pin ISO 11446 socket - so the standard European 13 pin caravan plug is a simple "push and twist".

Probably the best advise is to buy top quality connectors - Eriba use Hella - and I can't fault their choice. Robust, corrosion resistant and water-resistant, positive connection, and designed for the job of supplying a modern caravan with it's electrical needs (all pins rated at 25 amps).

Also the 13 pin car socket should (or may) have a micro-switch that automatically detects the trailer connector, and switches over certain car functions - disabling of car rear fog light and parking sensors, enabling of car ESP trailer stability system, etc.

Robert

 

[MONKEY1]

My Towbar fitter prefers to use 2 x 7 Pin wiring on any 13 pin installation as he says the wiring is better quality and it makes installation quicker.

Monkeys Husband

 

[Rod_5041370]

My Towbar fitter prefers to use 2 x 7 Pin wiring on any 13 pin installation as he says the wiring is better quality and it makes installation quicker.

Monkeys Husband

Just one word.....Rubbish.

I believe your towbar fitter must be a Luddite and is not able to progress.

This post is NOT a personal attack.

 

[MikeP]

I really struggle with the concept of having 12S and 12N cable coming out of 13 pin plugs and sockets. The socket is not so bad, but the rubber "shroud" on the plug was so tight on the 13 core cable that I had to use GT85 to get it on. Even if there was room for 12S and 12N cable to fit through, you would then have a problem with water ingress.