13 pin electrics

[ThePlotter]

I am fairly new to caravanning having only started in 1975 ! however always had 12n and 12s sockets in recent times however my latest van has 13 pins plug and tomorrow I am having the two sockets on the car changed to 13 pin, no problem there. the question is though how do I connect up is it push fit, twist or what and I have bought an alignment tool but do not know how to use it or why , please help a newbie with only 41 years experience. B)

 

[Hutch]

Ah the new technology, you offer the 13 pin plug to the socketnwith the sticky out bit to the left and while gently pushing into the socket turn the plug 90 degrees to the right. And it should pull the plug into engagment. The alognment tool is for when the outer part of the plug does not go all the way to the left when unplugged. Good luck

 

[Thingy]

Never even knew there was an alignment tool. Push and twist to lock. Dead simple.

 

[Woodentop]

Never even knew there was an alignment tool. Push and twist to lock. Dead simple.

Almost. The sticky-out bit on the plug needs to sit at 9 o'clock when the socket cover hinge is at 12. Thus if, like mine, the socket cover hinge is on the left (i.e. 9 o'clock) the the sticky out bit needs to be at the bottom for insertion. Push the plug home as you twist it 90 deg clockwise. Some such plugs can be very stiff - a little silicone grease in the groove on the plug case will help. If you have a car - such as a VAG - that detects the presence of the trailer connection and adjusts its engine management to accommodate it, the engine should be stopped when you connect up else it may not detect the change. (Many such systems detect the presence of the trailer by the connection of the rear fog light.)

 

[saint-spoon]

Incidentally, if you need to tow a trailer with the 7-pin socket for lights you can buy an adapter quite inexpensively. they screw in the same way and then the trailer plug just plugs in.

 

[Hutch]

And also a thirteen to seven, which gives you just lights, , Got both, and a two sevens to thirteen.

 

[martindf3]

And also a thirteen to seven, which gives you just lights, , Got both, and a two sevens to thirteen.

I've got all those adapters as well . Plus I've got a black and grey to 13 pin adapter ,just in case I have to get someone else to toe our van . I have to say 13 pin sockets a massive improvement to the old 7 pin .