13 pin to 7 pin leads too long

[stanretoma]

Hi, I have a Ford S Max fitted with a single adaptor and a conversion lead that goes into the 2 sockets on the van (Swift Charisma). When the lead from the car is connected to the leads from the van it becomes far too long and drags on the ground. I have used a bungee to wrap them up around the coupling but this seems untidy and I worry that they might snag on a turn. Has anyone got a better solution to this issue? Thanks.

 

[Lutz]

How about converting the caravan to 13 pin?

 

[SteveW77]

I would dearly love to change my van to 13 pin , but where can i get the correct wire. I have looked on all the websites that i can think of , but still can't find it.

Steve W

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Steve can't you shorten the connecting lead. Cut the plug off to the car side of the lead, carefully note the colour coding of each pin for the 13 wires within the lead and rewire the plug. It is very simple if the connector is anything like the traditional 7 pin connectors. Alternatively prior to connecting up the car lead to the caravan coild the lead quite a few times so that the lead is twisted but not distorted. The lead will then straighten if needed when cornering whilst towing and revert to a coiled state on normal towing without any detrimental effect to the wiring.

 

[stanretoma]

Steve can't you shorten the connecting lead. Cut the plug off to the car side of the lead, carefully note the colour coding of each pin for the 13 wires within the lead and rewire the plug. It is very simple if the connector is anything like the traditional 7 pin connectors. Alternatively prior to connecting up the car lead to the caravan coild the lead quite a few times so that the lead is twisted but not distorted. The lead will then straighten if needed when cornering whilst towing and revert to a coiled state on normal towing without any detrimental effect to the wiring.

Thanks, the latter idea seems simple but sensisble. Ta.

 

[MikeP]

I got all my stuff to convert to 13 pin from Tanfield, who happen to be based in Horsham (where I live). They do the proper 13-core - about

 

[colin-yorkshire]

have a look on western towing web site they have all the wiring diagrams both 7 pin and 13 pin on their web site

 

[RayS]

13 way cable and things available form Vehicle Wiring Products tel. 01159305454 - unfortunately no website.

I've converted my van to 13 pin by making up a lead about a metre long with 13 pin plug on one end and 12S and 12N sockets on the other. The caravan plug leads are unthreaded from the drawbar, plugs cleaned and then mated with the sockets which are then wound with self amalgamating tape. leads are then coiled uo and the coils fixed up under the front of the van with cable ties while the 13 way lead is fed back along the drawbar and again fastened in with cable ties.

This way you goet all the benfits of 13 pin but the van can still be towed (eg by recovery vehicle) by simply snipping the cable ties and using the original leads. Also a good point when you come to PE or sell the van as most customers / dealers will still prefer to have the older system.

Finally a 13 pin connection may deter the odd rogure, as not too many of them will have the right socket on the thieving vehicle.

 

[ColinA]

Thanks, the latter idea seems simple but sensisble. Ta.

I did this but it was still too long