13pin plugs

[paul_5085740]

just ordered a new car with a towbar and electrics but have been told it has a 13 pin connection, what are the implications for connecting to my coachman which has the normal twin 7 pin plugs?

any advice much appreciated

Pual S

 

[Lutz]

Basically, you have 3 alternatives:

1. You convert the car to a twin 7 plug connection

2. You convert the caravan to 13 pin

3. You purchase an adapter to allow the two to be connected without a conversion

Technically, alternative 2 would be the best solution but depending on how often you may want to tow other trailers or caravans, No. 3 would be OK, too.

 

[Mikey1]

Hi Paul

The best thing to do is buy the splitter cable which has a 13 pin male one end and 2 7 pin sockets on the other end.

I have used this config for years and had no problems apart from the usual 7 ones.

I have never changed the caravan to 13 pin plug as if someone wants to tow your van for some reason you will still need a splitter.

 

[GeorgeB]

Hi Paul,

Easiest option is the converter 13 pin to 2 7's but make sure you get the right one for your van, dependant on how old your van is, pre or post 1998.

I specify my company car with factory fit towing equipment, & as it's an Audi it comes with a 13 pin socket, if you do use a converter, just remember that it will introduce extra length into the hook up cables, I keep the off the deck with a bungee around the jockey wheel winding handle attached to the 7 pin sockets on the converter (comes with a handy steel loop on the sockets)

GeorgeB

 

[paul_5085740]

Hi Paul,

Easiest option is the converter 13 pin to 2 7's but make sure you get the right one for your van, dependant on how old your van is, pre or post 1998.

I specify my company car with factory fit towing equipment, & as it's an Audi it comes with a 13 pin socket, if you do use a converter, just remember that it will introduce extra length into the hook up cables, I keep the off the deck with a bungee around the jockey wheel winding handle attached to the 7 pin sockets on the converter (comes with a handy steel loop on the sockets)

GeorgeB

many thanks,the cars a merc and the vans 2005 so i guess any new converter would do the trick, thanks also for the bungee tip

Paul S

 

[paul_5085740]

Basically, you have 3 alternatives:

1. You convert the car to a twin 7 plug connection

2. You convert the caravan to 13 pin

3. You purchase an adapter to allow the two to be connected without a conversion

Technically, alternative 2 would be the best solution but depending on how often you may want to tow other trailers or caravans, No. 3 would be OK, too.

many thanks, adaptor looks best bet Paul S

 

[AnnM1]

We use a connector especially made by Volvo, and have had no problems at all. I would advise against making any alterations to the caravan pin connections as this could negate warranty. It could also be a problem when reselling.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Paul,

I have a Mercedes saloon - and please don't do anything drastic to the factory 13 pin ISO 11446 connector - it has an internal micro-switch to detect the presence of the trailer.

This switch instructs the car ECU to disable the car rear fog light, disable the rear parking sensors, and enable the trailer stability program settings in the car ESP system.

Happily we tow an Eriba Touring - so we have the superior 13 pin system throughout - but if you want to keep the old 12N+S system on the caravan - then an adapter lead is probably the best solution for you.

And you could make a semi-permanent connection between the caravan 12N+S connector and the adapter - using some tie-wraps to hold the plug and socket together, and some electricians amalgamating tape to water-proof the joint - this should increase the robustness of the 12N+S weak point in the electrical system

We also use a luggage bungee - the 13 pin plug and lead on the Eriba is a bit too long on our combination.

Regards, Robert

 

[Mikey1]

I shortened my caravan cables.They run along the a-frame so i uncliped them and pulled them back the recliped them back to the frame,no need for bungee then.

 

[RayS]

Further to reply from Rob Jax I also tow with Mercedes which came with 13 pin socket. I made up a long adaptor cable with 13 pin plug going to 12N and 12S sockets with cable and plug and sockets from Vehicle Wiring Products

The length is such that the connection to the caravan original cables is just under the front of the van. Mate the 12S and 12N plugs to the sockets and tape up with self amalgamating tape as suggested. Since all connections should be virtually new, this should be fine (If not new get them good and clean before you do this). Then coil up the caravan leads and secure to underside of van. Secure the extension lead inside the cannel of the A frame with tape or long cable ties.

This means the van can be towed by 12S&N equipped vehicle in emergency simply by cutting cable ties, or re-convereted when you change it. 13 pin far superior on the towing vehicle. I suspect vehicles other than MB will have means of detecting the presence of the trailer plug, so best not to modify it in any way

 

[peter_374227400]

We use a connector especially made by Volvo, and have had no problems at all. I would advise against making any alterations to the caravan pin connections as this could negate warranty. It could also be a problem when reselling.

Exactly where did you find the connection to plug the special item from volvo into, I cannot find it.

 

[stanretoma]

I shortened my caravan cables.They run along the a-frame so i uncliped them and pulled them back the recliped them back to the frame,no need for bungee then.

Mikey,

how did you shorten these cables? Mine are so long they drag on the ground so I bungee them up but always worry that they might snag on a turn or something.

Cheers,

Stephen.