Car has 7 pin twin plugs...help!!!

[GeorgeandAde]

Hi.
Have just bought a Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI ready for when we get our caravan.
The problem is,our caravan will come with a 13 pin plug (van should be no older than 2012) but the car has 2, 7 pin plugs fitted.
Im hoping our van will come with ATC and I have no wish to run the fridge whilst towing.
Will the 2, 7 pin plugs suffice if maybe I purchased an adapter.
Many thanks

 

[Niall_McIntosh]

Adaptors are readily available.
(For example: https://www.maypole.ltd.uk/MP602-caravan%20adaptor-lead)

 

[woodsieboy]

You can wire your 2 plug setup into 1 x 13 pin socket, it was a project in PC magazine some time ago, I did ours on previous tow car and from memory just needed to drill out the centre hole on the mounting bracket to feed the cables through and once fitted sealed the back with sealant, we found the adaptor a bit iffy for contacts hence the reason we changed, never had a problem once we changed to 13 pin socket

 

[GeorgeandAde]

Thank you both for your replies.
I dont fancy tackling it myself so may go for the adaptor.
Will this also run the ATC on the caravan?
Also,is there a website which shows the correct torque values for all the nuts on the towbar itself(I reckon I could manage that myself)

 

[Niall_McIntosh]

Thank you both for your replies.
I dont fancy tackling it myself so may go for the adaptor.
Will this also run the ATC on the caravan?
Also,is there a website which shows the correct torque values for all the nuts on the towbar itself(I reckon I could manage that myself)

If the caravan has ATC, it should run but, as ever, this may be dependent on the towbar wiring having been done correctly in the first place. When you hitch up the caravan, you should hear a whirring sound as the ATC activates, and a green LED should illuminate on the A Frame. If this does not happen, it's not too expensive to get a motor electrician to check it out (and fit a 13 pin socket if you wish).

The towbar manufacturer's website should have information about the correct torque settings.

 

[waffler]

We had the same issue and used an adaptor. Generally gave us loads of trouble as the weight seemed to make the 7 pin connections iffy. Suggest you have the 13 pin fitted by a specialist. He will show you that everything works on his test board. The ATC is excellent.

 

[DaveA1]

Recommended Torque Settings.
Grade 8.8 Bolts~:- M8-24nm, M10 52nm, M12.- 80nm, M14-130nm, M16-200nm.

Grade 10.9:- M12 - 120nm. M10 - 70nm, M8 - 35nm.

If you look on the tow bar specification plate it should give you the tow bar maker. Google them they will confirm the torque settings.