Convert Towing Electrics.

[Paul_5041263]

I am to take delivery shortly of a van with single towbar electrics. My car is currently fitted with dual electrics (Black and White sockets) I understand there is an adaptor available which will enable me to use my existing set up with this new van. Can anyone advise me on this. What to purchase and where to source it.
Many thanks,

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

You don't say if your single connector van is 7-pin or 13-pin.

 

[Sproket]

If your new to you van has got the 13pin plug fitted? Why not change the twin sockets over on the car to a single socket.

They are a lot more reliable than the old set up & it's quite easy to do it yourself .

 

[Paul_5041263]

Woodlands camper. Don't know, It will be a brand new Coachman VIP if that sheds any light....

 

[foggydave]

Your new VIP will probably be a 13 pin
Go to Ebay and search for 13 pin to 7 pin adaptor or just Google it. On Ebay they are about £15 - £18

I bought one as I tow an old trailer with my Land Rover. If you dont need the old 7 pin adapters it may be worthwhile changing the one on your mator to a 13 pin

I got this one in Dec very good quality
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Milenco-Caravan-Towing-Adaptor-13-pin-to-7-pin-12N-12S-plugs-12-volt-convertor-/171501010472?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item27ee41be28

 

[Damian]

Your new van most certainly will be 13 pin electrics.
It is much better to change your car to a 13 pin socket to match.
Adaptors may be Ok for a while but I have come across many which cause problems as they are cheap and nasty in reality.

 

[woodsieboy]

You can get a 13pin socket that will accept your original 2 cables, so all you need to do is feed the cables in to the new socket. The job was covered in PC magazine some time ago, think it was when Nigel Donnelly was editor.

 

[Damian]

You can get a 13pin socket that will accept your original 2 cables, so all you need to do is feed the cables in to the new socket. The job was covered in PC magazine some time ago, think it was when Nigel Donnelly was editor.

You have the wrong end of the system woodsieboy.
The van is already 13 pin, its the car which needs changing.

Changing the car over to 13 pin is relatively easy as you use the already present wiring and connect into a 13 pin socket instead of two x 7 pin sockets.

 

[Paul_5041263]

Thanks all.....
Think I will get a adaptor cable as described at least initially (as I have to deliver my old van for part ex) then convert my car later as suggested.

 

[Gabsgrandad]

I used an adaptor for several years with no problems. Just make sure the cable doesn't trail on the floor as the adapter does lengthen the cable a little. ( PS. I also needed recovery once and the van was towed by Greenflag and they had 7 pin on the truck so was able to use my adapter to get us away as they would have had to wait for ages to sort something to get us on the road!)

 

[Sproket]

I used an adaptor for several years with no problems. Just make sure the cable doesn't trail on the floor as the adapter does lengthen the cable a little. ( PS. I also needed recovery once and the van was towed by Greenflag and they had 7 pin on the truck so was able to use my adapter to get us away as they would have had to wait for ages to sort something to get us on the road!)

I use this 13pin to 7n adaptor for my trailer.
And this one for the 13pin on the van back to 7n for any recovery or other normal tug.

 

[woodsieboy]

Hi Damian

I was referring to the original 2 cables on the car,grey and black,having re read my original comment I accept that I could have made it clearer

 

[Paul_5041263]

Sproket,
Just so I got this clear, what you are saying is that these adaptors will connect the trailer road lights and signals but not the fridge which is run from the white socket.
For a total solution I need to either use the dual cable 7pin to to 13 adaptor or have the car electrics converted to a 13pin socket.

 

[Sproket]

Hi Paul

That is correct, I converted my truck to a 13pin socket quite a few years ago, but my trailer is still on a 7n plug and i just use the adapter ....

 

[Gabsgrandad]

My adaptor (from 2 - 7 pin on the car to a 13 pin on the van) certainly ran everything just the same as it does now with a 13 pin on car and on van. (never had any issue with fridge running on tow.)

 

[Sproket]

My adaptor (from 2 - 7 pin on the car to a 13 pin on the van) certainly ran everything just the same as it does now with a 13 pin on car and on van. (never had any issue with fridge running on tow.)

I presume that your's looked like this one to be used from 13pin on the van back to twin sockets on the car ?

If you go down this route to use one of these make sure you fasten the exess cable up with a bungee to stop it trailing on the road..

 

[Paul_5041263]

Thanks for this gabsgrandad, although must say I was surprised to hear that Green Flag needed your adaptor to recover your van. If anyone should know all about the variations of towing electrics between certain vintage caravans (I think there are only two) and be equipped to handle this it should be a recovery specialist like Green Flag. Make me wonder if I should shift to AA if this is an example of their technical preparedness!