Dragged and severed!

[wombat1]

To everyone who flashed me on the M5 on Friday between 11am and 12pm, I apologise - the cables to the van had dragged and completely severed causing loss of all van lights.

Thanks to my sons small bladder, we made a layby stop on the A449 south of Monmouth, where I discovered the problem.

My attempt at rejoining the severed cable only restored the indicators, a relay fault prevented the brake lights working.

Thanks to Green Flag who responded in good time, but were unable to repair at the roadside. I had to follow the truck back to his garage in Abergavenny where the repair was made in 15 minutes.

Now all I've got to do is find out how to repair the severed cables.

Remember guys, get your wires tied off to prevent an unwanted accident!?

 

[MikeP]

The best way is to use two waterproof junction boxes like this

but without the block connector. Screw them up under the front of the caravan, or possibly in the front locker. Then simply connect new lengths of black/grey cable using crimped connectors or solder.

If you're not sure about making the actual connections, then a local electrician (doesn't even have to be an auto electrician) would probably do it in about 45 minutes.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Or you could use a 12S/N plug/socket to make the repair.

Just put a trailing socket on the end that goes to the car and a plug on the caravan end and plug them together under the A frame.

Better still treat yourself to some curly cables and join in the same way.

 

[wombat1]

Thanks for the interest.

I was considering connecting the van cables to a Euro 13 pin in line socket, and then making up a Euro 13 pin plug to 12N/12S adaptor.

This method would give a more reliable locking mechanism than just using 12N/S cable mounted plugs and sockets, or are there locking mechanisms available on 12N/S?

My van is only 3 months old, would I be invalidating my warranty if I interfere with the as suppllied arrangement?

 

[MikeP]

Personally I would recommend converting to 13-pin as it is far superior to 2 x 7-pin. I wouldn't advocate introducing an extra plug and socket, as that would be an additional weak point in the system.

If your van is that new, then it might be best to get the job done by a dealer just in case there are warranty problems.

 

[Steve L]

There's plenty of good advice on repair her so i won't add to that, but I will offer a tip i use to keep the cable under control on our van.

I wind the cable around the jockey wheel post when not in use and when required I unwind it without letting go of the plug, and the plug the cable in. The result is a neatly coiled spring like wire simlar to those on lorries and over the twenty odd years of towing it has not failed yet.

Might be worth a try.

Steve L.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

That's a good idea Steve

I have been using the same curly cables for years but instead of screwing a socket to the A frame fairing I replaced the 12N/S plugs with trailing sockets on one end of the curlies and plug the existing van leads in under the fairing.

I have had no problem with the added joints and it amused me when the van went in for service when they replaced the 12S plug on the curly cable under Bailey warranty !!

 

[wombat1]

Thanks for the replies.

No angry mails so obviously I didn't upset too many people when I pulled out on you without indicating!

Spoke to dealer about a repair, and they want me to do it myself as they are at full capacity at the moment - no affect on my warranty. However, I have been told I cannot change from 12N/S to Euro 13 pins as this would be considered as a change in the specification of the electrical installation.

So went to Towsure bought curly cables (pricey for what they are - but I ay gooin through that palaver agen)and in-line sockets for both N and S.

Thanks

 

[JeremyClarksson]

I have seen people with exactly the same van as mine do this by dragging the cables and then complaining that they are too long.

I wrap them once around the coupling rubber, they are well clear of the road and allow plenty of length for turning.

I have always assumed that the extra length is provided exactly for this purpose.

 

[SBS]

The leads tend to be quite long to accomodate differing positions of the 12N/S sockets. The permanent solution is to shorten the lead by pulling it back under the A-frame and attching the loop to the chassis rail with tie-wraps. This will allow it to be lengthened for a different towcar.