electrics

[george_5040447]

hi there, my car only has one socket ( the black one ) for towing, but i have noticed in halfords a double socket for sale, does anyone know how easy or hard it is to replace the single with the double, do you need more wiring or can you use the existin cable?

cheers

george

 

[GeorgePatton_5041052]

George

By the sound of the question, you haven't got a caravan, or if you have, it's quite old.

The second (white) socket supplements the black socket in that it provides for Reversing light,Caravan Battery or charger and refrigerator. The black socket continues to provide power for roadlights (and can remain unchanged if you fit the second socket). These websites give useful information.

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/towbar_electrics.htm
http://www.electronics2000.co.uk/data/pinout/trailer.htm

 

[Jaydug]

How easy it is depends upon your know-how! What you have is the 12N socket fitted. That looks after the road lights - side lights, brakes and indicators. The other one (which you haven't got) is only required if you are towing a caravan. A trailer doesn't need one. It caters for interior lights, fridge and battery charging. Unless you are familiar with the wiring requirements, I would leave it to a fitter.

 

[audiorob]

The sockets have different purposes. The current socket is for road lights and a necessity whatever you tow. The second socket is the auxilliary, usually grey, which powers electrical items within the caravan whilst on the move, or can be used with an extension lead in place of a caravan battery in an emergency if your caravan battery lets you down. The most usual is to keep the fridge cool en route, so it has a relay fitted to cut the power when the engine is not running. I'm sure you can pull a wiring diagram and description of either the CCC or CC websites, and certainly in the back of the CC Handbook.

 

[Rayc1]

George, The black (12N) socket is for road light functions i.e. lights / indicators/ brake lights / fog light. The grey (12N) is for caravan functions i.e. Battery charge / permanent feed / fridge supply and reversing lights.

Depending on your level of competence and the complexity of the car you could install t yporself or get a tow bar fitting specialist to do it.