Melting electrics

[IonaCaravan]

Arriving at our campsite on our latest outing we noticed the rear indicator lights were ticking away and this stopped when we disconnected the grey electric plug from the caravan. On inspection of the said plug two of the seven connector pin positions showed signs of melting. Likewise the grey connection on the towbar also showed signs of melting. We had a long journey home and opted not to connect the grey electrics during towing. Can anyone advise me as to what has gone wrong? A short circuit perhaps? And what we need to do to fix it.

Thanks Iona

 

[SirRogerFFS]

Iona

A ,make sure you have a really good earth connection at the tow vehicle ,always a good place to start.

Once checked the tow vehicle make sure .

connection on caravan are all good and clean,I dont say this is a cure but it will help , but could cure

Good Luck , Sir Roger,

 

[Damian]

I find th eOP posting a little confusing.

Normally the running lights for the caravan, brake lights, indicators, sidelights are on the black 12N plug/Socket.

The Grey plug/socket provides reversing lights, fridge supply and battery charging.

As has been said, make sure the connections are clean and tight fitting (I would replace the damaged plug and socket as a matter of safety)

If the pins in question are the fridge supply , then possibly the wiring is the wrong size and has been overheating.

You need to check it all out to be sure.

To reduce the possibility of recurrence, why not take the opportunity to change the car and van to 13 pin setup, much better system.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

The "short" in the grey plug/socket could have been affecting the car electrics with today's electronics

There is a simple remedy for the very common centre pin(fridge earth ) burn out as outlined below under F A Qs

http://www.towitall.co.uk/faq/information.htm

 

[TD42]

Hi Iona The problem you have is not uncommon Try the link below it will explain the cause & possible remedy.but you will have to renew your grey 12s plug

http://www.towitall.co.uk/faq/faq1.htm

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hi Iona The problem you have is not uncommon Try the link below it will explain the cause & possible remedy.but you will have to renew your grey 12s plug

]http://www.towitall.co.uk/faq/faq1.htm

http://www.towitall.co.uk/faq/faq1.htm[/quote
SNAP

 

[ThePlotter]

The problem as others have said is very common and can be cured by rearranging the earth.However its usual cause is the centre pin on the 12S plug as it is longer than the others(meant to be a guide) and it is in four segments that when pushed home close up leaving a lose connection that arcs and overheats.The easy cure is each time you plug in open up the centre pins segments.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Its still worth doing the mod as above as you increase the area of cable carrying the load as outlined in FAQs on the Towitall website

I did mine 10 years ago and no further problem

 

[IonaCaravan]

Thanks for all your valued advice. We bought new a grey plug and socket but will consult the website first and, as has been said it might be worth changing to the 13 pin. I'll get my husband onto it right away (or maybe in a few months which is perhaps more realistic!). Iona.