Newbie Towbar electrics question

[Keir]

Hello everyone! I’m shopping around for our first caravan and as a first time tow-er have a few questions if anyone would be kind enough to help me with?

I have a 2013 VW Tiguan with a drop-down tow bar and sideways 13-pin socket. I’ve bought one of these (cheapo) 13 pin socket testers which gives indeterminate results. So have the following questions….

1. Is there such a thing as a towbar service? I’d really like to know that the electrics are working properly before collecting a caravan.

2. Whilst connecting the tester to the socket, the socket itself seemed to be quite shallow. I have a slight concern that an attached cable could easily shake loose. Does anyone have a similar tow bar set up?

 

[Woodentop]

When you insert the plug you turn it 90deg which locks it in place. You will most probably have to turn the tester 90deg upon insertion as well otherwise you may get indeterminate results.

Do a bit of Googling to find your nearest specialist towbar installer who should be able to test it in minutes. DO NOT take it to a dealership as they usually have little idea what they are doing!

 

[Keir]

Rookie error on my part, I didn’t realise about the 90 degree twist lol. I’ll try the tester again and see what I get.

Much appreciate the help! Thankyou