one or two electrics for car towing....URGENT pls

[Barbara_5065464]

WE AREN'T SURE WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE ELECTRICS FOR OUR NEW CARAVAN...ONE OR TWO CONNECTIONS, WE HAVE A FRIDGE AND LIGHTS THAT RUN OFF 12 VT. ITS AN EXTRA 50-00 TO HAVE TWO ..ON TOP OF 360-00 WHAT DO YOU ADVISE???????????

 

[rayc]

Barbara, The 2nd socket (called 12S) is required if you want to run the caravan fridge whilst on the move and to give you 12v from the car ,in place of the caravan battery, if you want to. It will also charge the battery whilst you are towing.

The caravan reversing light is also fed from this socket.

It therefore all depends upon whether you think you will benefit from any of the functions as none of them are neccessary but could be desirable.

 

[jacky3]

12 s socket for sure,you will wish you had got it if you dont,keeps things chilled in the fridge on long journeys,also as was said above reversing light are fitted from 12s,if caravan is fitted with reversing lights its the law that says they MUST be working???

 

[rayc]

12 s socket for sure,you will wish you had got it if you dont,keeps things chilled in the fridge on long journeys,also as was said above reversing light are fitted from 12s,if caravan is fitted with reversing lights its the law that says they MUST be working???

Klarky, I am not sure about reversing lights having to be operational if fitted. There was a discussion in a motoring forum and the concensus, including MOT testers, was the reversing lights are not part of the MOT test and a car would pass even if the lights are not working.

 

[rayc]

12 s socket for sure,you will wish you had got it if you dont,keeps things chilled in the fridge on long journeys,also as was said above reversing light are fitted from 12s,if caravan is fitted with reversing lights its the law that says they MUST be working???

Klarky, www.motors.freeuk.com/faq/motl has questions answers on MOT tes.

Question: Are reversing lights part of the MOT test?

Answer: The testing manual makes no reference to reversing lights and they are not a testable item, however if they are on permanently then a failure certificate could be issued.

 

[john_5040735]

barbara - definitely go for twin electrics, but make sure you inform the fitter of the age of your caravan. there are different wiring conventions relating to different time periods. see caravan club site for details if you are unsure. you also need to be a member to download the very informative information sheet. good luck

John