Question for Lutz

[MONKEY1]

Dear Lutz,

I'm having a towbar fitted to our new car on Friday I went into my local Hella stockist today for a 13 pin Euro socket and the guy came back with two types of plugs a standard 13 pin car socket and a "west system" 13 pin socket which looks to be a combination of a 7 pin socket and having a additional 6 pins around the side.

As were hoping to buy a new van in the New Year from Germany what will be fitted to the van? (Vans we like include the Burstner Flipper 490 and a Knaus and Hymer).

Your Help as to which plug should be fitted would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards

Monkeys Husband

 

[Rod_5041370]

My Knaus and Hobby caravans are both fitted with the standard 13 pin sockets.

I don't believe that the "west system" was/is very popular, I haven't seen one fitted to any caravan.

 

[rob_jax]

MH,

We have always had Hymer (all branded as Eriba in Europe) caravans, and the last two cars (and the next car will) have been fitted with the Euro 13 pin single socket - the correct identification for this is "ISO 11446"

Avoid the "West System" at all costs - as you say it's a combination of a 12N socket with extra connections around the outside - whilst there is the possible advantage of being able to use a standard 12N caravan plug - the 12N connector has the same problems as a standard UK connector - corrosion, dirt, insecure connection, etc., - the ring of extra connectors are also of poor quality.

Robert

 

[MikeP]

I too endorse the "better" 13 pin system rather than the 12N hybrid. The pins make a very positive connection in the socket; the plug then twists to lock and sits snugly under the flap to hold it securely. The socket is probably weatherproof rather than waterproof, and the plug came with a waterproof cap.

OK, it cost a bit to convert (I think the cable was

 

[Lutz]

I agree completely with the other replies. The 'West' system is not very popular and is considered a poor compromise by most. When there was first a need for 13 pins, a number of different alternatives appeared on the market (in addition to the DIN and West systems there is also a 13-pin Multicon, not to mention the 12S/12N system used only in the UK) but on the Continent only the DIN plug really got off the ground, probably because it had the weight of the biggest electrical equipment manufacturer, Hella, behind it.

 

[MONKEY1]

Thanks guys for all your help

MH

 

[Guest]

Just to respnd to the original question.

Check with your dealer what plugs will be fitted to your van. Some European vans come with the standard 13 core cable and plug, others are 'converted' prior to arrival to have both the black and grey 7 core cables fitted, with appropriate plugs. This is to ensure compatibility with the UK market.

However, whatever you get with the van, there are adaptor cables to fit both ways. I know, I have both sets from 2 different vans and tow vehicles.

The only other thing I have dicovered is that there are 13 pin plugs, and 13 pin plugs. Like many things in life there are good ones, and cheapos. But get a spare and carry it, you may be caught out and need it, as I did in the south of France.