Single Socket Wiring

[Clive-Cardiff]

Hi All, I recently bought a 54 reg Toyota that had been fitted with a towbar and single electrics. I installed a 12s socket and then tested both sockets on the caravan. I found that all was OK except that there was no audible or visual warning fitted for the indicators.

I went back to the dealers and they told me that as they only fitted the vehicle for single electrics there was no legal requirment to fit a warning relay.

Is this correct or are they spinning me a line???

It seems daft that if you are only towing a horse box or trailer you do not need a warning, but if you are towing a van you do!

I've tried searching the net for info, but cant find anything regarding this point -- If you have single electrics you do not need a visual or audible warning?

 

[Guest]

The legal rule regarding indicators is quoted by the Caravan Club as

follows;

Legal Aspects of Caravanning 'Direction Indicators: two amber coloured

indicators must be fitted on the rear of caravans (flashing at the same rate

as the towing vehicle; 60-120 per minute) must be operated by the same

switch as those on the towing vehicle and be wired to warn the driver, via a

visible or audible device, that the

obligatory indicator lamps on the caravan have stopped working.'

Hope that helps and I understand this has never changed!

 

[Damian]

Clive, it does not matter what you are towing, there MUST be an audible OR visual indication that the trailer indicators are working at the same time and rate as the tow vehicle.

I would return to the dealer and insist they do their job properly and fit the warning device.

 

[Martin_E]

When I bought my Peugeot 607 a few years ago I was told by the dealer that I did not need a audible alarm or independent light as just the standard one that is fitted as standard as the wiring on the car could tell when a bulb had gone no matter if it was on a trailer or the car I have not put it to the test but keep looking at the standard green direction arrows on the dash just in case.

Martin