Towbar electrics questions

[Tim2]

Hi

Some questions about towbar electrics.

Hi

Some questions about towbar electrics.

I recently had a new towbar fitted to my new Kia Sorento by a local towbar fitter. I had asked for 13 pin electrics as I have decided to convert our caravan to this too. I asked for a car specific kit to be fitted to ensure that the reversing sensors switched off when I was hooked up. I am, also, having a Alko ATC fitted to the van in May.

When I returned to pick up the car the chap had not fitted the car specific kit but had fitted twin electrics (S and N plugs) Groan. When I pointed out the problem with the sockets he asked me to leave for another hour and changed it to a 13 pin socket.

The wiring is however not 13 core wiring but separate S and N cables wired into 13 pin socket. Is this a problem particularly as far as powering caravan battery charging and caravan fridge AND ATC when fitted.

Regarding the car specific wiring he said that he would retrofit a relay and would get back to me. Is this possible. I am still waiting to hear!!!

Is a an audible visible warning for the direction indicators when towing? My previous towcar had a buzzer which sounded when the caravan was hooked up. Tonight I tried out a 13pin to S/N adaptor which I have bought as a temporary measure until the caravan electrics are changed at the next service. No audible or visible warning for indicators?? I am I right in thinking this is illegal.

It is so hard to get reliable work done these days.

Tim

 

[Colin_374358138]

Hi Tim,

Firstly I feel your frustration.

Don't know 100% how to help you but I have seen 12n12s to 13pin converstion kits / apparatus which suggests that the 2 cables can be combined to form 1 13pin if wanted.

Sorry I can't be of any more help.

 

[RonD]

Tim,

Try removing a caravan flasher bulb and see if the dashboard lamp flashes faster? Many new vehicles are like this. I can't see a problem with using the old 12n and 12s cables combined into the 13pin socket. Can anyone else?

Ron

 

[GrahamSouthBrum]

I have just had a 13 pin socket fitted to my new car.

It has the 12n & 12s cables both fitted in to the 13 pin socket & every thing works ok.

A super relay was also fitted along with an audible flasher warning

 

[SteveW77]

Yes you are correct, to be legal you mut either an audible warning or a visual one, take it back and tell them to put it right.

The Kia dealer mad a real pigs breakfast of mine. I have been a motor mechanic for 42 yrs, but can't fit my own or it invalidates the warranty. In the end I took it back and stood right behind the fiiter while he re did the job, even then he tried to use Scotchlocks to make the conections. The manager swore they were all skilled technicians. Yes and I'm a monkeys uncle.

Steve W

 

[Tim2]

Thanks for the replies folks.

The Towbar was fitted by St Helens towbars - he was recommended to me!!!???

I wish now that I had bought in the bar and the necessary car specific kit from Towequippe and had my usual mechanic fit it. I'm at a loss how to best proceed but I'm going to have my usual mechanic check over the towbar and wiring with a view to getting it sorted out.

It's just so hard to find reliable traders these days.

Tim

 

[Tim2]

Hi folks

I just wondered if anyone else had anything to add.

Tim

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi tim

just one thing converting the 12n & 12s cables into one euro plug

(13 pin)will not cause any problems as long as they are wired up correctly both set of wires are 7core but have a different colour code however both wires have a white one (earth) so with both earths connected together thats 13 wires one for each terminal on the euro plug.

colin