Table of Contents
How does a 13 pin trailer plug work?
A 13 pin plug is used when towing objects, such as your caravan or an advanced trailer, boat trailer or horsebox. This plugged gives you all the light functions including reverse, it can also supply the permanent and fridge feeds. This plugs into the 13 pin socket mounted on the tow bar.
How do you test a 13 pin socket?
Usual functionality testing
- Switch the voltmeter to 20V (or autoscaling) continuous current.
- Connect the ground of the voltmeter to pin 3.
- Signal a turn or press the brakes or turn on your lights and connect the red probe of the voltmeter to the equivalent pin of the tow bar socket.
Do I need dedicated wiring for my tow bar?
A dedicated towbar wiring kit it the best choice for your towbar electrics as it the only wiring that will synchronise with advanced vehicle functions. These could include enabling trailer stability control or the reverse lights on the back of your trailer.
Why do I need a bypass relay for towbar?
What is a towbar wiring bypass relay? A towbar wiring bypass relay can be fitted between the towbar wiring and vehicle wiring to prevent too much power from being taken directly from the vehicle battery.
What is 13 pin towbar electrics?
13 pin electrics combines both the basic and advanced electrical features needed for towing within one plug. This makes a 13 pin plug tidier and easier to use as all of the functions are encased within a single plug.
What is the difference between 7 pin and 13 pin electrics?
The difference between a 7-pin and 13-pin plug is that a 13-pin plug has more functions. A 7-pin plug only supplies in basic lighting, such as blinkers and brake lights. Perfect for bike carriers. The additional pins in the 13-pin plug are used for the reversing lights and the rear mist light, among other things.
How do you test a 13 pin towing socket with a multimeter?
To check it is working, touch the two test leads of the multi-meter together, you should get a reading of 00.00 Ohms. With your multimeter negative test lead connected to the earth point on the car, test each of the three earth connection in the socket… (below).
How do you check towing electrics on a car?
Usual functionality testing Connect the ground of the voltmeter to pin 3. Signal a turn or press the brakes or turn on your lights and connect the red probe of the voltmeter to the equivalent pin of the tow bar socket. The voltmeter should read around 12 volts, maybe more, depending on your car battery.
How are caravans wired?
Generally speaking, a caravan is wired in a similar fashion to a normal house, except for one crucial difference: an RV is connected to mains supply via a 15A flexible power cord, rather than fixed wiring, and can essentially be viewed as a very large appliance.
Do I need 7 pin or 13 pin?
What’s the difference between 7 pin and 13 pin towbar?