Do I need a 13 pin plug to tow a caravan?

Do I need a 13 pin plug to tow a caravan?

The 13 pin socket is the one to go for if you are towing a new caravan. The 13 pin socket has been used as standard across most of Europe for many years, with the UK getting on board too back in 2008.

Do caravans have 7 or 13 pin plugs?

The connection between the car and the bike carrier, trailer, caravan, boat trailer or horsebox is created by putting the plug of the object you wish to tow in the socket on your car. The two plugs that are most common are the 7-pin and 13-pin plugs. A caravan always has a 13-pin plug.

Can a Tiguan tow a caravan?

The Tiguan, like many compact SUVs, can tow a camper trailer, but you better keep it light. With a minimal towing capacity of 1500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1124 pounds, it would be challenging to pack a weekend’s worth of camping gear.

How does a 13 pin caravan 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.

What electrics do I need for towing a caravan?

There are 3 types of towbar electrics plugs, including single 7 pin electrics, single 13 pin electrics and twin electrics. Single electrics use one plug to connect your vehicle and trailer electrics, whereas twin electrics require two 7 pin plugs, which is usually necessary for towing older caravans or trailers.

Can I tow a caravan with 7 pin electrics?

7 pin electrics provide the normal or legal lighting requirements for towing. A 7 pin towbar plug will provide brake, indicate and tail light functions on your bike rack, trailer or caravan and is suitable for simple towing.

Do I need 13 pin electrics?

13 Pin – If you are towing a modern caravan made after 2008 that needs power to lighting functions and the onboard leisure battery you will need a universal or dedicated 13 pin electrics kit.

How did I get a 13 pin plug in my caravan?

It was then a case of wiring up the new 13-pin plug as follows: Finally, using a hole-cutter, one of the old moulded storage sockets on the A-frame fairing was cut out and the new one was fitted in its place. With the caravan’s 12V battery connected, the last job was to connect it to the car and test that everything worked.

How many pins are in a tow bar plug?

Wiring diagram for a 13 pin tow bar socket and plug Pin Colour What it does 10 Grey Fridge – only active when the engine is 11 White / Black Earth for the fridge (pin 10) 12 not used Not used at present 13 White / Red -ve from battery (pin 9)

What are the pins in a 13 pin plug?

The electrical pins in the plug (and socket) are all nickel plated, which is an improvement on the brass contacts of the previous designs of trailer plug. If you look at the construction of the plug and socket, the tracking length of a mated 13 pin plug and socket is far greater than the tracking length of the 12N and 12S types.

Do you need an adapter for a 13 pin socket?

single socket connection which is less intrusive than the 2 socket system However, many people find that they need an adapter as their car and caravan have different connections e.g. 12n & 12s on a car and a 13pin on the caravan. Don’t worry, you can get an adapter.