Electrics
Whatever you are towing you will need some electrics with your towbar. There are 3 types of towing electrics; single 12(N), twin 12(S), and 13 pin.
The installation of car electrics with your towbar needs to be considered carefully. Modern cars now have built-in computers and are more complex than they have ever been. Complex wiring systems and advanced safety features mean towing electrics are no longer as easy and simple to install. A simple connection to just the rear lights is no longer adequate.
Single Electrics, also known as 12(N), are fitted as standard.
They provide power from the towbar to the lights on a trailer or caravan. If your only going to be towing a trailer this is all you need.
You can tow a caravan using only single electrics, but the interior functions of the caravan, such as the fridge, wouldn't have power to them.
If you will only be using the towbar for a cycle carrier we recommend that you still have a single electric socket fitted so that you can power a light board over the bikes.
Twin Electrics, or 12(S), are fitted in addidtion to single electrics if you are going to use your towbar for towing a caravan.
The extra grey socket provides power to operate the interior functions of the caravan such as the interior lights, run the fridge and charge the battery while you are towing.
13 pin Electrics are standard in most other European countries. They will slowly replace the 2 separate socket currently used in this country. The 13 pin socket is essentially the two 7 pin sockets merged in to one.
All caravans manufactured in the UK from 2008 will be fitted with an ISO 13 pin connector as standard. This system uses one socket with 13 pins inside, instead of the traditional two separate 7 pin sockets.
13 pin sockets are also used on some vehicles especially with detachable towbars when there isn't enough room to mount two separate sockets.
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