For almost 20 years, the 7 pin sockest (12N and 12S) have been the main stream of towing connections in the UK and most of Europe, It has been such an awkward and fiddly system and prone to faults that include compressed pins, badly fitting plugs, water damage and pin burnout. The new 13 pin coupling will be standard on all new towbars, caravans and trailers making the older system obsolete from this year.
The 13 pin system is much easier to use and has such features as
The 13 pin system is much easier to use and has such features as
- Watertight fitting,
- Twist-lock coupling system (removing the need to use force)
- Single socket mounting - (good for detachable towbar systems)
- One single plug on the caravan/trailer.
13 pin plug (Euro plug)
These are also known as the Euro plug. They are black plastic or chrome and combine all the wires of N and S type together in one easy unit.
These are also known as the Euro plug. They are black plastic or chrome and combine all the wires of N and S type together in one easy unit.
'N' type plug
The N plug is normally a black colour, (also available in aluminum/chrome) IThe unit has 7 wires for the caravan/trailer lights. Reverse lights can not be operated from this plug.
The N plug is normally a black colour, (also available in aluminum/chrome) IThe unit has 7 wires for the caravan/trailer lights. Reverse lights can not be operated from this plug.
'S' Type plug
These plugs are made from grey plastic They have 7 wires which give power to the fridge, battery and 12v appliances and the reverse lights. Not all cars have the matching socket to power these.
These plugs are made from grey plastic They have 7 wires which give power to the fridge, battery and 12v appliances and the reverse lights. Not all cars have the matching socket to power these.
This is always going to be the problem, We are ourselves have access to the old and new style system on a daily basis. Depending on your needs there are two options. Replace the system on your car or buy a adaptor. Both have there pros and cons.
A very simple adaptor for turning your old system on your car, to fit the new caravan 13 pin, it can only run the lights of the caravan. To get the fridge and battery circuits charging you will need a much more expensive adapter £50-£70.
This adapter solves the reverse situation. If your car has the new 13 pin system and your caravan does not then this is the adaptor for you. You can tow both the old and new system with this. Except to pay £35-£50+
Do I need to change over to the new system if both my car and caravan have the 7 pin plugs ?
No This will still work fine there is no need to upgrade just yet.
How much would it cost to get my car or caravan converted ?
If you have a tow bar fitted, then the wiring lume would have to be rewired, This would cost £100 - £160 to supply and fit from most garages. A caravan conversion would cost about the same.
Is it against the law to have the older system ?
No its not, however in the future mot stations may require this new system.
What is the best solution for me I have the use of both systems.
We would recommend buying the subtile adaptor or your caravan and car. This is the only way to use both systems.
Is it a easy diy job to fit the new Euro plug ?
If you have experience of car electrics then we would say 2 hours work. A lot of the wires are very similar colours and can be easily mistaken. If in doubt see a car auto electrician.
No This will still work fine there is no need to upgrade just yet.
How much would it cost to get my car or caravan converted ?
If you have a tow bar fitted, then the wiring lume would have to be rewired, This would cost £100 - £160 to supply and fit from most garages. A caravan conversion would cost about the same.
Is it against the law to have the older system ?
No its not, however in the future mot stations may require this new system.
What is the best solution for me I have the use of both systems.
We would recommend buying the subtile adaptor or your caravan and car. This is the only way to use both systems.
Is it a easy diy job to fit the new Euro plug ?
If you have experience of car electrics then we would say 2 hours work. A lot of the wires are very similar colours and can be easily mistaken. If in doubt see a car auto electrician.
Change your car or caravan fittings permanently This is a permanent option and the most expensive. Only thing to worry about is if you still have access to the older 7-pin system ( which would require a adapter ).
Note:There are three variations but those shown above are the ones that are regularly used on 12v cars and caravans.
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