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   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email
Subject Topic: Retractable towbar
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PersonTweetypie57
via mobile 28/4/2025 at 7:43pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Coachman+Kimberley View Tweetypie57's Profile View Profile   Reply to Tweetypie57 Reply   Quote Tweetypie57 Quote  
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We have just bought a “new to us” 2017 Volvo XC90 with a retractable towbar. Our van has a 13pin plug that twists when inserted into the car. On the new Volvo the socket doesn’t have the “twist” can you get a straight push in plug? Hope this makes sense!!!

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"Money can't buy you happiness but it's more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes"


PersonColin21
28/4/2025 at 9:54pm
 Location: East Herts
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I thought all the 13 pin sockets were twist-to-lock? I have certainly never seen one that was a straight push in like the old 7 pin pugs.


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Best Regards,
Colin


PersonTweetypie57
via mobile 28/4/2025 at 10:21pm
 Location: Shropshire
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I’ll check it again tomorrow

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"Money can't buy you happiness but it's more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes"


PersonMonty15
28/4/2025 at 11:00pm
 Location: London
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Think you'll find that the 'twist to lock' is part of the specification for 13 pin plugs/sockets under International Standard ISO 11446, so if yours doesn't then either non-standard or broken.

Seem to recall that plugs can end up with the pin carrier part 'out of sync' (incorrectly rotated) with the body which prevents engagement with the socket, there is a simple plastic tool available that can bring them back into correct alignment. Could it be either your plug and/or the new (to you) socket have been mangalated to get them to mate without the 'twist'!

If a new plug or socket are required, they are only a few pounds each, and not too difficult to fit for a competent DIYer.


Personclbewi
29/4/2025 at 9:47am
 Location: Essex
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It could be the car has only a seven pin socket fitted. The previous owner might only have towed a trailer.
In which case a new socket will have to be fitted along with a new loom especially on that particular car, if you want your fridge and battery to be powered whilst towing.

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Claire and Colin


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PersonTweetypie57
via mobile 29/4/2025 at 5:48pm
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It has a 13 pin fitted not 7 pin

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"Money can't buy you happiness but it's more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes"



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