The Caravan Club technical team have recently drawn attention to a problem with the 13 pin caravan cable plugs but what that problem actually involves I'm not quite sure. This information was provided with one of the clubs that I am a member of. Anyway, referring to the 12S plug, check that the terminals are clean in both the plug and socket but it is quite safe to spray some WD40 into them which will remove any condensation too which could be contributing to the problem. Have a look inside the caravan 12S plug and you will see that the pin has a cross in the centre. Just get a small electrical screwdriver and slightly prize open the pin each way. This will increase the pin diameter giving a secure contact when pushing the plug home into the socket. When you do your next trip out, check to see if the central earth pin is still getting hot as it may just be one of the above that I have mentioned. Try the simple things first as it may just be a temporary minor problem.
You will find the answer to your problem HERE under the Answer section of this page. It involves sharing the earthing pin with another to drop the load on the main earthing pin.
The problem with the 13 pin plug is when you couple it to the socket on the car you have to turn it 1/4 turn clock-wise to lock it in position.The cable which feeds into the plug has a plastic connector nut which works loose so the plug can spin out of position, what I have done is that when the car/ caravan lights, are coupled up just put a mark at the top centre of the plug & 2 dots at each side to line them up, simple, it will save you buying one the the fancy plugs they advertise.
Just replace the 7 pin plug and socket with a new one. You can change the two plugs and sockets and have change of £20 and you know you have piece of mind. I find the terminals start to break down after a few of years and make a point of changing mine every two years. It's easier than getting stopped because one of your lights is not working properly.
Our van melted the plug housing a bit, (using 13 pin to twin adaptor) our (excellent )dealer advised swapping the car to 13 pin socket which we did -seems fine now.
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------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
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Topic: 12 s plug
