Hello,
We are converting from Tent to Caravan at long last...Tow Bar that I need to get put on my Zafira 1.7 - does it have to be a double Socket one? I was looking on line at them and there are about five different types.....Help...
Single black socket is compulsory as it operates all the rear trailer lights ie. indicators, brakes and side lights etc. The second grey socket is an addition if you want to charge the caravan leisure battery whilst in transit and operating the fridge on a 12 volt supply from the towcar but the fridge needs to be pre-cooled first to maintain the temperature.
Thankyou that's lovely, think we just get the basic one we don't need to get the double we will just plug in when we get to site. We don't go far now .😄
With reference to the towbar it all depends on the budget and the purpose of it's requirements. A 'detachable' towball will connect and disengage from the vehicle by means of a locking mechanism so only used when required. A 'Swan Neck' towball is permanently fixed but has no restrictions between the towball and bumper. The other option is a fixed flange towball that is mounted to the towbar via 2 x 16mm. nuts and bolts but if your caravan has a stabiliser hitch fitted then this will require a minimum distance from the bumper and clearance under the towball for the hitch to swivel so it's important that an AL-KO towball is fitted otherwise the caravan hitch will disconnect.
I understood that the 12s socket also had the reversing light in it? if it was only few quid more then I would just get the second one fitted and save the hassle later on
Quote: Originally posted by marg6 on 03/2/2017
I understood that the 12s socket also had the reversing light in it? if it was only few quid more then I would just get the second one fitted and save the hassle later on
Pointless though if the caravan is an earlier model and doesn't incorporate reversing lights in the rear light cluster like mine doesn't.
Quote: Originally posted by marg6 on 04/2/2017
and what happens when next year they decide to get a newer van? like I said might as well get the full thing now for what extra it would cost
If that would be the case then the OP would be better to opt for the modern 13 pin socket which incorporates both the 12N and 12S circuits. If it's a modern Zafira with can-bus electronics then this would be the best solution anyway rather than having just the outdated 12N lights socket fitted.
My original post was directly answering the OP regarding twin sockets.
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Topic: Tow bar on Zafira
