i only have a single socket on my car ,only needed one for lights as i used to own a trailer tent,have now bought a caravan and am wondering if you can adapt the single socket to two including grey plug...are there any kits available or is it a new wiring job?
thks
I'd say it has to be wired up independantly as the white core flex is thicker to carry the earth to the caravan fridge.
However, I'm no leccy expert.
Also, I have just remembered that they also have a relay fitted which turns certain pins on and off depending on the engine demands. This is so your car battery never gets undercharged.
I had both fitted to my tow car but rarely use the S plug, only ever need that if I am off EHU. So for the cost, unless you need it, its something to consider.
Seriously if you are going to add a 12s then your best course is to fit a 13 pin socket and change the van plugs as well - I promise you you will never regret it
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You can't adapt or split the existing feed to your 12N socket due to the requirements of the 12S socket. The standard socket won't need rewiring etc., you can add the additional socket as and when.
If you get a slotted twin socket mounting plate, you can fairly easily move your existing socket to a twin plate then add the 12S socket.
there are many kits out there to add the 12s socket, and it is a fairly easy job if you have a understanding of car 12v electrics, not too many wires to add.
most Car shops or Caravan service centres will have them on the self
Have a look at Towsure,they are modestly priced and do kits for particular cars that may just plug in,or set ups that will fit all models with straightforward instructions.The currents carried will need to be switched by relays,and the thicker the cable used the better,esp. on the fridge!
heres a link that tells you how to work out what you need for yor type of car....
Yeah - it'd an absolute minefield. We took delivery recently of a Saab and specified twin leccies including fridge & charging etc, so they fitted it up with the latest 13 pin Euro wotsits. Great - we had a 1995 Whirlwind, Mmmm. So I rewired the 'van to post-'98 spec, ie a relay in the van to give battery charging via a relay from the fridge supply. Then we promptly decided to swap the van in for a later one but I left the mod in place and gave all the info to the dealer for the next owner. I know there are self-switching relays available which sense that the car's alternator is "putting out" so to speak but in my book there is nothing like a relay which does what it says on the tin. And that is precicely what is in our newly-acquired Swift - a plain and simple relay.
Anyway, back to the original question - what caravan have your got & what year is it? It isn't that hard to set up the charging & fridge wiring from the car - most of the time taken is stripping out & reassembling the interior trim. Only takes a couple of relays & some heavy-duty wiring. Ryder towing electrics website is a good start.
HTH
Pete
Yes there are kits available, you are adding extra wiring, a connection to your battery, a relay & a grey socket. You will also need a double plate behind towball to carry both sockets. If you can't diy, a towbar fitter will do this wiring for you no probs.
If the caravan is more than a couple of yrs old it will have double plugs so there is little point in changing to the new type pus&twist 13 pin unless you want to.
You don'y actually need the extra socket to tow your caravan, as the lights will work ok, the grey 12s just works fridge while driving & charges caravan battery.
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Topic: towing electrics
