My caravan has a 13 pin plug to connect to my car, I am thinking of changing car which already has a tow hitch but also two connecting plugs, one white and one black. I have been told a new loom is needed......£250 + VAT..............Is this my only option?
The simplest way would be to remove the two 7pin sockets & connect both cables to a 13pin socket. You can find wiring diagram by searching online. You would need to ensure the 2 cables into back of socket was waterproof so probably a bit of a bodge with plenty of tape but it would work ok. Alternatively rewire as is with 12core cable into car. Or as suggested use adaptor but double adaptors are a bit cumbersome.
Your quote for £250 is to do a proper job with specific for car loom that would include the 12core cable &. 13pin plug. This would be the professional's preferred option on a modern car. Many towbar fitters would consider the first methods a bodge & would not do it. The first methods are an easy & cheap diy for anybody who has the tools & ability.
Buy the adapterhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13-pin-to-2x-7-pin-12N-12S-Caravan-Towing-Plug-Socket-Adapter-Tool-Waterproof-/282414002121?hash=item41c12fafc9:g:McUAAOSwhQhY24qS
Only a thought but are you sure the electrics on your proposed towcar are in full working order? Over time they can pick up detritus (rubbish) that stops them working - ask dealer to check.
That's a good teason for using a specific loom. They are more likely to last the life of the car without going faulty. Double adaptors are just a bodge & a cumbersome one at that. If the op intends to keep car & caravan for a while then better to put the cost of the adaptor towards doing a proper job.
That ok if thats all you are going to tow.
I tend to tow a few things that still have the old type 7 pin 12n 12s fitted.
So it works for me using an adapter.And easier than changing them all to 13 pin.
In saying that i was thinking of fitting the 13pin socket to the disco and using the other as a plug / socket to feed a rear camera from the van, direct to the front screen in the car.
I have used the same adapter for at least 8 years without any trouble on 2 different cars, it clicks in really tight with a twist so no danger of coming loose
I too used a twin adapter on my last caravan, and although it worked ok, it does introduce an extra set of connections at either end of the adapter. This presents more potential failure points and voltage drop at any poor connections.
As a minimum it would be better to merge the two existing cables into one new 13 pin socket. Better still replace the two cables in the car with a single 13 core cable
I would say a lot depends on how much you intend to use your caravan. If it's only a few times a year then an adaptor would be sufficient, but if you intend using it quite a lot then I would fit a 13 pin socket on the car.
My current caravan has a 13 pin plug but my last car had both plugs so I used an adaptor because I only use my caravan infrequently and it did the job; however when I bought my new car I had to have a tow bar fitted anyway so went with fitting a 13 pin socket, and have to admit it does make life easier.
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Topic: 7 pin to 13 pin dilemma
