General Towbar Wiring Kits
12N Single
7 pin plug/socket for trailer towing pre 2013
Single electrics or 12N electrics are used for towing trailers and for use with cycle carriers
12S Double
12S electrics commonly referred to as the twin electrics socket and has a grey cover are used in conjunction with the 12N socket when towing caravans, trailer tents and alike.
The 12S electrics are used to charge the leisure battery, the charge for this is taken from the towing vehicle charging system via an automatic split charging relay so that both leisure battery and vehicle battery have sufficient power.
The 12S socket also contains a power feed for the reversing lights on the caravan.
13 Pin Trailer / Caravan
13 pin Euro towing sockets are the newest style of towing socket and as of September 2008 all caravans manufactured will be wired up with 13 pin plugs that meet ISO11446 ( international standards organisation ) and the U.K. representative B.S.I. ( British standards institute ) requirements.
The 13 pin socket is also more adaptable for detachable tow-bars that have a spring mounting single socket plate that can be folded up behind the bumper so that it is invisible.
Vehicle Specific
Vehicle specific wiring kits in the majority of cases connect directly into the manufacturer's dedicated socket. In some vehicles, it is necessary to run other cables which are all supplied within the dedicated kit with detailed instructions of where to find the plugs and wires that you need from around the vehicle.
Some vehicles also need a compulsory download from the vehicle main agent to make the vehicle aware that these towing electrics are fitted, but again that is dependent on the make and model of the vehicle, all vehicles that do are outlined in our online application list.
The advantages of a dedicated wiring kit are that the vehicle will know when you are towing and will automatically adjust the following (only if the vehicle has them).
- Brake Electronics
- Engine Electronics
- Cruise Control or A.C.C.
- Parking Aids
- Reversing Cameras
- Lane Change Assisting
- Suspension System
- Engine Cooling System