tow electrics wiring - any advice?

[alistair260661]

as above, I'm intending to wire up my towbar electrics.

intending to tow a caravan and little dump trailers.. Assume the 7 socket connection will be fine, but my questions are about connecting into the stag rear wiring.... its it ok to just connect in (soldered) to the various circuits? Am assuming the lights will be fine (side and brakes) as will reversing, but will the the indicators work ok? can the indicator flasher cope (the original one)?

what about a caravan electrics charging circuit? I presume I will need to install a "new live feed" from front to rear............

does anyone have instructions/diagram?

[redstag]

No need for an extra live if you are only wiring in the lights (N plug).

http://uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/7-pin-n-type-trailer-plug-wiring-diagram

If you want to wire in accessories, fridge, battery charging and reverse lights you will need to fit an S plug as well.

http://uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/7-pin-s-type-caravan-wiring

I have always run mine with just the N plug for the lights as we always stay on sites with electricity so do not need to worry about charging the 'van battery.

Wiring in the N socket is simple, just splice into the wiring as you said. Avoid using scotchlock connectors.
You will need to change the flasher unit, i bought mine from halfords an electronic trailer specific one.

Pete

[redstag]

This might help as well

PeteBeginners-Guide-To-Electrics.pdf

[milothedog]

Don't forget you also need to install a pilot warning light (HRW one?) that shows the indicators are working on the trailer and the whole installation is now a MOT testable item.

Ian.

[tractorjames]

Teed all of mine into the rear light last year. Didn't change anything on the car, and I cant say I've noticed much difference in flash speed with a trailer on. Ive screwed my 7 pin socket on the boot floor so I can remove the tow bar and you cant see the socket.

Also there's some good LED trailer light available now for very little money and if wired in properly and water tight, heat shrink on all joints etc. are more reliable than bulbs. They will reduce the load on the cars electrics too.

James

[StagJonno]

No need for an extra live if you are only wiring in the lights (N plug).

http://uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/7-pin-n-type-trailer-plug-wiring-diagram

If you want to wire in accessories, fridge, battery charging and reverse lights you will need to fit an S plug as well.

http://uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/7-pin-s-type-caravan-wiring

I have always run mine with just the N plug for the lights as we always stay on sites with electricity so do not need to worry about charging the 'van battery.

Wiring in the N socket is simple, just splice into the wiring as you said. Avoid using scotchlock connectors.
You will need to change the flasher unit, i bought mine from halfords an electronic trailer specific one.

Pete

FYI - Halfords stopped stocking flasher units ~3 years ago, so suggest you go online. My car was eating flasher units from various sources. I ended up with a unit from Rimmers - from memory it was designed for a bigger load (possibly for trailer boards) which has lasted 6 months, and counting.

Jonno

Jonno