Types of Socket
Single 7-Pin Electrics (12N):
One 7-pin socket, usually black in colour, is used to provide power to trailer road lights (Tail Lights, Stop Lights, Turn Signals, Foglight, Number Plate Lights and any Side Marker Lights).
A single 7-pin socket is typically used on trailers and caravans manufactured before 2012. Also often used with lighting boards for cycle carriers.
Twin 7-Pin Electrics (12N & 12S):
Two 7-pin sockets, usually one black and one white in colour. In addition to the single 7-pin plug, the white 12S socket provides power to caravan internal functions such as 12 volt interior lights supply, leisure battery charging, and refrigerator, plus reversing lights.
The twin socket configuration is typically found on British caravans older than 2012, and some commercial trailers, horseboxes, etc.
13-Pin Socket:
One single socket provides power to all functions for trailers and caravans, providing power to trailer and caravan road lights and all internal functions such as 12 volt interior lights supply, leisure battery charging and refrigerator, plus reversing lights.
13 Pin configuration is typically used on caravans manufactured from 2012 (although some as early as 2008, and older European caravans) and some commercial trailers, horseboxes, etc. Increasingly, the 13-pin plug is found fitted to cycle carriers with integral lighting
One advantage of a 13-pin socket is that it makes for a neater installation. With detachable towbars, sometimes the socket mounting plate is designed to swing out of view (depending on model). This would not be possible with a twin socket configuration, for this reason we recommend 13-pin electrics for towing a caravan with a detachable towbar.
Adaptors are available to allow a 7-pin trailer or caravan into a 13-pin socket, so if in doubt the 13-pin offers versatility for all your towing needs.
Universal Aftermarket Wiring Kit or Vehicle-Specific Wiring Kit?
Universal Aftermarket Wiring Kit:
Universal Aftermarket Wiring is connected directly into the vehicle's wiring loom by use of snap-connectors or soldered joints - where necesary using a towing bypass relay to protect your car’s electrical systems from the added load.
This type of wiring kit does not function with any additional towing stability programs or safety features of the vehicle. Because the connections involve a direct connection to the vehicle wiring loom, we do not recommend this type of kit for vehicles still in the manufacturer's warranty period.
Vehicle-Specific Wiring Kit:
Each wiring kit is designed specifically for the vehicle that it is fitted to, and rather than an "invasive connection" by soldering or using snap connectors to splice into the vehicle's loom, these kits interface with the vehicle's electronic systems as the vehicle manufacturer intended.
Depending on the specification of your vehicle*, Towing Stability Controls and vehicle foglight/reversing sensor cut-off may also be activated with a vehicle specific kit. Functions such as this vary according to car model and specification level
Vehicles Under Manufacturer Warranty:
If your vehicle is still under its 'from new' warranty, we recommend use of a vehicle specific kit. Because the wiring installation does not involve splicing into the car's wiring, this avoids any warranty issues of "modifying" the wiring, should the vehicle develop an electrical fault.
Our Fitting Service Includes any Re-Coding Needed:
Many vehicles with in-built towing safety features require re-coding once the wiring is installed, in order to activate these systems. Whilst we supply all types of wiring kits for DIY fitting, unless you have access to professional re-coding equipment, you may need to have this step performed professionally.
When having your towbar installed by our team of mobile fitters, any necessary re-coding is included.