13-Pin Universal Towbar Wiring Kit with Bypass Relay

13-Pin Universal (Bypass) Wiring Kit - Towsure
£69.99 £54.95 SAVE £15.04
SKU: WK13

A complete 13-pin universal towbar wiring kit featuring an integrated bypass relay. Provides full road lighting functions plus caravan battery charging and refrigerator power. Designed for safe installation on vehicles with CAN-Bus, multiplexed, or bulb failure monitoring systems. Suitable for caravans, trailers, horseboxes, and cycle carriers fitted with a single 13-pin plug. Mounting plate not included.

Description

13-Pin Universal Towbar Wiring Kit with Bypass Relay

This complete 13-pin universal wiring kit provides a robust and reliable electrical connection between your tow vehicle and any trailer or caravan utilising a single 13-pin plug. Designed to accommodate the complex electrical systems found on modern vehicles, this kit includes an integrated bypass relay to ensure full compatibility without interfering with the vehicle's onboard computer or bulb failure detection circuits. It supplies all essential road lighting functions as well as auxiliary power for caravan battery charging and refrigerator operation, making it a comprehensive solution for both occasional towing and extended touring.

Complete 13-Pin Functionality

The kit delivers full electrical support for all standard 13-pin requirements. In addition to essential road lighting—including tail lights, stop lights, direction indicators, fog light, and reversing light—the wiring loom is configured to manage constant and switched power supplies. This ensures that the leisure battery in a caravan receives a regulated charge while the engine is running, and the refrigerator circuit is activated only when the alternator provides sufficient power, preventing the accidental drain of the vehicle starter battery.

Advanced Bypass Relay Technology

Contemporary vehicles are almost universally equipped with CAN-Bus data networks, multiplexed wiring, or sensitive bulb failure monitoring systems. Splicing directly into rear light clusters on such vehicles can cause dashboard error warnings, dimming lights, or permanent damage to body control modules. The integrated bypass relay isolates the trailer’s electrical load from the vehicle's sensitive circuits. The relay draws a minimal signal current from the vehicle's rear lights to trigger the corresponding trailer function, while drawing the main power supply directly from the vehicle battery via a dedicated fused connection. This method safeguards the vehicle’s electronics and guarantees reliable trailer light operation.

Universal Vehicle Compatibility

This universal kit is suitable for fitment to a vast range of passenger cars, 4x4s, and light commercial vehicles. Because it operates independently of dedicated vehicle-specific ECU software, it is the ideal choice for:

  • Vehicles with CAN-Bus electrical architecture.
  • Vehicles equipped with LED rear lighting and pulse-width modulation (PWM) systems.
  • Older vehicles without manufacturer-supplied towing preparation.
  • Imported vehicles where a dedicated wiring loom may not be available.
  • A cost-effective alternative to a dedicated wiring kit on vehicles outside the manufacturer's warranty period.

Versatile Towing Applications

The kit is engineered to handle the varied electrical demands of different towed units. Whether you are towing a large twin-axle caravan requiring constant battery charge and fridge supply, a horsebox with interior lighting, or a simple cycle carrier with a lighting board, the wiring provides the correct pin-out and power rating. The system is optimised for use with:

  • Caravans
  • Box Trailers
  • Cycle Carrier Lighting Boards
  • Horseboxes (including support for reversing light and interior light circuits)

Installation and Build Quality

The wiring loom is manufactured using high-grade, flexible copper cable sheathed in durable PVC insulation to withstand the harsh under-vehicle environment, including exposure to road salt, moisture, and vibration. Each wire is colour-coded and printed with its function identification, simplifying the connection process for the installer. The kit includes a pre-wired bypass relay and a 13-pin socket connector. Please note that a single-socket mounting plate or bumper bracket specific to your vehicle model is required to complete the installation and is not included within this universal kit.

Detailed Specification
  • Pin Configuration: 13-Pin (ISO 11446) Single Socket
  • Relay Type: Integrated Bypass Relay with Battery Charging and Switched Power Management
  • Vehicle Electrical Compatibility: Universal fit for CAN-Bus, Multiplexed, and Standard Wiring Systems
  • Cable Type: Flexible copper core with PVC insulation and printed function identification
  • Included Components: 13-Pin Socket Connector, Pre-wired Bypass Relay, Comprehensive Wiring Loom, Inline Fuse Holder, Installation Instructions
  • Excluded Components: Single Socket Mounting Plate or Vehicle-Specific Bracket
  • Usage Applications: Caravans, Trailers, Cycle Carrier Lighting, Horseboxes (including interior and reversing lights)
  • Installation Note: Requires a direct fused connection to the vehicle's 12V battery positive terminal.

Functions Supported:

  • Tail Lights and Number Plate Light
  • Left and Right Direction Indicators
  • Stop Lights (Brake Lights)
  • Rear Fog Light
  • Reversing Light
  • Constant 12V Power Supply (Pin 9) for Caravan Battery Charging
  • Switched 12V Power Supply (Pin 10) for Caravan Refrigerator
  • Earth Returns (Pins 3, 11, and 13)