What type of towbar do I require?

This is a personal preference, the most common towbar is a fixed flange. Although a detachable type on all vehicles looks seemless and the neatest option. The only time a fixed flange towbar would not be optional would be when your vehicle has after market fitted parking sensors as they may pick up the neck of the towbar. In this instance the fixed swan neck or detachable swan neck is preferable. If you are unsure though, don’t worry we will discuss all options with you and help you decide the best option.

Electrics : can we change 7 pin to twin 14 pin?

Single 13 pin electrics

Since 2008 many caravan manufactures opted to change from the twin 14 pin sockets to the single 13 pin socket which is a combination of the 12(N) and 12(S) sockets in a single socket. This has become standard in most European countries and is also space saving especially when fitting a detachable towbar, it allows the socket to swing up underneath the bumper of most vehicles.

You can purchase adaptors to convert the twin electrics to the 13 pin should it be required.

ELECTrics : Universal Electrics or Vehicle Specific Electrics?

There are two options when it comes to wiring, Universal Electrics or Vehicle Specific Electrics (Dedicated Wiring).

Universal Electrics are after market and more often then not the cheaper option. They are appropriate to use in most types of vehicles and requires extensive knowledge in order to install. Sometimes the universal electrics can be wired straight into the vehicles lighting loom but in other instances they will require a bypass relay to also be installed.

Vehicle Specific Electrics are specifically designed for each individual vehicle. It works in harmony with the vehicles electrics exactly how the manufacturers intended. When you have vehicle specific wiring installed it will recognise that you have connected the towing electrics and will automatically adjust with some of the cars features for example reversing sensors, lane assist and bulb failure. This feature is a more costly option however you have the peace of mind that it works not only with the manufactures options but also keeps your vehicle within its warranty guidelines.

Some Vehicle Specific Electrical kits require coding to access all the options. We have all the up to date software required to carry this out and it is included in our quotation to yourself.

Please be aware that some Makes and Models will only be given the option of Vehicle Specific Electrics due to the complex technology within the vehicle.