Ecosse
Member Since: 07 Jan 2005
Location: Grampian, Scotland
Posts: 889
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| Towing electrics - N&S or 13 pin? |
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Can anyone clarify the difference - my car as what I think are N&S (there are 2 separate sockets) as the standard factory fit, but I see that there is also a 13 pin version (just 1 socket) and I am about to hire a trailer which they say has a "euro plug" as there is a reversing light on it! So what is the difference or is there a convertor that allows the N&S to power a euro plug system?
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 23rd Mar 2012 1:32 pm |
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Frapp
Member Since: 19 Dec 2008
Location: Norff Zummerzet
Posts: 1655
  
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Hi
There is a converter available to run one with the other type. Im guessing that as the trailer has a reversing light then a 13 pin plug is being used. The hire company may be able to sort something for you. Member of the carrot crank club
Embarrassingly in for the 2nd round, bought another two
D3 Jack Russell carrier
D4 Landmark for towing duties
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| 23rd Mar 2012 1:39 pm |
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Ecosse
Member Since: 07 Jan 2005
Location: Grampian, Scotland
Posts: 889
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OK, thanks, so the Euro plug can just have the convertor attached to it, an dthen be plugged into one of the N&S sockets and that should (hopefully) work inc the reverse light?
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| 23rd Mar 2012 1:54 pm |
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Frapp
Member Since: 19 Dec 2008
Location: Norff Zummerzet
Posts: 1655
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I have a lead from D3, 7n & 7s to a 13 pin socket which I use when towing caravan. When towing trailers (without reversing lights) the trailer lead plugs straight into 7n.
When I picked up the caravan from the dealers, they supplied me with a 13 pin to 7n converter which worked all of the road lights except the reversing lights.
Hope that helps  Member of the carrot crank club
Embarrassingly in for the 2nd round, bought another two
D3 Jack Russell carrier
D4 Landmark for towing duties
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| 23rd Mar 2012 2:02 pm |
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Ecosse
Member Since: 07 Jan 2005
Location: Grampian, Scotland
Posts: 889
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Thanks Frapp - that's what I feared!, that even an adaptor does not activate the reversing lights? Typical LR, why can't they be Euro friendly!!!
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| 23rd Mar 2012 2:04 pm |
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RichardB
Member Since: 03 May 2010
Location: Hants
Posts: 485
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Ecosse wrote:Typical LR, why can't they be Euro friendly!!!
They can be, you can choose either lighting option when you take the towbar option!
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| 23rd Mar 2012 7:35 pm |
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Ecosse
Member Since: 07 Jan 2005
Location: Grampian, Scotland
Posts: 889
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Oh  , don't recall the dealer providing any option 
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| 23rd Mar 2012 9:17 pm |
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Zapp79
Member Since: 25 Jan 2012
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 129
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yes, my D3 had N&S (so I used an adapter). My D4 was specced with 13 pin Euro.... works fine with all new trailers.
If I recall, the electrics can be swapped fairly easily - don't think anything needs changing in the software to swap N&S for 13 pin if the towing electrics are already enabled.
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| 23rd Mar 2012 9:27 pm |
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Ecosse
Member Since: 07 Jan 2005
Location: Grampian, Scotland
Posts: 889
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Thanks Zapp79  - what extra did the Euro plug enable over the UK plugs & adaptor - eg did trailer reverse lights then work or did they work with the adaptor anyway? Certainly good news that it is an easy switch over! Thanks.
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| 24th Mar 2012 6:25 am |
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Zapp79
Member Since: 25 Jan 2012
Location: Staffordshire
Posts: 129
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Not noticed any difference - everything worked using N&S + adapter and, equally, everything works with the newer 13 pin type.
The plugs come on a separate wiring harness that connects to the main wiring loom in the left hand cubby box in the boot, so it is easy to get to the connections to make the swap. The only bit I am not certain on is whether something needs changing in the software (I guess a faultmate could do it). I know that towing electrics need to be enabled when they are installed otherwise the car doesn't realise that you have attached a trailer. But, if you already have towing electrics installed, I guess this will all be enabled.
Be aware that the towing wiring harness is about £100 though - you can get 4 adapters for that much!
If you do swap the cabling for 13 pin, make sure you get the D4 part - the D3 one will not work on a D4.
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| 24th Mar 2012 8:39 am |
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B16 KJR
Member Since: 10 Jul 2006
Location: Rosyth, Fife
Posts: 3005
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Quote:When I picked up the caravan from the dealers, they supplied me with a 13 pin to 7n converter which worked all of the road lights except the reversing lights.
The reversing light do not get supplied by the 12N socket, they are powered by pin 1 on the 12s.
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| 24th Mar 2012 11:31 am |
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Adrian T
Member Since: 03 Nov 2011
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 46
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13 pin sockets are now part of the MOT and so need to work correctly although at pressent they are not an MOT failure as there is still an issue with some testing equipment, along with the tow ball and mounts, 7 pin sockets are not going to be tested apart from they must fit o/k, have towed with a adaptor with no problem.
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| 24th Mar 2012 12:59 pm |
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RichardB
Member Since: 03 May 2010
Location: Hants
Posts: 485
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Adrian T wrote:13 pin sockets are now part of the MOT and so need to work correctly although at pressent they are not an MOT failure
Interesting. I wonder how many test stations would realise you have the wiring fitted behind the bumper cover. Especially if the ball is not fitted.
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| 24th Mar 2012 2:21 pm |
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