Towing Electrics Guide

Single 7 pin electrics: this system supplies feeds to indicators, sidelights, brake lights and fog lamp. THIS IS THE MINIMUM LEGAL REQUIRMENT FOR TOWING.

Double electrics: (twin sockets black and grey) are required when towing older caravans to supply power to the fridge and battery as well as taking a 12v feed into the caravan for interior light. Most modern vehicles requiring vehicle specific electrics only have an option for 13pin electrics. Detachable towbars seldom work with twin 7 pin sockets. If you require double electrics - PLEASE SELECT 13 PIN and you would need an adapter from 13 to twin 7 pin sockets.

Charging Relay: is always added to double electrics and 13 pin full function electrics when towing a caravan to supply 12v power feeds when towing and also prevent your car battery being drained by your caravan when stationery.

Single 13 pin Electrics: Choose this option for electrics is if you are towing a caravan select full function or you have a cycle carrier or trialer with a 13 pin plug fitted select 13 pin lights only option.

PLEASE NOTE: This option is not always suitbale for newer vehicles which require a specific wiring kit, as the kits are not available in double elctrics option.

Also double sockets don't work well with the flip plates on detachable towbars.

Please choose 13 Pin Electrics if you require full function electrics to operate the fridge, battery charging and Alko ATC systems on modern caravans.

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PLEASE NOTE: Choose "full function" if you require caravan fridge, battery charging and Alko ATC systems to operate whilst towing.

Choose "lighting circuits only" if you only require caravan or trailer rear lights to operate or if it is a cycle carrier you have with 13 pin plug.

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Please ensure your vehicle has adequate towing capacity for your requirements as some electric and hybrid vehicles have low or zero towing capacity. You can check your towing capcaity here > Check vehicle towing capacity

CHECK YOUR TOWING CAPACITY

All vehicles should have a plate similar to the one show below. It will be located in one of three places.

Most common is in the door shut area on either side of the vehicle, some under the bonnet and some on the boot floor under the carpet.

It has 4 lines of numbers:

2505kg - Gross vehicle weight, the Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM) of the vehicle including occupants, fuel and payload.

4200kg - Gross train weight, the combined maximum allowable mass of the vehicle and trailer.

1250kg & 1300kg - Maximum axle loads front and rear respectively.

The manufacturer’s recommended maximum towing capacity for your vehicle is the gross vehicle weight subtracted from gross train weight.

The vehicle identification plate detailed in the above picture has a towing capacity of 1695kg.

4200kg – 2505kg = 1695kg