13 pin adaptors

runnerjohn
runnerjohn Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited April 2016 in Caravans #1

I have a two plug tow bar and bought a 13 pin adaptor to link up my new van. I took the van in to the dealers this week with an ATC problem. It turns out the adaptor is faulty. The retail side of the dealership refused to exchange it (5 months old) because
it is left on the van (covered) when the van is parked. Evidently, they say, it is not designed to be exposed to the elements. i think thats nonsense. Does anyone else remove theirs when not towing? 

Comments

  • wye
    wye Forum Participant Posts: 241
    edited April 2016 #2

    I always removed my adapter when not in use and still had problems wiv it , so I had a 13 pinned socket fitted to my towcar , no problems since , I would recommend a new socket .

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585 ✭
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    edited April 2016 #3

    I have had my adaptor for over two years and leave it on. I did buy the good branded one in the showroom and wonder if the problems are with the cheaper ones.

  • captainslogg
    captainslogg Club Member Posts: 52 ✭✭
    edited April 2016 #4

    Get your 2 old plugs on the car changed to a new 13 pin one. The 13 pin ones are far far better. Much better electrical contact, which is what you need especially for the ATC

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,657 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #5

    We have similar, and I leave mine on when we are away, ie for 2/3rds of the year, but do take it off when we're at home. I purchased a plastic alignment cap for when I take the adaptor off which works well and offers protection too,

  • Mistrom
    Mistrom Forum Participant Posts: 20
    edited April 2016 #6

    I have a twin plug adaptor. Always take it off. Also have an alignment cap which I consider a must. I had a problem once, before we went away and the 13 plug had to be realigned. Delayed our trip by a day as we had to purchase the cap. Also with the adaptor
    it makes our lead even longer so more twisting of the flex to ensure it does not drop down when towing. Will be changing to a 13 pin socket on the car in the near future.

  • MrGarval
    MrGarval Forum Participant Posts: 120
    edited April 2016 #7

    I also leave mine connected all the time (this is my second adaptor), however with the first adaptor I had all sorts of problems so went to our local towbar specialist and he recommended a much more solid job which has been first class and no more problems.
    It did cost about 50% more thans my origonal but it works. Talk to a specialist.l

  • CBRBlackbird
    CBRBlackbird Forum Participant Posts: 184
    100 Comments
    edited April 2016 #8

    Car the car sockets changed. A good mobile towbar chappie will do it in under the hour. Money well spent.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585 ✭
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    edited April 2016 #9

    I have a twin plug adaptor. Always take it off. Also have an alignment cap which I consider a must. I had a problem once, before we went away and the 13 plug had to be realigned. Delayed our trip by a day as we had to purchase the cap. Also with the adaptor
    it makes our lead even longer so more twisting of the flex to ensure it does not drop down when towing. Will be changing to a 13 pin socket on the car in the near future.

    I do not like twisting the cable so run it over the Aframe which keeps it well clear of the ground.

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