Twin 7 pin or 13 pin tow bar?

DMM73
DMM73 Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited July 2019 in Towcars & Towing #1

Just in the process of buying a Bailey Pageant Burgundy Series 6, 2008. Has the older style Twin 7 pin plugs. Having the car tow bar fitted shortly, so should I go for the same twin plugs to match, or go for the more modern 13 pin and buy an adapter? First van bought and looking forward to it, just looking for basic newbie advice, Thanks

Comments

  • Rufs
    Rufs Club Member Posts: 4,072 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited July 2019 #2

    personally i would go for the 13 pin and buy a suitable adaptor. I have a Erich Jaeger adaptor, they are about £25 but clamp on with a lever type action, have used for a couple of years now no problems. Most modern caravans i believe come with 13 pin so if you ever updated your caravan your car would be compatible

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,138 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2019 #3

    I’d go for the 13 pin. It’ll save you having to rewire later if/when you change the van. 

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited July 2019 #4

    If purchasing from a dealer I would ask him to change caravan plug. 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited July 2019 #5

    As above ..... 13 pin every time. Far far superior.

  • H B Watson
    H B Watson Forum Participant Posts: 183
    edited July 2019 #6

    I agree with all of the above, the 13 pin system is far superior, I'm thinking of changing my trailer 7 pin to a 13.

  • RedKite
    RedKite Club Member Posts: 1,717 ✭✭
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    edited July 2019 #7

    Oh agrees with 13 pin he has changed the bigger trailer to 13 pin but not the little trailer and the caravan is now 13 pin far better and saves having two sets of cable and plugs.

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,681 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2019 #8

    When I had my VW fitted with a tow bar - by the dealer - the 13 pin socket fitted to the car also came with an adaptor for 2 x 7 pin plugs.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,581 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited July 2019 #9

    It possibly depends on how long you are going to keep the car. If you believe you will change the car before the caravan, have the twin plugs fitted so you do not need an adapter. If the caravan is likely to be changed first, have a 13 pin plug as you will probably need this for the next caravan.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited July 2019 #10

    One "problem" i have noticed with tow bars that have a detachable tow hooks it seems the electric sockets are fitted to the towbar which a lot of the time means (for older members!!?)a struggle to insert and turn the plug as it is almost out of site under the tow vehicle, so have a 13pin plug fitted with the adaptor permanently fitted 

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