ALKO-ATC

ScreenName1189489681
ScreenName1189489681 Forum Participant Posts: 5
edited August 2020 in Towcars & Towing #1

Hi Newbie Van owner.  Were off on our first trip tomorrow.  Just connected the caravan to my VW T5 and the ALKO isnt showing any lights.  My vehicle is fitted with a 7 Pin so using an adapter, all lights are working apart from reverse.  Anybody got any suggestions.

Many Thanks Jamie

Comments

  • Vulcan
    Vulcan Forum Participant Posts: 670
    edited August 2020 #2

    ATC will not work with a single 7 pin socket as it requires a permanent power supply. I am assuming that your caravan has a 13 pin plug and as such I would advise  having your T5 socket changed to a fully wired 13 pin socket then you will not require the adaptor.

  • Vulcan
    Vulcan Forum Participant Posts: 670
    edited August 2020 #3

    Here is the ATC manual if you have not got one.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2020 #4

    Agree with Vulcan, but also for your holiday trip you don't need to have the ATC working as safe enough if the vehicle and caravan are a decent match and you don't drive like a lunatic and take care. get the plug changed on your return. 

  • ScreenName1189489681
    ScreenName1189489681 Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited August 2020 #5

    Thank you all for the advice, can't get the pin changed until next week.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2020 #6

    The 12N socket you have on the T5 just provides power to the legally required lights on the caravan, the reverse light would be powered form the 12S (grey) socket if one was fitted, The adaptor you have used to plug your caravan's 13 pin plug into your T5's 12N socket just covers the road lighting ....

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited August 2020 #7

    Note that if the caravan has a reversing light, then it must work, so it*s best to get the job done as soon as possible.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2020 #8

    hardly the crime of the century if it doesn't ..... I can't even think that the reverse light on my car is ever checked at MOT time.

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited August 2020 #9

    No of course it isn't the crime of the century and it's not even an item that falls within the scope of an MOT, but it is nevertheless a requirement. Obviously no need to interrupt a trip with the caravan to have it put right at the very next dealer.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2020 #10

    I think any dealers car or caravan would  be the last place i would go to have the plugs changed ,it needs a specialist towbar company to have a reliable outcomesurprised

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2020 #11

    . 👍👍 

    It just surprised me that anyone would even comment on the legalities on whether a reverse light was a requirement or not .... I have a trailer board that I bought years ago so consequently no rear fog light, I suspect that also falls foul of the law when connected to my towcar. 😉

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2020 #12

     ...,it needs a specialist towbar company to have a reliable outcomesurprised

    and even then you need to ensure they do as instructed and not as they want to.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,138 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited August 2020 #13

    "it needs a specialist towbar company to have a reliable outcome"

    It needs a competent auto electrician - no matter who he works for. 

  • Tirril
    Tirril Forum Participant Posts: 439
    100 Comments
    edited August 2020 #14

    Just one point if you insure your caravan through this club's policy and you claim a discount for the ATC then you will void the cover if you tow without the system working.

  • IBH
    IBH Forum Participant Posts: 36
    First Comment
    edited August 2020 #15

    Lutz is only pointing out the legalities which is true! And your trailer board should have a fog light as it is a legal requirement on all vehicles and trailers!

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2020 #16

     ...as it is a legal requirement on ..... trailers!

    If we're pointing out legalities, it depends how old & how wide the trailer is  🙄

    http://www.uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/trailer-lighting-rules-regulations-and-requirements/

  • IBH
    IBH Forum Participant Posts: 36
    First Comment
    edited August 2020 #17

    All trailers built after September 30th 1990 also require:

    White front reflectors.
    If the trailer is more than 1.3m wide they also require:

    At least one red fog lamp.

    This is from the information you put on here!

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2020 #18

    🤔  I know .... I read it. That why I posted the link ....

  • davetommo
    davetommo Forum Participant Posts: 1,430
    edited August 2020 #19

    Dependent on its age

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