Just taken the plunge and ordered a new caravan to replace our old Coachman.
New van will have a 13-pin euro-plug and currently I'm using a 12N/12S set-up on the car.
Question - easy option is a converter cable but would it be better to swap for a 13-pin set-up on the car and if so, is it an easy swap i.e. unplug and remove the current sockets from the car wiring and plug in the new (assuming I stick with Landrover parts)
Currently, genuine Landrover 13-pin electrics on the bay for £107 Morris Dancers: Drinkers with A Dance Problem
14th Oct 2015 6:20 pm
Bodsy Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
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Posts: 21361
If you change for 13pin, it will need changing n the car config.
But it's a neater solution than an adapter.Bodsys Brake Bible
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14th Oct 2015 6:24 pm
Landie71
Member Since: 23 Oct 2012
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1019
Swapped my 2x 7-pin sockets for a 13-pin, as Bodsy says, much neater. TBH feels a much better connection too.
14th Oct 2015 7:46 pm
Niel
Member Since: 15 Jul 2015
Location: Southampton, 'Ampshir'
Posts: 169
I'd keep the twin sockets and use the adapter lead, as I already do, 13 pin sockets suffer from rotational bayonet retention pin stripping leaving the plug liable to fall out, replacing the socket on the adapter is easy, the potted cable in the back of the official and most aftermarket vehicle loom type sockets for the d3/4 makes it a much harder.
14th Oct 2015 7:51 pm
Russell
Member Since: 24 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
Posts: 10564
Go for 13 pin much better plug and easier to use. With most new caravans now you get a cup thst fits on the 13 plug to ensure it is set correct for insertion into the socket.MY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
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the 13 pin socket is £110 from the dealer and is very easy to change. I did it on mine in half hour and I don't get my hands dirty normally.
mine works without changing the CCF
15th Oct 2015 6:50 am
Pelyma
Member Since: 06 Jan 2005
Location: Patching, Sussex
Posts: 15496
Do you tow anything else? If you tow other trailers then something will need an adapter!DS3 TDV6 HSE - Silver with Alpaca (old one) Gone
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Thanks for the useful info, guys.
As I don't tow anything else, I'm going down the 13-pin route having sourced a genuine kit on the bay for £107 delivered.
I'm intrigued by the different opinions on whether the CCF has to be altered for 13-pin. I was certainly under the impression it was just a case of plugging the same connections into a different loom.
We shall see Morris Dancers: Drinkers with A Dance Problem
15th Oct 2015 9:45 am
maplecottage
Member Since: 01 Feb 2011
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 3171
Good decision - one of the biggest issues with the 7 - pin setup is the 12v feed for the fridge. Tends to get hot due to resistance build up and then melts the plug
13 pin all the way. When you pick the van up, check to see if the dealer has provided the 'alignment cap' - usually green in colour, it mimics the socket of the car and helps ensure the collar / pin alignment remains as intended.
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15th Oct 2015 9:52 am
Matts3
Member Since: 02 Jan 2015
Location: North Norfolk
Posts: 162
I also have a trailer, which I just bought a new 13 pin plug for and swapped over (£7 for a decent Ring branded item)
I didn't get my car re-coded, and it works fine (parking sensors disconnect etc when lights are plugged in) but then it was already coded for the 2 x 7 pin sockets and from what I read, switching to 13 pin wouldn't need to be updated.
If you buy the LR part, it is worth bearing in mind the spacer which comes with the socket will not fit with the bolts they give you. You need longer bolts to go through the spacer and through the socket.
It should also be fitted on the right hand side of the car, where the current grey socket will be.
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