After picking the Towbar, it's now time to decide what Towing Electrics you need.
There are a few types of electrical sockets available for towing in the UK. The sockets are, single 7 pin socket and electrics, single 13 pin socket electrics, and twin 7 pin socket and electrics. The type of socket you choose depends on your vehicle and the vehicle you are towing. From a large caravan to a cycle carrier, you will need electricals fitted to your towbar. Read the descriptions down below to understand which electric socket type suits you and your vehicle best.
Looking to buy a towbar or accessory for your vehicle?
What socket do I need?
Each socket is best suited for different vehicles, some are for older caravans and trailers, where more modern ones need a different socket. To find out more about which socket will best suit your vehicle, have a read on the different ones available down below.
For any questions regarding what socket is best for your vehicle, make sure you get in touch with us by giving us a call or emailing us, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Single 7 Pin socket and electrics 12(N)
Single 7 Pin Electric sockets and electrics are also known as 12(N), they are fitted as standard with any towbar. We recommend you to use a single 7 pin socket when you are towing a trailer, caravan, or when using your tow bar for a cycle carrier. If towing a caravan that needs the use of interior functions like internal lights, fridge, or heating, it will not be powered with this socket, an adaptor would be needed if your caravan supports 13 pin adaptors. As for using your tow bar, for a cycle carrier you will need electrics for a light board that would go over the bikes.
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Single 13 Pin Socket And Electrics
Simply put the 13 pin socket and electrics are the two 7 pin sockets put into one socket and have the same capabilities as the Twin 7 Pin socket. It is commonly used with detachable tow bars where there is not enough room to put the 2, 7 pin sockets behind the bumper.
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Twin 7 Pin socket and electrics 12(S)
Twin 7 Pin Electric sockets and electrics are a 2 plug system that combines the single 7 pin 12N electrics socket with a 12S electrics socket. Twin 7 Pin Electrics 12(S) are required for towbars towing caravans built before 2008 and are not suitable for caravans built after 2008, newer caravans now use the 13 pin socket.
The additional grey socket makes it able to power the interior functions of the caravan such as the interior lights, the fridge and is also able to charge the battery while you are towing.
Not sure what you need or what is right for your vehicle? Our technicians and advisors are on hand to help.
0800 488 0647