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Topic: 7 x 2 = 13

zeolli

31/3/2014 at 5:52pm
Location: Staffordshire
Outfit: Touring Caravan

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We are about to change our old caravan for a new one. I've got two 7 pin sockets on my towcar and the new van has one 13 pin plug. I can buy an adaptor for about £35, or a new socket for less and re-wire it myself. But I would prefer a professional to carry out the work, just for peace of mind?

I've contacted the fitters of the original towbar and electrics and they have quoted two prices. To change my two sockets to one 13 pin sockets will cost my £45 +vat, using the original wiring. But a new re-wire with a 13pin socket would cost £95 +vat.

The fitter explained that the original wiring may not be up to spec? For the latest accessories, ie, fridge/freezer and trailer stabilisers?

Has anyone out there any experience of the above? I know I probably sound a bit of a miser, the difference being only £50 But what with increased insurance, new awning, etc... I'm broke!

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Andy

michell8

31/3/2014 at 6:19pm
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Nothing wrong with 2, 7core cables, if it has been working ok then ok to get 13pin socket wired in. Only downside of that is that water might get into back of socket with 2 cables going in when it should have one, but should be ok if its taped up properly. Obviously neater job if you have new run of single 13core cable.

I think where the fitter's(wrong)idea might have come from is in fact some early 13core cable used when 13pin was first introduced in UK was too thin & fridge supply was burning out, but 13core cable supplied today should be ok.

So up to you, but new cable run will be neater & probably more weatherproof.

zeolli

31/3/2014 at 7:54pm
Location: Staffordshire
Outfit: Touring Caravan

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Michelle8,
Thanks for that, will probably go down the route of getting a new wiring throughout, hadn't thought about two wires going into the back of the new socket.

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Andy

OliverDay

31/3/2014 at 8:28pm
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I would ask whether the £45 job is to connect a pre-wired socket to the existing wiring. It is likely that they would use one of these and join to the existing wires inside the car. Much less fiddly than trying to fit a new socket onto existing wires.

If it is this way then you don't have a problem with weather proofing and would save yourself £60 (inc VAT).

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Ollie

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Camping Les Gorges du Loup

bobmel

31/3/2014 at 8:46pm
Location: Aberdeen
Outfit: Coachman Pastiche 460 VW Tiguan Moti

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I have just sold one of these on gum tree for £15. Used it for a year no problem

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Robert (BoB)

jsparkes201148

31/3/2014 at 8:52pm
Location: Stockton on Tees
Outfit: Lunar Clubman SB Kia Sorento

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I changed mine over on my previous car and it was a bit of a fiddle on.I just removed the two sockets and replaced them with one.I remember there wasn't much cable to play with...wouldn't attempt it again though.Having said that, I possibly would do it with the item OliverDay pointed out,that would have made it much easier ,and only £15 too.

zeolli

31/3/2014 at 11:11pm
Location: Staffordshire
Outfit: Touring Caravan

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Thanks all, I'm now going to intially use an adaptor, as suggested, cheap off ebay. I'll decide later on a more permanent solution if necessary.

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Andy

birdman101

01/4/2014 at 7:09am
Location: Milton Keynes
Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford

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As said previously you can put two cables into one but the problem is getting a good seal to stop water getting in the back.I did this originally, even stripping the outer casing of the two cables and feeding the wires all through one new outer shrink casing, but after two years water still found it's way in, so i then completely re-wired with 12 core cable.

misterg

01/4/2014 at 12:54pm
Location: East Midlands
Outfit: Coachman VIP 575.Santa Fe

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I have an adapter which you can have . It was used on my old car with 2 sockets to fit a new caravan with the new single socket. i now have a newer car with single socket.No charge just put a quid in a charity box if you want it. Let me know
Should add that I live in central Derbyshire - not too far away possibly.
It worked well for me.
Post last edited on 01/04/2014 19:18:37

Post last edited on 01/04/2014 23:04:07

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Mister G

zeolli

03/4/2014 at 7:54pm
Location: Staffordshire
Outfit: Touring Caravan

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Thanks Mister G,
I missed your very generous offer, been a bit busy lately, my son-in-law has come to the rescue with the loan of an adaptor. I'll try this out before making a decision on new electrics. Like you I'll have new electrics when I change my car, just got to persuade the other half of my need for a change? Again many thanks for your offer, No you wouldn't have been too far away, we live in Lichfield.

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Andy

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