Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: Towball/backplate/socket

JG1971

05/9/2014 at 1:00pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Nissan Xtrail & 2010 Swift Charisma550

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/10/2011

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 84

Site Reviews Total:	8

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Hi, sorry if this has been asked before!
The back plate on my towbar has become very rusted, also one of the spring-loaded electrical socket covers has dropped off.
I would like to fit a stainless steel back plate and replace the defective socket.
Is it ok to DIY this or should I take it to the local towbar fitting specialist?
Thanks.

-------------
avatars/image038.jpg

Hacksaw Bob

05/9/2014 at 2:05pm
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: Various tents

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/7/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6502
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	10

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I'd imagine the bolts and nuts will probably be rusted as well - this thread might give you a few ideas for releasing them. You'll still almost certainly need an extension tube on any spanners or socket bars, though.

Only snag I can think of regarding rewiring the socket is it would be a good idea to disconnect the battery first, which in turn would result in the loss of any radio code. No problem of course if you have the code and resetting instructions!

Grampian91

05/9/2014 at 7:14pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 6893

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

If you can change a plug you should be OK with swapping the socket. Just make sure you mark which coloured wire to which pin.

Replacing the backplate is easy if you have a torque wrench and suitable socket/spanner. 24mm i think?

Always fit new nuts/bolts and locking washers.

blueexpo97

06/9/2014 at 7:03am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 07/2/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9851

Site Reviews Total:	24

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	2
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Take it to your local fitting establishment.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.

listerdiesel

07/9/2014 at 8:43am
Location: Rushden Northants
Outfit: Mercedes 614D Conversion

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 03/7/2011

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 581

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

If you can find them, fit M16 rectangular section lockwashers instead of the internal shakeproof washers that most places supply.

The do the job better and less likely to compress further and work loose.

Peter

Leeroy1982

07/9/2014 at 9:21am
Location: Bridgwater Somerset
Outfit: outwell newgate 6

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/8/2014

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 307
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I take it you mean spring washers! Spring washers should only be fitted when a normal nut is used, if using a NYC nut then there is no need to use a spring washer, as a nylon nut is less likely to vibrate loose. Theye are indeed m16, which is 24mm socket or spanner,easy anothe job to sway over if you got the right tools.

-------------
May 2020 - tbc
7tth August -15th August 2020 trevornick Cornwall

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

5163 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder