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Subject Topic: tow bar electrics Post Reply Post New Topic
Personcrazypinkcat
01/4/2015 at 3:22pm
 Location: West Midlands
 Outfit: Jamet Jametic TT View crazypinkcat's Profile View Profile   Reply to crazypinkcat Reply   Quote crazypinkcat Quote  
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Hi,

I am looking get a towbar fitted to my Mini clubman, primarily to use a tow bar bike rack. We also have a trailer tent, but I don't think my car will tow it anyway, so likely it will only be for the bikes. I plan to get a detachable swan neck fitted, and have had a quote for this (expensive but necessary!) but I am a little confused on the electrics.

I know that there are 7 pin and 13 pin electrics, but have no idea what the difference is & which one I need? I have also been quoted the price for dedicated electrics or spliced (which is almost £70 cheaper)

Any advice appreciated on whether I need 13 pin or 7 pin and whether its worth paying the extra for dedicated electrics (my car is 2008 reg with rear sensors)

Thanks!

-------------
The glass is always half full - unless it's wine and then it's usually empty!


Persontango55
01/4/2015 at 3:32pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450 View tango55's Profile View Profile   Reply to tango55 Reply   Quote tango55 Quote  
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I thought you could only fix a bike rack to a fixed flange towbar, however, I may be wrong but I would check it out first before you have a towbar fitted. I personally haven't had any experience but hopefully someone will come along with further advice on this.
Regarding the electrics, a 7 pin black socket only operates the rear road trailer lights and a grey socket is extra for charging a trailer leisure battery and fridge etc. What the 13 pin socket does is incorporate both sockets into one socket.


PersonDaveS1
01/4/2015 at 4:10pm
 Location: Hatfield Peverel Essex
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As Tango55 says, I have not seen a bike rack that fits onto a swan neck tow ball.
The electrics are not your main worry. Before having the tow bar fitted I would check the maximum weight (called the 'nose weight ' ) that is permissible on the ball. You may well find that the weight of your bikes exceeds this.
Daves1


Persontango55
01/4/2015 at 4:39pm
 Location: Lichfield
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It appears that for the Mini, the maximum towball weight allowance is 75 kgs. and the maximum trailer weight is 650 kgs. so like DaveS1 says you would have to weigh each individual cycle plus the weight of the bike carrier to see what the inclusive weight adds up to.


Personbilly
01/4/2015 at 6:29pm
 Location: North Essex
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The type of towbar rack that actually fits onto ball can be fitted to a detachable swan neck. They are a better rack to use because they hold the bike wheels so ok if you are not towing as well.

You only need 7pin electrics & I would go for dedicated electrics.


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PersonBaileyjake
01/4/2015 at 10:24pm
 Location: West Midlands
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 570 6 + Shogun SG4 View Baileyjake's Profile View Profile   Reply to Baileyjake Reply   Quote Baileyjake Quote  
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You would only need. 7 pin socket for a bike rack. A 13 pin has the power for the fridge and charging the van battery. Also has the reversing light connection but these are not actually essential. Indeed my caravan has no reversing lights.

Anyway seems a bit of an overkill to go to the expense of a towbar for a bike rack. I have carried 2 adult mountain bikes on a rack that bears all it's weight on the cars back window. The bikes didn't fall off and the window didn't break. Rack sits above back lights so I guess the electrics are not necessary. Rack cost about £30 on fleabay.

Now I am thinking of using this rack whilst towing my caravan. Is this a bad idea?


Persontango55
01/4/2015 at 10:33pm
 Location: Lichfield
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Baileyjakes idea is probably better and more cost effective plus it won't cover the rear registration plate. It is illegal not to clearly display the number plate which if you have a bike rack mounted on a towbar you will have to purchase another rear number plate and display it in front of the bikes.


PersonFrancais
02/4/2015 at 2:57pm
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Best to go for 13pin as that adds Reverse Light if fitted, and on modern cars Dedicated Electrics is a must, as it will intergrate the cars management system, cutting out Stop/Start etc and adds alarm.



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