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Quote: Originally posted by marg6 on 13/9/2020

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i would have thought, whoever your getting your prices from could/should be able to answer that question to justify the price difference

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Quote: Originally posted by Monty15 on 13/9/2020

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There's a limited number of things that hanging a trailer off the back will have any impact on, a potential (but no doubt not exhaustive) list is:
* Stability control, may be adapted to improve anti-snaking of trailer.
* Electric motorised tailgate/bootlid, often disabled when trailer sensed to avoid accidental impacts with trailer hardware.
* Auto-lane control, disabled to avoid risk of inducing unexpected snaking.
* Car rear fog lights disabled (but trailer still enabled) to avoid reflected glare from trailer.
* Trailer Lamp failure integrated into standard car system (no need for separate direction indicator sound/visual warning device - some form of bulb function/failure warning is legal requirement)
* Reversing sensors disabled to stop false triggering by proximity of trailer when reversing.

Every car brand, model, and trim level, and manufacturers option list obviously impacts on what is or is not on any particular vehicle.
The above list is pretty much what is affected on my 2017 top trim level plus most option packs car with it's factory fit option towbar, with the obviously dedicated wiring.

TBH, I found out what was affected when hitching the trailer by mostly observation, nothing in the car manufacturers handbook, the car main dealers know nothing at all, the towbar only came with physical fitting instructions and no electrics info at all, even the towbar electrics manufacturer couldn't tell me anything unless I ripped the car apart (new car! - not inclined to do that!) to see model and serial numbers on the actual dedicated module. It seems nobody knew anything about anything and Google didn't do anything to improve that situation - maybe a good fitter may be able to enlighten you, but otherwise, the very best of luck trying to find any detailed info!

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Quote: Originally posted by Phishing on 13/9/2020

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The dedicated kit for the Meriva B does have active components in the kit so does have some interaction with the vehicle.
Its up to you, a universal fitment will work fine but make sure you tell the fitter that you need power for the fridge and battery or they will not fit them.
You must specify fitment of pins 9,10,11 (i think) or they wont fit them whichever one you choose.

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Quote: Originally posted by TrigGLX on 14/9/2020

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Always go for a dedicated system with new cars, its far safer. Depending on the car the electrnics will recogniser a trailer is fitted/connected and alter the traction control and braking characteristics accordingly, some may even change teh engine performance etc. We have had 3 car in the past volvo, vvauxhal x2, where connecting the van has altrered the dynamcis of the car etc.

Volvo - V70 - turned rear lights off whilst braking, and disenabled rear parking snesors, adjusted traction control.

Vauxhall Antara - Adjusted rear ride height, turned off rear lights, disenbled rear parking sensors, adjusred traction control. stop start deavtivated

vauxhall Insignia SRI tourer - Truned rear lights off, disnabled rear parking sensors, changed dynnamics of engine for towing, adjusted traction control and stability prgramme. stop start deavtivated

Currently on a BMW X1- and have not noticed and anything significant apart from lights and sensors.

never have to have any in to dealer for reprogramme either.

Would always now choose a dedicated towing kit.

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