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if we are buying a more modern van like a 1990 for example would we have to have twin electrics on our towbar,we have only got single now.......

Thanks

Naomi

I doubt it.  Depends whether the 12s powers any reverse lights but I am not sure on this. Otherwise, the 12s is only necessary if you want to run the fridge and recharge an auxiliary battery on the go.  We don't bother with the 12s socket.

We don't use the 12s features, such as powering the fridge etc. In my opinion, if you precool the fridge then it will stay cool for a few hours travelling.  When we go to France, it will be precooled and then left for the journey off.  As for battery charging, I use a proper charger every few weeks at the house prior to a trip.

yes you should seriously think about having secondery socket fitted as newer vans have (as others have mentioned ) have reversing lights battery charge and fridge power connections via this plug.

as for towing with gas burning apliances switched on is not only illegal but very very very dangerous your caravan could ignite or worst still unburnt fuel vapour from tow car could ignite and i would not like to be on a petrol forecourt whilst a gas fridge is running

Quote: Originally posted by HappyCamper2004 on 23/05/2005

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if we are buying a more modern van like a 1990 for example would we have to have twin electrics on our towbar,we have only got single now.......

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Whether you have to fit a second socket depends on whethert your new van has reversing lights or not.    As far as I can find out it is illegal to tow a trailer fitted with reversing lights with a tow vehicle that is fitted with reverse lights unless they all work - and for that you need a second socket.

If your van doesn't have reversing lights then you don't need the 12S socket.    But I would strongly advise that you do fit one anyway.    The extra socket provides power to the van which can be used to run the van's 12v electrics as well as seperate feeds for the fridge (so it is cold when you reach your destination) and also for the all important battery charging.

Fitting the extra socket is not especially difficult to do yourself and is equally not too expensive to have done for you.

If you do get someone to do the wiring, be aware that the wiring scheme changed in 1999 regarding the 12s socket.  Bear this in mind, since you will need to wire for a pre '99 van.  The change involves the return feeds to the car.

Quote: Originally posted by mick35 on 23/05/2005

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as for towing with gas burning apliances switched on is not only illegal but very very very dangerous your caravan could ignite or worst still unburnt fuel vapour from tow car could ignite and i would not like to be on a petrol forecourt whilst a gas fridge is running

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Quote: Originally posted by Jan P on 23/05/2005

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If you're changing the car in the next couple of years I'd wait.

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Why???

Personally I cannot see any reason for not having the second socket fitted straight away........maybe if you are changing the car in the next couple of weeks!!!

deleted due to post doubled

Quote: Originally posted by oddjob2000 on 23/05/2005

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I find making tea is a real headache too... when you hit the speed bumps it just goes everywhere...

But seriously... I really should have worded my comment about the fridge somewhat differently... apologies will try to engage brain before keyboard next time. Lets just say that I've fitted a 2nd socket to my car and the old van I tow just to make life easier.

Actually, thinking about it... my other caravan is 30 feet long and floats. You should try making tea with 25 degrees of heel, a force 6 outside, 6 foot waves and having to wedge yourself between the sink, the stove and the table.. makes speed bumps look like childs play.

Enough off topic, I'll shutup now..

Cheers,
Dale.

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do what I did 

I built aswinging frame with a twin gas burner onm it and hung it from the roof of the cuddy.

the kettle never did spill after that.

back to subject

I fitted my second socket on a campsite with a friend helping me thats how hard it is .you can get the full kit and wiring instructions from towsure here