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I have an Octavia, it has a factory fitted socket, but is 13 pin which is the new standard socket for both cars and caravans. The old system had 2 x 7 pin sockets called 12s & 12n. you can adapt from one system to the other using this. What you will need depends on what your car has and what your prospective caravan has.

Its not uncommon for car dealers to have limited knowledge of towing electrics, so even though you say your car has one socket, count the pins in it to establish if its a 7 pin 12N socket for a trailer or a 13 pin newer socket which incorporates both the old sockets wiring.

Having said all of that, my Octavia, with a factory 13 pin modern socket has blank holes in the fridge and battery charge connections as the VAG group wiring didn't include them in the cars wiring harness until I think 2009. To upgrade is about £300, so I just didnt bother, I dont need a fridge that much.

This adaptor works the other way round, from 7 pin on the car, to 13 pin on a caravan. This however, will only be of use if your caravan has the new 13 pin plug, and still wont work the fridge just the road lights, for the fridge you will still need a 2nd socket on the car, or have the car socket changed to a 13 pin.

There is some detail of the 2x7 pin versus 13 pin here

I should have said that if your prospective caravan has the old system of 2 x 7 pin sockets, theres nothing to stop you just using the one 7 pin plug, road lights will work,all you will not have is fridge and battery charging but only on the move.

Hi,

 Instead of going to the dealers why not enquire with some Auto electrians or local towbar fitting specialist about having just a 12v supplementry socket fit, it has got to be cheaper than £300, or if your caravan has 13pin plug enquire with them about converting the car to 13 socket so no adaptors needed.

Dunc

Quote: Originally posted by Ollieq123 on 18/3/2019

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Hi, I'm a complete novice just got our first caravan and looking forward to getting out and about. My car has 13 pin socket and the caravan (2003 elddis) just appears to have one 7 pin socket/connection. I picked up a plastic adaptor in halfords when. Collecting the caravan but it appears quite flimsy and so seeing should I pick up a more robust adaptor? Does this mean I just get the driving lights only connected and I can't have fridge cooling while I'm driving. If anyone has any links on explaining /working out the whole electronics /gas /battery I'd really appreciate it as I'm not the most competent in these matters (as you've probably worked out!!)
thanks a mil
Ollie

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