Member Since: 17 Jun 2011
Location: Whitstable
Posts: 1426
Tow bar charger adapter
I’ve just bought a C-Tek 5 charger and have 2 x 7 pin electrics fitted. Disco 3 shop is not supplying adapters at present so what sought of adapter do I need to be able to charge through my tow bar electrics?
Many thanks,
Terry
22nd Nov 2021 10:45 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8069
Easiest simple way is an auxiliary white plug to plug into your white socket, a short length of 7 core cable, two crocodile clips and make one up yourself. It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
23rd Nov 2021 10:41 am
terryall
Member Since: 17 Jun 2011
Location: Whitstable
Posts: 1426
Many thanks - as I suspected. I got a bit confused as I read somewhere that you couldn’t charge the battery through 7 pin towing electrics but that seems not true.
23rd Nov 2021 11:14 am
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4142
You can't charge a single 7 pin socket as there is no live feed, but there will be a live feed if you have 12N & 12S as it was developed for keeping caravans charged while towing.I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
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23rd Nov 2021 11:23 am
terryall
Member Since: 17 Jun 2011
Location: Whitstable
Posts: 1426
Yes I have the 2 7 pin electrics which are a bit old school I think.
23rd Nov 2021 5:45 pm
loanrangie
Member Since: 18 Jun 2017
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 599
I removed the white socket and wired an anderson plug in its place, good for charger and solar panel connection.
24th Nov 2021 1:40 am
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8069
nigethecat wrote:
You can't charge a single 7 pin socket as there is no live feed, but there will be a live feed if you have 12N & 12S as it was developed for keeping caravans charged while towing.
If there is only one socket it is not genuine LR and may cause other problems.
7 pin sockets are not old school, *they are just a different type that originated in Europe, 7 pins are more robust and are easier to rewire.
*Edit: should read “13 pin”.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
Last edited by M3DPO on 24th Nov 2021 9:01 pm. Edited 1 time in total
24th Nov 2021 7:35 am
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10360
I'm not sure 7 pins originated in Europe. Though would have to go back many decades to find out.
Certainly having TWO 7 pins was a UK thing. As UK required trailers to have fog lights in the late 70's, the white/grey socket was added to power caravans.
Europe carried on having ONE 7 pin for a long time after that until they decided to go for one larger socket.
Easiest simple way is an auxiliary white plug to plug into your white socket, a short length of 7 core cable, two crocodile clips and make one up yourself.
I wouldn't go to the bother of sourcing the (relatively expensive) 7-core stuff if you're only using 2 cores..
Dean
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24th Nov 2021 2:24 pm
terryall
Member Since: 17 Jun 2011
Location: Whitstable
Posts: 1426
As I'm probably the worlds worst electrician I might just wait until Martin has availability in the shop again.
It's not urgent and I can use the crocodile clips for now. Thanks for all advice and opinions.
24th Nov 2021 2:33 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13598
Hi terry
As mentioned above , here’s a Link for u ref the connectors , did get the pins from Martin , connectors should be on the ends of the towing socket in the boot side locker
Shows the pins etc that u need , etc as I done what Dean suggested in just using 2 x wires for the 12S socket for charging
Also found the picture that u can print out to remind u when u have the cable connected
Personally fitted a socket on the front of the house , drilled through the wall and have my charger in the hall, made up my own cable so when parked on the drive is easy to plug in
Hope that also helps
Click image to enlarge
24th Nov 2021 3:24 pm
terryall
Member Since: 17 Jun 2011
Location: Whitstable
Posts: 1426
Many thanks for that but I think Martin has sorted something for me.
24th Nov 2021 3:40 pm
gstuart
Member Since: 21 Oct 2016
Location: kent
Posts: 13598
Ur so welcome , always a team effort
As always Martin to the rescue as god knows he’s managed to get hold of connectors / pins etc for me in the past
Plse let us know how u get on
24th Nov 2021 3:42 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8069
M3DPO wrote:
nigethecat wrote:
You can't charge a single 7 pin socket as there is no live feed, but there will be a live feed if you have 12N & 12S as it was developed for keeping caravans charged while towing.
If there is only one socket it is not genuine LR and may cause other problems.
7 pin sockets are not old school, they are just a different type that originated in Europe, 7 pins are more robust and are easier to rewire.
Sorry I meant to type 13 pin are a different type that originated in Europe.
This is what you want, seems a bit pricey to me though!- best let Martin sort it for you
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... All LED interiors lights, DRLs, Spare Wheel protector.
I meant to type 13 pin are a different type that originated in Europe.
