Trailer towbar pinout on a car - step by step instructions
Content
In most foreign cars, a 13-pin socket is installed. It expands the possibilities for providing the trailer with power. This concerns not only optics, but also other systems, for example, the so-called motor homes.
Pinout of the towbar of the trailer on the TSU vehicle) and the plug of the non-self-propelled vehicle. This makes it possible to use dimensions, stops, turns and lighting. Trailer operation is prohibited without these light signals.
Types of trailer connectors
The pinout of the towbar connector of a car is made, depending on the type of this device. There are currently three types of trailer connectors most commonly encountered:
- European - with 7 contacts (7 pin).
- American - with 7 contacts (7 pin).
- European - connectors with 13 pins (13 pin).
Types of trailer connectors
Most often we use European 7-pin sockets. There are times when a car is imported from Europe, and a towbar was installed on it. Then you can find a 13-pin option that allows you to connect additional consumers. American towbars are practically not found with us: they are usually replaced by a European version.
Ways of mounting and connecting trailers
There are two main schemes for pinouting the towbar socket of a car:
- Standard. It is used when the machine does not have an electronic control system. For installation, a conventional 7-pin European-type plug-socket circuit is used. In this case, the contacts are directly connected to the corresponding consumers of the rear optics of the trailer.
- Universal. The towbar is connected to the vehicle's electrical system using a special matching unit. This device makes the coordinated work of additional equipment.
Wiring connection depending on the type of connector and socket
For normal operation, it is required to connect the socket to the electrical system of the car. This is done by direct connection to the system (standard method) or through the matching unit (universal method). In the second case, the unit must be additionally connected to a 12 V supply.
To pinout the towbar socket on a car, you will need:
- Cut the conductors to the desired length, choosing the colors of the insulation according to the pinout.
- Strip, then tin the ends freed from insulation.
- Fix them in the socket.
- Collect the tourniquet into a corrugation and seal all problem areas.
- Find a connector block. Attach conductors. In the case of a standard connection, you can do this with twists, then solder.
After connecting the socket, it is necessary to carefully tighten the clamps, check the strength of the installation and hide the wiring.
Towbar socket pinout 7 pin
When pinning out the socket of a 7-pin towbar, you need to take into account that a socket is installed on the car, and a plug is installed on the trailer. In this case, the connectors must match exactly.
They are numbered like this:
Connector numbering
- Left turn signal.
- Fog lights, contact is often not involved in foreign-made cars.
- Ground contact.
- Right turn signal.
- Dimensions on the left side.
- Stoplight optics.
- Starboard dimensions.
Pinout sockets tow bar 13 pin
In most foreign cars, a 13-pin socket is installed. It expands the possibilities for providing the trailer with power. This concerns not only optics, but also other systems, for example, the so-called motor homes.
Contact numbers and their traditional colors:
Contact numbers and colors
- Yellow. Left turn signal.
- Blue. Fog lights.
- White. Ground contact for No. 1-8 electrical circuits.
- Green. Right turn signal.
- Brown. Illumination of the number on the right, as well as the signal of the right dimension.
- Red. Stoplight optics.
- Black. Illumination of the number on the left, as well as a signal of the left dimension.
- Orange. Turn on signal and backlight.
- Red-brown. Responsible for powering 12 V from the battery when the ignition is off.
- Blue-brown. Voltage supply 12 V with the ignition on.
- Blue white. Circuit earth terminal No. 10.
- Reserve.
- White-green. Contacts of weight of a chain No. 9.
Often a situation arises in which an old trailer with a 13-pin plug must be connected to a foreign car with a 7-pin connector. The problem is solved with the help of an appropriate adapter that provides reliable contact. It is much easier and much cheaper than replacing the connector on the trailer.
