TheSamba.com :: View topic - THE Westfalia Tralier Hitch Thread (MANY pics!)

Mon Jun 28, 2021 10:43 am

Assuming I can satisfactorily complete installation of a towing hitch to my 1973 model-year VW “1600” Type 2, I shall need to decide which types of electrical towing sockets to incorporate into the electrical system. To cater for all eventualities, I would ideally fit two 7-pin sockets (Types N & S) and one 13-pin socket. In essence, the later ISO-specification 13-pin socket, is equivalent to the two 7-pin sockets (Types N & S | each has its own earth/ground connection) together.

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/products/trailer...-cables-2/

http://www.uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/7-pin-n-type-trailer-plug-wiring-diagram/

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/products/trailer...sockets-2/

http://www.uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/7-pin-n-type-wiring-diagram.jpg

http://www.uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/7-pin-s-type-caravan-wiring/

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/products/trailer...sockets-2/

http://www.uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/wiring-a-13-pin-euro-plug/

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/products/trailer-parts/trailer-electrics/electrical-cable/

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/products/trailer-parts/trailer-electrics/extension-cables-2/

It is possible to obtain adapters to connect one or both 7-pin sockets (Types N & S) to a 13-pin plug OR a 13-pin socket to one or both 7-pin plugs (Types N & S), but for maximum convenience and avoid the problems associated with the lack of an appropriate adapter, I think it would be better to simply fit two 7-pin sockets (Types N & S) and one 13-pin socket!

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/products/trailer...onverters/

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/product/trailer-...adaptor-2/

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/product/trailer-...13-7pin-2/

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/product/trailer-...7-13pin-2/

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/product/trailer-...r-adaptor/

https://www.towingandtrailers.com/product/trailer-...s-sockets/

To tow an un-braked trailer (maximum legal all-up laden weight = 750 kg or half the towing-vehicle’s kerb weight, whichever is the lesser value) would only require a single 7-pin socket (Type N), but in recent years, there has been a requirement for braked trailers manufactured since October 2012, to also have a reversing light, which would necessitate either using two 7-pin sockets (Types N & S) or one 13-pin socket.

www.uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/trailer-lighting-rules-regulations-and-requirements/

Both motor-caravans and trailer-caravans potentially require an on-the-road battery-charging facility for a leisure-battery, provided by the driven-vehicle’s standard charging system. To avoid compromising the charging of the driven-vehicle’s starter-battery, one ideally needs a split-charge relay device of some kind, to ensure that the starter-battery is fully charged first.

http://www.uk-trailer-parts.co.uk/tec2m-auto-switch-combi-relay-wiring-diagram/

otiswesty wrote: Hey Nigel, let me now if you want to sell the hitch. Shipping from UK is no problem.

I may be able to help you find the correct one for your bus as well.

Okay. Thanks Eric. I shall keep that in mind.

If I were to dispose of my existing towing hitch, I would wish to source a more suitable replacement before hand.

Mon Jun 28, 2021 1:31 pm

Hello Nigel,
NASkeet wrote: Is there a significant difference between the forms or locations, of the VW Type 2’s longitudinal chassis members, of model-years 1973~76 (i.e. 1st August 1972 to 31st July 1976) and 1977~79 (i.e. 1st August 1976 to 31st July 1979) which would account for this apparent incompatibility with my vehicle?
There quite more differences than you might expect.

till 1976 the Westfalia 321 073 C has only 6 (or at both sides 3) vertical screws.
The August 1976 Westfalia 321 125 has 8 screws for more heavy load - 4 vertical and 4 horizontal screws.

Since ~April 1977 VW build the rear end with longer welding for this heavy load up to 1800 kg (~4000 lbs).
At the 1977 models before the following weld must be extended 25 mm each side at cars 217 3 000 001 to 217 3 136 075 to be used with 1800 kg:
(see VW "Ratgeber Anhängerbetrieb" chapter 2.7.1 https://www.vw-t2-bulli.de/de-books-documents-hitch.html)

regards from Germany,

Tue Jun 29, 2021 5:55 am

As seen here on the 1975 Hitch first pic and the 1978 Hitch second pic.

Fri Jul 02, 2021 10:30 am

I also need to bear in mind, that the British Standard height for a 50 mm diameter tow-ball, is 350~420 mm from ground surface to ball-centre, when the towing vehicle is at its maximum laden weight.