THE Westfalia Tralier Hitch Thread (MANY pics!)

[NASkeet]

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/

[rsbadura]

Hello Nigel,

[notchboy]

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

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[NASkeet]

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.
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Regards.

Nigel A. Skeet

Independent tutor (semi-retired) of mathematics, physics, technology & engineering for secondary, tertiary, further & higher education.

Much modified, RHD 1973 VW "1600" Type 2 Westfalia Continental campervan, with the World's only decent, cross-over-arm, SWF pantograph rear-window wiper

Onetime member, plus former Technical Editor & Editor of Transporter Talk magazine
Volkswagen Type 2 Owners' Club (Great Britain)

https://vwt2oc.co.uk