For many car owners, connecting the towbar is not difficult. However, this requires some knowledge of electrical engineering. First of all, this concerns the pinout of the trailer socket, then when you get acquainted with the connection diagram, you can guarantee that there are no problems.
Content
- Types of sockets and connection diagrams
- Connecting towbars of modern cars
- Algorithm of actions
Types of sockets and connection diagrams
Currently, several types of connectors are actively used to connect car trailers:
- American and European type seven-pin connectors.
- 13 pin socket.
- Special connectors.
The most popular among domestic motorists is the European seven-pin socket. Its main feature is the presence of female and male jacks on each of the connectors. The designers took this step deliberately to ensure the most secure connection in all situations. It is simply impossible to make a mistake when connecting the sockets in this case.
At the same time, the pinout of the towbar is not very difficult. Most often, the second contact is not used when connected and is optional for supplying a voltage of 12 volts. Sometimes car owners do not pay attention to the separation of the conductors in accordance with the side lights and simply combine them in the towbar socket connection diagram. However, this should not be done, as there will be problems with the normal operation of the light parking function used during a roadside stop.
Another feature of this type of connector is the presence of a reverse contact, as well as the lack of separation in accordance with the side lights. However, in some American cars, one conductor is used for this. Most often, the connection diagram of the socket of the trailer of a car is included in the delivery set, and all the wires are color-coded, which greatly simplifies the connection.
13 pin sockets are equipped with contacts for connecting additional devices, as well as positive and negative buses. This is their main difference. Do not forget - this connector is designed for a higher current, which allows it to be used, for example, to charge batteries as well as supply voltage to equipment trailer, cottage. As for the special connectors, they can be used to connect modern trailer models equipped with their own electronic systems.
Connecting towbars of modern cars
In cars manufactured before 2000, an analogue control circuit for rear lighting devices was actively used. When connecting them, most often difficulties arose in correctly determining the place of inclusion of the desired conductor. Many car owners, when solving this problem, connected the contacts to the signal lamp in series.
However, after the active introduction of digital control schemes, such an approach began to pose a serious danger. This is due to the supply voltage and digital signals being supplied to the lighting devices. It is inappropriate in such a situation to use various twists when connecting the taillights. In theory, this is possible, but the car electronics can issue an error message and turn them off, because the current consumption indicator will be significantly exceeded.
To avoid these problems, it is recommended to use digital matching blocks. The manual should also contain a list of compatible vehicles. An inexpensive ham radio kit is also available. In addition to all the necessary parts, their kit includes a generalized trailer connection diagram. The pinout of the towbar socket in such a situation is determined by the car owner independently.
Algorithm of actions
The first step is to decide with a connection diagram, the need to use a matching unit, and also select a connector. If you do not plan to buy a trailer and only rented devices will be used, then you should immediately install a 13-pin connector.
Due to the availability of adapters on sale, it will subsequently be possible to easily connect a seven-pin connector to it. Although you can find a reverse adapter without any problems, the 13-pin adapter is more convenient to use due to the presence of additional contacts. If the trailer needs to be connected to a car manufactured before 2000, then the need to use a matching unit may not arise. However, you will have to increase the fuse rating by a quarter.
The next step is to check the electrical circuits of the trailer.. If it is rented, then it is imperative to check its performance. The most common problems with the operation of the electrical equipment of trailers:
- Short circuit in the areas of rubbing elements.
- Failure of lamps.
- Deterioration of the state of the electrical wiring in the connection zones ("decay").
Stage Three involves the creation of a trace scheme. If the package of the purchased connector includes a set of conductors, then there is no point in replacing them. If they are absent, you should use wires of the same cross-section and color, which are indicated in the pinout. It is advisable to carry out all conductor connections in the classical way: removal of insulation, twisting, soldering and subsequent heat shrinkage. The second option is to use clips. However, in such a situation, it is impossible to ensure the passage of large currents, and the connections themselves are not distinguished by high durability.
Immediately when connecting, you should be very careful and it is better to pre-compile a list of all connections. It should be remembered that all conductor connections must be insulated with heat-shrinkable cambric. To reduce the risk of contact with water, they should be pre-lubricated with grease.
The final stage of connection is verification. First of all, you should pay attention to the absence of short circuits by ringing all electrical connections. If there were no problems during the test, you can turn on the ignition and diagnose all functions. When the on-board computer reports an error, it is worth considering purchasing a matching unit.
