Understanding Modern Towbar Electrics

​When choosing a towbar, selecting the correct electrical system is just as vital as the hardware itself. Modern vehicles are no longer simple mechanical machines; they are sophisticated "computers on wheels." At Stafford Towbars, we ensure your installation integrates seamlessly with your vehicle’s advanced safety and management systems.

​1. Choosing the Right Socket

​There are two primary types of electrical connections available, depending on what you intend to tow:

• ​13-Pin Electrics (The Modern Standard): Since 2008, this has been the standard for all caravans and is increasingly used for high-end cycle carriers. It is a single, waterproof "twist-lock" plug that handles all road lights, reversing lights, and provides power to a caravan's interior (fridge and battery charging).
• ​7-Pin (12N) Electrics: Best suited for basic utility trailers or older cycle carriers. These provide the essential legal lighting requirements: indicators, brake lights, and fog lights.

​2. Vehicle-Specific (Dedicated) Wiring Kits

​At Stafford Towbars, we strongly recommend Vehicle-Specific Wiring Kits. Unlike "universal" bypass kits that simply tap into your rear lights, a dedicated kit communicates directly with your car's CAN bus (onboard computer).

​Why choose a Dedicated Kit?

• ​Safety Integration: Automatically activates Trailer Stability Programs (TSP) to prevent snaking.
• ​Driver Assistance: Deactivates rear parking sensors and adjusts blind-spot monitoring while towing.
• ​Warranty Protection: Many manufacturers now require dedicated wiring to maintain your vehicle’s warranty.
• ​Adaptive Systems: On modern EVs and Hybrids, these kits adjust regenerative braking and cooling profiles to handle the extra weight.

​3. Professional Coding & Safety

​Many modern vehicles require "coding" after the towbar is fitted. This software update tells the car that a trailer is connected, enabling all the safety features mentioned above. Our technicians use the latest diagnostic equipment to ensure your car and trailer "talk" to each other perfectly.