What is difference between the 7-pin and 13-pin Tow Bar kit?Updated 10 months ago

When ordering a tow bar kit, you need to match the electrics up to your requirements.

• 7-pin: this is the basic electrical system, usually used for towing basic flatbed trailers etc. All the electrical kit needs to do is power the rear lights.
• 13-pin: this kit is for when more power is needed. What you are towing might have additional lighting on the back.
• 13-pin full function: this is the standard 13 pin socket but with an additional power kit. Usually required for caravans/horse boxes or anything that needs power whilst you are driving. For example, a caravan might have a fridge plugged in or a horse box may have additional interior lighting to keep the horse comfortable on longer journeys.

If in doubt, go for the 13-pin kit (either standard or full function). It's usually only slightly more expensive than a 7-pin kit, but 13-pin can be converted to be used with a 7-pin plug via a simple plug-in adapter. These adaptors usually cost around £5 so you are future proofing the use of your tow bar. To upgrade a 7 pin to work with a 13-pin plug would require a complete re-wiring of the electrics.