WHAT TYPE OF TOWING ELECTRICAL SOCKET DO I NEED?

In the UK we have 13 pin and 7 pin sockets, you need to know what type of plug is fitted to your trailer / caravan / cycle carrier so that you can choose the correct towing socket. If you do end up with a different socket to the plug on the item you are towing, adapters are available so don’t panic.

7 Pin Single / 12N Towing Electrics Socket

This is the older style towing electrics but still in wide use across the UK mainly on older models of Trailers, lighting boards and Cycle Carriers. It gives the most basic requirements via 7 connections within the socket as shown in the table below:

Click here for a printable version:

This option can be used for towing old Caravans but it will only operate the exterior lights, it will not provide feeds for the internal electrics, fridge or battery charging. For these functions you will need to choose the 12n/12s Twin socket solution below.

Pin#	Wire Colour	Function
1	Yellow	Left Indicator
2	Blue	Fog Light
3	White	Earth
4	Green	Right Indicator
5	Brown	Right Side Light
6	Red	Brake Lights
7	Black	Left Side Light

7 Pin Twin / 12N and 12S Towing Electrics Socket

This is the older style towing electrics the same as above but with the additional grey socket that provide feeds for the internal electrics on a Caravan, including 12v lights, running the fridge and charging the onboard 12 Volt battery. This was a standard installation for UK Caravans up to 2007. For Caravans later than 2007 you will need one of the following 13 Pin options below. The connections within the sockets are as follows

Pin#	Wire Colour	Function 12n/Black
1	Yellow	Left Indicator
2	Blue	Fog Light
3	White	Earth
4	Green	Right Indicator
5	Brown	Right Side Light
6	Red	Brake Lights
7	Black	Left Side Light

CLICK HERE for printable version. You can still use this option to tow trailers and use bike racks fitted with a 7 pin plug.

13 Pin Single Towing Electrics Socket

This is the newer style towing socket sometimes referred to as the European Style. Now the UK standard electrics and supplied on all new Trailers and Caravans and quickly becoming the preferred fit on most Tow Bar installations. The 13 connections within the socket are as follows:

Pin#	Wire Colour	Function
1	Yellow	Left Indicator
2	Blue	Fog Light
3	White	Earth
4	Green	Right Indicator
5	Brown	Right Side Light
6	Red	Brake Lights
7	Black	Left Side Light
8	Pink	Reverse Light
9-13	Not Used	Not Used

13 Pin Full Function Electrics

This is the newer type of towing socket sometimes referred to as the European Style but as a full function it also provides feeds for the internal electrics on a Caravan, including 12v lights, running the fridge or charging the onboard 12 Volt battery. Now the UK standard electrics and supplied on all new Caravans and quickly becoming the preferred fit on most Towbar installations. The 13 connections within the socket are as follows:

Pin#	Wire Colour	Function
1	Yellow	Left Indicator
2	Blue	Fog Light
3	White	Earth
4	Green	Right Indicator
5	Brown	Right Side Light
6	Red	Brake Lights
7	Black	Left Side Light
8	Pink	Reverse Light
9	Orange	12 Volt Permanent Live
10	Grey	Fridge Feed / Switched Live
11	White / Black	Earth (Fridge)
12
13	White / Red	Earth