BMW 2 SERIES DETACHABLE SWAN NECK TOWBAR

Electrics

As manufacturers develop more efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles, the electrics behind a towbar have become more varied too. We offer a range of options to make sure you get the right product at the right price, and there's a fair bit to consider when choosing your setup. Here's our guide to help you understand what's fitted and why.

Which socket type do we fit?

13 Pin Electrics

We fit 13-pin electrics as standard with every towbar installation. The 13-pin socket combines the functions of the older 7-pin and twin (12S) systems into one connector, providing everything needed to operate the road lights on your trailer or caravan - indicators, brake lights, sidelights, fog lights and reverse lights - plus 12-volt power for your caravan's other functions, such as charging its battery and powering the fridge and interior lights while you're driving.

It's also a neater fitment than the older systems, usually folding away under the bumper when you're not towing.

If you're towing a trailer, caravan or cycle carrier that uses an older 7-pin plug, you can still use it with a 13-pin towbar via an adaptor, available in our Accessories section.

A Note on 7-Pin and Twin (12S) Electrics

We no longer fit single 7-pin or twin (12S) electrics - these were the standard fitments before the 13-pin socket took over in 2008, and 13-pin now covers everything they did and more. If your existing trailer, caravan or cycle carrier only has a 7-pin plug, an adaptor lets you connect it to our 13-pin towbars without any loss of function for lighting.

Which wiring do we fit?

Vehicle Specific Wiring

We only fit vehicle-specific wiring - not universal aftermarket wiring or bypass relays. Each kit is designed specifically for the vehicle it's fitted to, interfacing with your car's onboard computer system exactly as the manufacturer intended, rather than soldering or using scotch locks to tap into the wiring. This keeps your manufacturer's warranty intact, whatever the age of your vehicle, and properly integrates the towbar with your car's systems rather than working around them.

It can also activate other towing functions your car may have, such as Trailer Stability Control, where fitted - this varies from car to car, but a proper connection to the vehicle's computer system means these features work as intended rather than being bypassed.

What is coding, and does my car need it?

At Towbar Express, our expert team can advise you based on your vehicle’s make, model, and year. We supply and fit vehicle-specific wiring kits, and if coding is required, we’ll carry it out as part of the installation; no need to visit a dealership.

For more information on coding for your vehicle, please contact us directly.

Towbar Warranty

Towbars that we supply have a manufacturers lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects. This guarantee covers the fixed parts of the towbar assembly, and not moving parts such as detachable necks, or other accessories.

Towbar Neck Warranty

The neck section of the towbar has a 12 month warranty. It is very rare that these necks have a fault. Most of the time when there is a fault it's usually that the neck wasn't released from the car properly last time it was used. It simply needs to be reset, and you can view a video guide here.

Electrics Warranty

Once your towbar and electrics have been fitted, we offer a 12-month guarantee on the installation of your towbar, electrics and other parts that are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Any electric faults that appear during the 12-month period that has been reported to us, will be fixed completely free of charge. If the fault isn't to do with the towbar fitment then you may be charged a call out fee, however this will be discussed at the time of booking.

Vehicle Warranty

Dependant on the make and model of your vehicle, the manufacturer may have offered a 3 year warranty at purchase or you may have taken an extended warranty to cover the electrics of your vehicle. If this is the case, then we recommend you choose the dedicated wiring loom. If you choose to have the universal electrics fitted to your vehicle then its possible you may lose your manufactures warranty. If you are unsure which wiring type to choose then please click here for more information.

Cycle Carrier Warranty

The Thule Cycle Carriers have a 5 years warranty. If you do have any issues then please get in touch so we can contact Thule as they will need to see the cycle carrier and determine the fault and then either fix the issue or replace the carrier. The decision is final from Thule.

For more detailed information about warranties please click here.

All of our warranties do not cover faults or damage caused by improper use or wear and tear from normal use.

You should be careful not to overload your towbar, as this is the most common cause of damage. You can check the maximum towing weight for your car here.

More Information

Please note: The below information is to be used as a guide only!

Vertical Load; is based on the Towbar's Vertical Capacity. Each may be different dependent on the towbar manufacturer's recommendations.

Towing Capacity; is based on the Towbar Towing Capacity and not your Vehicle's Towing Capacity.

Bumper Cuts; are as a guide only and some vehicles will need a tow panel from the manufacturer.

Visible Cut; again, is as a guide only as it depends on your bumper shape and the towbar fitted to your vehicle.

Reviews