tow bar wiring

Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 18:53

ThreadID: 17858 Views:6150 Replies:11 FollowUps:2

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navaraman

Put a deposit on a Patrol toaday which has a factory fitted tow bar. The tow bar was fitted with a flat 7 pin wiring connection. I've never seen one of these before. Are they a new thing, can it be easily changed to a "normal" round one, are adaptors available from flat to round.??? I forgot to ask the dealer, I might get him to change it for me. The only towing I regularly do is a mates trailer or rental trailer from the servo and they all seem to have round pins.

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Reply By: Member - Bradley- Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 18:57

Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 18:57

"patrolman" from now on ?? The flat 7 is the newer standard for most cars, easy to swap the plug over but you can buy an adapter from flat 7 to 7 round for about $25 from any good auto store, Then you have 2 options to use, thats what i've got.

AnswerID: 84605

Reply By: Member - Andrew O - Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 18:58

Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 18:58

New is a relative word - about 7 years ago my company car had one of these (by default), and 5 years before that I was offered the choice (took the round for the same reason as you). A quick trip to repco or similar outlet and you'll have the appropriate adapter.

Cheers
Andrew

PS - does this mean you're now the patrolman??

AnswerID: 84606

Reply By: navaraman - Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 19:02

Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 19:02

Thanks for the replies guys.

A name change is in order once the finance is approved. : ))

Then I can start buying some toys for it.

AnswerID: 84607

Reply By: Brew69(SA) - Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 19:48

Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 19:48

Pat .....our car had a similar flat plug on....took it to Allen towbars (opposite the rex hotle on richmond road) relaced it with round 7 pin plug (the common type in sa) for $15 installed.Took them 10 mins whilst i waited. Time for a beer across the road lol...or two

AnswerID: 84613

Reply By: Ronnie - Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 21:08

Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 21:08

Had one fitted to my SL/R 5000 new1974,original GMH accessorie still there 30yrs later.
Regards Ronnie

AnswerID: 84627

Reply By: rolande- Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 21:14

Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 21:14

Ford standard plug for years, much more reliable than the round ones and all wired the same, no more flashing brake lights and no blinkers when changing trailers. Why would you want to go backwards?? Had one on my XF Falcon from 87 to 2003, still the original plug, first thing I changed on the Patrol, and, if you want to have a CT, can fit a 12 plug to power those extras easily
Rolande

AnswerID: 84628

Follow Up By: duncs - Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 23:23

Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 23:23

Yeah Rolande,

I have the 12 pin and run a battery on the CT through it. The auto electrician reckons it is just about as good as the anderson plug.

Another bonus is the 7 pin on my standard trailer still plugs in with no dramas and no need for an adaptor.

Duncs

FollowupID: 343365

Reply By: CHRIS - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 09:02

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 09:02

From memory I think you will find that the plug is a Brilite.

AnswerID: 84670

Reply By: MrBitchi - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 09:19

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 09:19

I'd keep the flat one and get an adapter. The flat plug is more reliable and has larger pins, therefore better electrical contacts, than the round ones.

AnswerID: 84675

Reply By: Outnabout David (SA) - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 09:57

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 09:57

The flat ones have been used for years interstate whereas we (SA) tended to use the round. I have changed over for the flat mainly because it tucks up against the body easily and is less prone to damage. Looks neater too.
Adaptors can be bought from most accessory shops as mentioned elsewhere.

AnswerID: 84678