beemer5711 wrote:

Hi again,

I tested the existing 13 pin socket today with a made up lighting board the caravan dealer has. All worked, but there was nothing in the dash to say it was using the socket.

In other cars I’ve towed with a there has been a separate light for the indicators, or an additional beep when indicating.

Should there be something think this on the 2012 L322?

I did read about it needing to be told it’s going to tow? Also might be because it’s just a lighting board and only the light pins are being used?

Arbuckle wrote:

The electrics look for the load of tungsten stop light bulbs to enable the car to know there is a trailer present. LED's do not draw enough current.
Once it recognizes the load, the indicator repeater will light up and the software will ask what type of trailer is connected.
Well, that's how my Westie seems to work anyway.

garyRR wrote:

beemer5711 wrote:

Hi again,

I tested the existing 13 pin socket today with a made up lighting board the caravan dealer has. All worked, but there was nothing in the dash to say it was using the socket.

In other cars I’ve towed with a there has been a separate light for the indicators, or an additional beep when indicating.

Should there be something think this on the 2012 L322?

I did read about it needing to be told it’s going to tow? Also might be because it’s just a lighting board and only the light pins are being used?

So long as the board uses incandescent bulbs, a little trailer icon should appear on the driver display when activating a light (e.g. indicator). If it isn't, the CCF will need programming to tell it 13 pin electrics are fitted.

Thanks. When you say software will ask what type of trailer is connected, is that on the dash?[/quote]

A message will come up on the central display asking if something has been connected.
Then a range of trailers. Select Caravan and then a confirm on lower right hand side I think.
I do this so often I don't take much notice anymore.
Hope this helps. Forty years of progress. 1972-2012

I think that only applies if trailer assist is fitted / activated. My infotainment screen doesn't display anything when connected, just the trailer icon on the driver display. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Can tow assist be turned on on any car?

What is towing preparation? Same thing?

If replacing the whole thing try PF jones and go for the westfalia one (2 options one with detachable and one fixedish ) there wiring kit is also plug n play on a 4.4tdv8 with no programming required unless you want the fog lights deactivating (2x7 pin anyway), re fitting (I've done a couple) its bumper off and nuts n bolts , a bit awkward round exhaust but not that bad . I use the one with the square hole receiver type hitch that slides in and is locked by a big pin but have put the full detachable hitch (like the D3/4type swan neck) on someone else car for them , dragged caravan's and car transporter trailers round for 7ish years now with no issues . (just watch your speed as it's very easy to hit 80/90 whilst overtaking with van on back ).

Answer 2 regarding electrics , my caravan has normal bulbs and when connected bottom left of main dash has a little trailer logo in green that flashes when indicating , it also works fine when I have Thule bike rack on and that is full led , don't know if Thule fit load resistors though .

Thanks to everyone on here, your help has been great.

I managed to work out that the kit fitted to my car was a Witter, so I was just missing the swan neck. My local tow bar guy is a Witter dealer, so I popped down and he had something there that would fit. It’s an accessory bar, not want I wanted, as I just wanted a simple swan neck, but this is fine as I will just remove when not towing. I got a new ball, back plate and electric socket mount.

Electrics tested and working fine (13 pin). Next on list is to remove the frame from the car, clean it from surface rust, inspect it to ensure just surface rust and no cracked welds and paint it hammerite black.

Looks tidy so far though.

Click image to enlarge

Hi, this is great Info... i have the exact same receiver on my 2016 Audi Avant. but i cant find out what swan neck fits this. can you help? there is loads on ebay to pick from! Thanks

beemer5711 wrote:

Hi,

I think I have determined that it is a Witter detachable.

I have found one online for a Skoda Yeti, but the receiver for the swan neck looks the same.

I have contacted Witter asking if there is a part available to fit. In the mean time, can anyone else shed some light on it?

Here are some pics I took of the receiver and the one I found online.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

Just a note on dashboard indication; I have a 2013 Jaguar XF Sportbrake, and I fitted my own towbar sourced from PF Jones. Towbar was a detachable Witter and the electrics were Brink (but many other brands had the same instruction leaflet). I coded the electrics in using SDD.

There was no dash indication when a trailer was plugged in. So I deliberately removed an indicator bulb on the trailer. The result was that the remaining indicators flashed at normal speed, but the dashboard indication was a fast flash, thus giving an indication of a fault.

Something to check with the electrics, is that the rear fog, on the tow vehicle, is disabled when a trailer plug is connected. Sometimes this is achieved through software on the tow vehicle once coded, and sometimes achieve via a microswitch embedded in the tow vehicle socket that, again gives the software a switch signal, or simply rewire the rear fogs via the microswitch. The idea is that you don't want to be dazzled in your rear view mirror by fog lights reflecting off the front of a white caravan.
There is the counter argument to suggest that you would not want to be caravanning at the time of year when it is foggy........ 2010 5.0 SC Autobiography Overfinch in Bentley Silk White pearlescent, 22" Overfinch wheels with 285/35x22 tyres