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Revived the towing electrical system in my 1998 caravan; here's how I accomplished it:

Nigel Donnelly takes on additional repairs, detailing the steps for restoring the vehicle's towing electricity and conducting a crucial gas inspection.

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Revived the towing electrical system in my 1998 caravan; here's how I managed it.
Revived the towing electrical system in my 1998 caravan; here's how I managed it.

Revived the towing electrical system in my 1998 caravan; here's how I accomplished it:

Carvana Penny's Towing Electrics Upgrade: A Journey to the New Forest

Caravan Penny, a 1998 Bailey model purchased for £1,200 from Facebook Marketplace, embarked on a trip to the New Forest after undergoing some significant improvements. The caravan owner, who had to tackle unexpected issues before focusing on the towing electrics, was determined to ensure Penny was ready for the journey.

Originally, Penny's towing electrics were equipped with old-style 12N and 12S plugs. However, these were converted to the current 13-pin standard. The wiring job involved mapping two old cables to one new 13-pin cable. To secure the guide clamp in place, cable ties were used.

The caravan owner had to make connections under the caravan, a task he dislikes, to complete the repair. A guide was screwed to the floor of the caravan to make the amount of cable ahead of the hitch adjustable. Sufficient slack was estimated in the cable to allow the car to turn fully left and right without putting tension on the cable.

A length of flexible gas hose, a propane regulator, and an 8mm stop end were ordered to seal the gas system and restore it to function. The gas system is now fundamentally safe, but a gas safety certificate will be booked once the caravan water system is recommissioned.

A new length of 13-core cable, a new plug, a weatherproof box, gland fittings, and a terminal block were purchased for the repair. To save time on wiring up the plug, the caravan owner decided to buy a pre-wired cable and plug from Discount Towing Supplies on eBay.

The plan to repair the towing electrics involved cutting the two existing cables under the van and joining them to a modern 13-pin compatible cable. The 13-pin plug on Penny had two cables squeezed into the socket, which meant it couldn't be sealed against the elements. A Kidde 7CO caravan/boat carbon monoxide alarm was fitted to ensure safety.

The total cost of the materials for the repair was £35. The company from which the protagonist bought the 13-pin compatible cable with connector and some other parts to repair the caravan's towing cables is HABA, as indicated by the product listing for 13-pin cable for caravans on Just4Camper.de.

Future Publishing Limited provides information at the reader's own risk, and readers should exercise independent judgement. The caravan, Penny, required improvement work beyond just cleaning, but with the upgraded towing electrics and a fresh coat of paint, she was ready for her adventure. The caravan set off for the New Forest, ready to create new memories for her owner.

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