Adding Twin Sockets vs 13 PIN

[doodasv70]

I've just bought an XC70 which has the single black 7 pin towing socket on it. I will be towing a caravan and would ideally like to feed power into it for the fridge etc...

Which is the best / easiest / most practical option

1. Adding the grey twin socket

Or

2. Changing to the 13 pin socket.

For both I would like it to be plug n play so where is the best (cheapest) place to get the required Volvo ended loom.

[IainMcL1970]

I would go 13 pin if you can ... and change your caravan too.

Having used both systems the 13 pin set up is easier to use and has a more 'positive' connection.

Also only one cable to keep from dragging on the ground rather than two!!!

[Paul240480]

What's the caravan got?

[Munro83]

As I've only got one socket I hook the caravan up to the house the night before and switch on the fridge. After a good night chilling it's usually cold enough to act as a cool box while we drive to the site 👍

[doodasv70]

Thanks. The caravan has a twin system. It's kept in storage do sadly can't chill it first...

[Paul240480]

So , if the car has just 12n I reckon cheapest will be to add a 12s with the relay for the fridge. A local mobile chappy will do this at your home for not too much.👍

You could go to fit 13 pin to your car and have a converter / splitter to the vans two inlets... But that costlier.

Converting the van to accept 13 pin is gonna cost too.

Get a 12s fitted to the car IMHO

[CNGBiFuel]

I'm going to be pedantic here, but even the superior 13 pin plugs burn out, so I've got a 13 & a old-skool 12S on mine. I've split the 12S up into two poles so that no one set of pins is doing all the work. Works reliably, and the way to go if you tow as much as I've started to do (I'm pulling a plant trailer).

But if you're after the more conventional set-up, don't even consider 12N & 12S.

Oh yeah, mount the green holder and don't mince about with plastic 13 pin sockets. You can get metal for the same price. Just harder to find. Wish they made metal 13 plugs like they do 12N & S. Never found them if they do.

[Simon Jones]

You don't mention what year your XC70 is, but I have for sale a genuine Volvo plug and play 13 pin socket for a pre-facelift P2 model (up to approx 2004/5).

[XC70Bob]

if you van has 12n & 12s sockets then I would go with adding 12s to your car.
Its a simple job using one of the new smart relays.
example
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ring-12S-S...0AAOxyRNJShlT1

just need to connect it to your battery via a fuse, to supply the 2x12v inputs & Gnd and connect the outputs to the relevant 12s socket terminals.
it will auto connect when battery voltage exceeds 13.5v and disconnect when below 13.5v.

[doodasv70]

Thanks Guys. The XC is 06 so I dont think the cable will fit. So adding a 12s will be the easiest and cheapest method.

Looking at the relay, presume the switched outputs (2&6) are the ones that are voltage controlled.