cglittle replied on 30/09/2023 17:39
Posted on 30/09/2023 17:39
Pay attention, ladies and gents... because this is a tricky one
We have a 2014 Swift Challenger and have towed it all around the UK with various vehicles over the years....
Now we have a 68 plate landrover evoque and the towing lights are doing something strange.
The towbar and electrics were fitted by a reputable company, recommended by the dealer we bought the car from.... and work perfectly with our trailer.
The caravan was serviced earlier this year, and they ensure there is nothing wrong with the caravan lights.
When the caravan is plugged into the car, we do not get sidelights.... on either side.
So no amber marker lights down the side... no rear lights...no number plate light... nothing.... All other lights work; reverse, indicators, brakes (although admittedly, i haven't checked the fog light)
Leaving the car engine running, if i unplug the caravan, and plug in the trailer.... the side lights on the trailer don't work..... Not until i turn the car ignitionoff, and restart the car... then the trailer lights work.
I cannot get the side lights on the caravan to operate.... although i am getting 12v from the tow socket with nothing plugged in, and i can get the lights on the caravan to work by sticking 12v directly onto the caravan plug pins.
So whats the problem?
Everything works as it should... but not with this car with this caravan
Im thinking along the lines of an issue with the relay box that was fitted by the tow bar people.... although it will be the correct unit, and working as far as they are concerned..... It may not be designed to work with an old caravan with filament bulbs, but only with modern LED lights, such as what is on the trailer.
The multitude of bulbs, 6 on each side i think, may just be too much for the relay, and its "tripping" out like a house circuit breaker.... cutting the power by restarting the engine is resetting the relay.
I've replaced the relay once already with an identical unit, but still got the same issue... So now im going to try an older unit from an older vehicle.
And if that doesn't work... ill have to somehow power the lights from inside the caravan directly from a 12v power drill battery....
cglittle
Caravanner