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Dedicated Wiring

TOWBARS


What is a dedicated kit?

A dedicated kit consists of a vehicle specific wiring harness and control unit with plugs, connectors and relays designed to fit and operate specifically with your vehicle.

 
Would a dedicated kit be better than a universal kit?

Yes, dedicated wiring kits are specially designed to work in harmony with your vehicle’s electrical system. Some will communicate with other vehicle control units to alter other vehicle settings accordingly. This will also activate the dash trailer indicator warning light, deactivate parking aids and the vehicle’s rear fog lamps. These are model dependant features that will soon come as standard on most kits.

 
Do I need to have a dedicated kit on my vehicle?

Soon all vehicles will require a dedicated kit; they provide the safest and most reliable type of connection and allow the full function of your vehicle’s towing safety features to be used.

   
What are the benefits of a dedicated wiring kit?

When you tow with a dedicated kit it can alter (model dependant) vehicle systems such as the stability control program, suspension settings, traction control and anti-lock braking system.

 
Will I notice the benefits?

The majority of benefits will not be immediately noticeable. However, obvious benefits include automatic fog cut out, trailer light failure warning and automatic deactivation of original equipment parking sensors. The main benefit above all else is reliability.

 
Why is there no beeping when I indicate?

The C2 module used in some dedicated towbar wiring kits will not beep or operate a towing dash warning light when indicating; instead it gives a visual warning of trailer indicator failure.

 
What is C2 (control)?

In Germany, Austria and United Kingdom it is obligatory that the driver can check visually or auditively the functioning of the indicators on the trailer. The sophisticated electronics in certain vehicles means the C2 control in certain kits is standard.

 
What happens if a trailer indicator fails?

Should either left or right indicator bulb fail on the trailer, the vehicle’s own indicators and dash light will flash at twice the usual rate. Some dedicated kits also warn the driver with a text display on the dash panel. Other dedicated kits will only beep when an indicator light fails.

 
Will a car need to have a recode if a dedicated kit is fitted?

In most cases, a dedicated kit will perform the full light functions after correct installation and a recode will not be required. However, if you wish to benefit from the additional safety features and other user functions, then a recode may be required.

 
What are the advantages of a dedicated wiring kit?

To summarise a dedicated kit:

• Has reliable connections which continue to function faultlessly for many years.
• Comes complete with all required components and electronic modules.
• There are no conflicts with the other electronics of the vehicle.
• There is no risk of damage to the vehicle wiring.
• Has high quality components, often original equipment.  

 
 
 

TOWING ELECTRICS AND SAFETY

With such advances in vehicle technology, manufacturers have sought to develop a particular system which gives them the edge over their competitors. This is most apparent in on-board vehicle safety systems. In the 1980's, we saw ABS become a selling feature for one or two manufacturers, this is now common place on 99% of vehicles on our roads.


Over the last few years we have seen other safety features such as Brake Force Distribution, Side Impact Bars, Rear Passenger Airbags, Curtain Airbags and so on. The lastest safety feature which is fast becoming a primary safety feature on virtually all new vehicles is the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). This comes in various guises depending on the manufacturer. For Example, BMW call this DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Toyota use the term VSC (Vehicle Stability Control). Advances in vehicle technology have enabled a number of other safety features to incorporate a trailer.

How does ESP function?

The electronic stability program (ESP) is a further enhancement to the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS). The ESP is designed to detect a difference between the drivers control inputs and the actual response of the vehicle. When differences are detected, the system intervenes by providing braking forces to the appropriate wheels to correct the path of the vehicle. This automatic reaction is engineered for improved vehicle stability, particually during severe cornering and on low-friction road surfaces, by helping to reduce over-steering and under-steering. To implement ESP functionality, sensors must be added to the ABS system. A steering wheel angle sensor is used to detect driver input, with a yaw rate sensor and a low-G sensor that measure the vehicles response. Some ESP systems include a connection to the powertrain controller of the vehicle to enable reductions in engine torque when required.


How does TSP function?

When trailers or caravans start to sway dangerously, it is usually a result of the way of driving, speed, crosswinds, road condition and/or, a badly laden trailer or caravan. Caravans and horse box trailers present a special risk. When "snaking" occurs, many drivers display the wrong reaction and under stress, try to keep their tow vehicle and trailer on track by counter steering. This will only amplify the swaying effect and eventually result in an accident. The specific additional function of ESP, known as the Trailer Stability Program (TSP), recognizes swaying on the basis of the typical yaw rate in the tow vehicle. This allows for the right measures to be initiated at an early stage: the towing combination is slowed down to a non-critical speed by automatically braking all 4 wheels of the towing vehicle individually, whilst simultaneously reducing the engine speed and thus correcting the swaying movement. In most cases, providing the vehicle has been equipped a "Vehicle Specific Towbar Wiring Kit", the additional software in the ESP module is activated as soon as the electrical connection cable of the trailer is plugged into the towbar socket. With such advances in vehicle technology, manufacturers have sought to develop a particular system which gives them the edge over their competitors. This is most apparent in on-board vehicle safety systems. In the 1980's, we saw ABS become a selling feature for one or two manufacturers, this is now common place on 99% of vehicles on our roads.

Vehicle manufactures have recently insisted that if dedicated wiring kits are not installed it may invalidate the vehicle manufactures warranty

Although this increases the cost of a tow bar installation, we strongly advise that a dedicated wiring kit is installed if your vehicle falls into any of these categories.

Over the last few years we have seen other safety features such as Brake Force Distribution, Side Impact Bars, Rear Passenger Airbags, Curtain Airbags and so on. The lastest safety feature which is fast becoming a primary safety feature on virtually all new vehicles is the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). This comes in various guises depending on the manufacturer. For Example, BMW call this DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Toyota use the term VSC (Vehicle Stability Control). Advances in vehicle technology have enabled a number of other safety features to incorporate a trailer. See  'Towing Safety Aids' for more information.

How do I know if TSP is working?

When the vehicle detects a swaying motion caused by a "Snaking" trailer, the TSP system will start to correct the movement. The driver will be informed via a flashing ESP light on the instrument display. Note: Some vehicles equipped with this system will perform a firm braking action. It is recommended that whenever the TSP is correcting the trailer that the steering wheel is kept in a straight position, in order for the towing combination to be controlled.




 
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