Tow bar Wiring, Which is the right one for Your Vehicle?

The type of wiring you need for your towbar is another decision you need to make. For most newer vehicles it is necessary to have Vehicle Specific Wiring which allows your car and caravan to function together optimally.

Vehicle Specific Wiring is more expensive however it will probably be the best and in some cases only option for your vehicle. In some circumstances we may still need to use a specialist tool to code your towbar to your vehicle.

  • Universal Aftermarket Wiring

    Universal Electrics connects the towbar directly into the wiring loom through the rear lights. This is a lower cost option than vehicle specific wiring, however it does have some compromises.


    This type of wiring does provide all the lighting functions that are needed to keep you legal while towing, however if the vehicle has trailer stability control as an extra to the regular system, the universal wiring may not activate this function and it will therefore not function.

  • Vehicle Specific Wiring

    These are made to fit your specific vehicle type. These kits work with the original wiring and plug into the vehicle’s ECU computer, allowing the two systems to co-ordinate and function as intended by the manufacturer.


    The advantage of having the dedicated kit is that because it is plugged into the computer, the vehicle knows when you are towing and will automatically make adjustments as required interacting with your vehicles brake electronics, engine electronics, engine cooling systems, parking aids, reversing cameras, suspension systems and Trailer Stability Control (For caravans with the ALKO hitch) .

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Tow bar Wiring, Which is the right one for Your Vehicle?

The type of wiring you need for your towbar is another decision you need to make. For most newer vehicles it is necessary to have Vehicle Specific Wiring which allows your car and caravan to function together optimally.

Vehicle Specific Wiring is more expensive however it will probably be the best and in some cases only option for your vehicle. In some circumstances we may still need to use a specialist tool to code your towbar to your vehicle.

  • Universal Aftermarket Wiring

    Universal Electrics connects the towbar directly into the wiring loom through the rear lights. This is a lower cost option than vehicle specific wiring, however it does have some compromises. .


    This type of wiring does provide all the lighting functions that are needed to keep you legal while towing, however if the vehicle has trailer stability control as an extra to the regular system, the universal wiring may not activate this function and it will therefore not function.

  • Vehicle Specific Wiring

    These are made to fit your specific vehicle type. These kits work with the original wiring and plug into the vehicle’s ECU computer, allowing the two systems to co-ordinate and function as intended by the manufacturer. .


    The advantage of having the dedicated kit is that because it is plugged into the computer, the vehicle knows when you are towing and will automatically make adjustments as required interacting with your vehicles brake electronics, engine electronics, engine cooling systems, parking aids, reversing cameras, suspension systems and Trailer Stability Control (For caravans with the ALKO hitch) .

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