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Old 04-09-2017, 12:50 PM   #1
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Trailer or tow bar wiring

My 250 classic has a four pin round plug underneath the passenger side rear bumper. It all looks original. I assume it is for towing lights indicators, although I have not tried it yet. Has anyone else got one of these and which connector do I use to wire it up? I want to put a tow bar bike rack on the back of the coach. Like this.

https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-...6-929-_-929021



Thanks
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Old 04-09-2017, 02:49 PM   #2
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That connector should have brake lights, parking lights, and left and right turn signals. If the tow bar is mounted to the rig, metal to metal, it should work. If not metal to metal you will have to run a ground connection.
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Old 04-09-2017, 03:03 PM   #3
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Thanks Howie - do you happen to know if the four pin connector is a standard US issue plug? I'll need to buy one to connect it up to my European tow bar.

all the best
Nick
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Old 04-09-2017, 03:14 PM   #4
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The 4 wire connector should include. Left turn/ brake; Right turn/ brake; tail/marker lights and a ground/ common wire.
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Old 04-09-2017, 03:53 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boom Sounds View Post
Thanks Howie - do you happen to know if the four pin connector is a standard US issue plug? I'll need to buy one to connect it up to my European tow bar.

all the best
Nick
Yes, the connector is a US standard. If you send me you mailing address by PM, I will sent you a connection kit or two. They are inexpensive, and available from most auto parts stores.

Regards,

John
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Old 04-09-2017, 05:57 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boom Sounds View Post
My 250 classic has a four pin round plug underneath the passenger side rear bumper. It all looks original. I assume it is for towing lights indicators, although I have not tried it yet. Has anyone else got one of these and which connector do I use to wire it up? I want to put a tow bar bike rack on the back of the coach. Like this.

https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-...6-929-_-929021

Thanks
Nick

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I think this is this what you are looking for?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb...d+Trailer+Side
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Old 04-10-2017, 05:32 PM   #7
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Here is a handy document I grabbed from etrailer:

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-wiring....70407-Wir-eduA
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Old 04-10-2017, 11:27 PM   #8
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Thanks everyone


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Old 04-17-2017, 06:58 AM   #9
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Old 04-17-2017, 11:34 AM   #10
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The bigger issue that European tow hitches are attached to the tow bar, vs US ones are a receiver and a hitch, so I guess you have a 2" square opening where you need to insert a hitch so that the bike rack will have a ball to attach to, Nick

I have a US bike rack in storage in NJ (a Rola which takes a couple of bikes and even a tandem side one) and goes straight in the receiver. It even has a pass through to take the matching Rola hitch carrier (which I think is at Brad's)....jezz I have stuff scattered all over the eastern US!
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Old 04-17-2017, 12:33 PM   #11
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Hi Martin - I've got the receiver hitch. In fact, I have a spare which you can have for free if you need one. Euro tow ball attached.
3 bike Thule bike rack is connected but not wired into that US connector below the rear bumper. In fact you could have the Thule bike rack when I'm done if u need it.
I'm assuming that the towbar electrics are fully operational.
I need to get a new 4 bike carrier (to accommodate Daughter's boyfriend's bike #i'mpaying) and then wire that into that connector and (hopefully) we'll be good to go for summer holidays.
Btw - Lyme Regis campsite is cracking but VERY tight to get up the lanes to it.

COYI

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Old 04-17-2017, 03:49 PM   #12
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...It even has a pass through to take the matching Rola hitch carrier (which I think is at Brad's)....jezz I have stuff scattered all over the eastern US!
That would be yes, it's at my place
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Old 06-29-2017, 02:53 PM   #13
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Looking at which tow bar to go for when attaching my 2004 VW Beetle (manual shift of course).
Seems there are a number of manufacturers such as Blue Ox, Roadmaster, Demco etc. Has any ASMH had experience with specific brands or models. Just got a quote to fit a Blue Ox to the VW (plates, hitch, diode wiring etc.) as $1600. Reasonable?
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Old 06-29-2017, 03:24 PM   #14
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First thing I would check on is the capacity of the tow bar. I think the Blue Ox would be overkill while towing a Bug.

I stand corrected on my earlier post about the 4 wire connector. Left and right turn signals also are the brake lights in all American cars. That leaves the other 2 wires for parking lights and ground.

Historically VW turn and brake signals were on separate wire. I do not know if that is still the case. Check it.
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