Jayco Trailer Connector

[Bazza]

We are looking to purchase a Jayco swan or similar and the ones I have looked at have a 12 pin connector and my 2016 Grand has a 7pin socket. Is it just a matter of changing the socket to 12 pin or is this going to open an expensive can of worms? The towbar was installed from new so is the extra wiring already in the loom? I don't have any experience with auto electrics so any advice is much appreciated.

[Mace1]

you will need one of these or similar:

https://www.ebay.com.au/i/2644494954...4aAlaQEALw_wcB

[2bad4u]

Depends on how the Jayco and your car are wired up. Usually Jayco require a constant 12v (connected to the battery) on pin 2. They then use pins 9 & 10 as an earth and power supply for the fridge. What I have done is removed the wires from 9 & 10 and put them to an Anderson plug as the 12 pin isn’t up to the current draw of some fridges and can/do melt. This eliminates the need for a 12pin plug.

I will add that since you only have a 7pin on the car you will need the additional 2 wires installed through an isolator. Take it to a sparky and get it done properly as you will need this for just about any van not just Jayco. Most will use pin 2 as a power supply and nearly all will need the Anderson connection. Cost ???? Depends on what setup you choose. Mine was all DIY and cost $700 with DC-DC charger and second battery.

[Bazza]

Thanks for the replies, I have downloaded the vehicle requirements from Jayco and the suggestion for the anderson plug and isolator from the battery to the fridge seems to be the best fit for me.

[drover]

There's a standard wiring for 7 and 12pin plugs, 7 pin plugs will operate your basic trailer lights brake/turn etc with a 12v supply usually, the 12 pin has extra ins for higher current draw extras, I would keep the 7 pin on the jeep replace a 7 pin on the van, apdd an anderson plug on jeep to provide a 12v supply to van for fridge/battery charging with a fridge switch on the van so the fridge will shut down when stationery and the jeeps battery won't get flat....the anderson for the fridge is usually done with a heavier cable direct from battery/jump posts, this means a decent supply of power to fridge which is high draw, the standard jeep wiring isn't heavy enough and you just get power loss and the 12pin plugs can melt down if the pins have poor contact, the resistence just cause the pins to get hot and melt.... for wiring diagrams check out the narva site.

Its also better if you have ESC fitted to run supply from Jeep via an anderson as well.... less problems later on.

[SouthernComfort]

+1 for Drover's advice.

Take it to a reputable auto sparky. Make sure he fits a Red Anderson for the ESC (if applicable on your van) and a Grey one for the fridge, that way you'll avoid crossing the connections. A good sparky will know this.

[Bazza]

Thanks again guys, I am buying privately so it may not be possible to get the plug changed on the van till I get it home. Could I use one of those 7 to 12 pin adapters off ebay to pick up the camper making sure the fridge is turned off at the van so not drawing current. I can then get the wiring sorted as Drover has suggested.