12 pin plug - the metal prongs inside

[Jimbo]

So now my tug has the 12 pin socked wired up, I opened up the Expanda's plug to check the wiring. I knew the previous owner had pulled back the top 5 wires as their was no prongs on the line of 5 exposed in the plug. Inside I found what I presume is the fridge power - a red and a white wire. But they are bare cables, not capped with the prongs that penetrate the plug to make contact with the tug.

Can I buy these on their own to reinstate into the plug? Or do. Need to buy a whole new 12 pin socket that has those prongs inbuilt, and cable into those?

 

[Tricky]

Suggest you buy a new 12 pin plug. not worth the risk of a short circuit.

 

[dagree]

Agree with @Tricky and get a new plug.... Probably work out cheaper (If the pins are available separately)

 

[Jimbo]

An auto electrician job, or something easily tackled by a novice?

 

[dagree]

Easily tackled provided you keep the wiring diagram/wire colour drawing on the back of the plug packet.
Pins are numbered and the package will show what colour wire goes to what pin....... As long as the car/van are wired correctly it's an easy job.
If not wired correctly then I'd say it's an auto leccie's job

Just remembered you are in Perth..... If you have any probs or are not sure yell out and if close by can call in and help out. Send a private message if needed.

 

[Jimbo]

Thanks @dagree ill keep that in mind.

 

[dagree]

Thanks @dagree ill keep that in mind.

No probs @Jimbo and the offer is open at any time!

 

[rodney]

If it is just the metal lugs you need call CaravanLand they may be able to supply

 

[Jimbo]

I rewired a new 12 pin plug on the trailer today. It was easier then I was expecting.
I tested the voltage of the fridge cable with a multi meter.
At the fridge pin on the cars socket it's putting out 13.6 volts. When I connect the panda, and test the fridge power at the back of the fridge, it's getting 11.4 volts.
Would you expect that kind of voltage drop from th trailer plug to the fridge?
@dagree

 

[dagree]

I wouldn't expect that sort of drop from the plug to the fridge @Jimbo . With 13.6 at the plug I would expect more like 12 to 12.5 minimum at the fridge. I have a low voltage cut out switch on the fridge incoming cable set to cut out at 11V and hasn't cut out at all as far as I know!

Might be worthwhile checking the size and length of the cable going to the fridge (Knowing Jayco's wiring the cable might detour to the back of the van across to one side and then back across to the fridge )

 

[boots33]

@Jimbo did you measure the pin voltage without the fridge plugged in? If so you are just measuring the open circuit voltage at the plug. to get a more accurate idea of what is available you will need to measure it with the load (fridge) connected. that will give you a better idea as to the voltage drop at the plug verses at the fridge

 

[Jimbo]

Hi @boots33
I had the car running, 12 pin plug connected, had the fridge on DC and removed the vent cover and tested the voltage where the cables connected at the back of the fridge. That's the correct way isn't it?

 

[Drover]

I would have a look at the jumble of wires under the van usually where the hitch cables enter the van, you will probably find a really poor connection there.

 

[boots33]

Hi @boots33
I had the car running, 12 pin plug connected, had the fridge on DC and removed the vent cover and tested the voltage where the cables connected at the back of the fridge. That's the correct way isn't it?

Yes that will give you the voltage drop for the complete run from the front of the vehicle.
I was more referring to the reading you got at the car socket fridge pin. If you are getting 13.6v there with the van plugged in and only 11.4v at the fridge then you have a fair amount of drop (over 15%) in the last 5m or so to the fridge.