#1

universal or dedicated wiring?

in Anything Eriba-related Mon Mar 21, 2022 2:42 pm
by eranjiba (deleted)
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I have a 2016 Citroen C3. I am researching towbars. Decided on fixed swan-neck but now I need to decide between Universal or Dedicated electrics. Does this confusion ever end??!! Some say you must have dedicated , some say no you don't need it (about extra £200 for it). I know dedicated is wired into your car's computer and presumably can tell you stuff that universal doesn't?? What do I get from dedicated electrics that I don't get from Universal? HELP!!



Last edited Mon Mar 21, 2022 10:56 pm | Scroll up

#2

RE: universal or dedicated wiring?

in Anything Eriba-related Mon Mar 21, 2022 3:37 pm
by eribaMotters | 5.604 Posts

I think you need to ask the possible fitter what the difference is as the extra cost sounds excessive. My uncle only a few months ago paid PF Jones £600 in total for a removeable Swan neck with dedicated 13 pin wiring on a Mercedes E Class.

Colin


Forum Moderator. aka Oscar - Audi A3 1.5 petrol _ ex 430, 552, camplet trailer tent, 310, now a nice white 2017 430.


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#3

RE: universal or dedicated wiring?

in Anything Eriba-related Mon Mar 21, 2022 3:55 pm
by Stevejoyce (deleted)
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The universal kit would usually have a buzzer to let you know the indicators are working when you are hooked up (a buzzer or light is mandatory). The dedicated kit will activate the light on your instrument panel. It will also activate the trailer stability control if that is an option on your car. It should also turn off your cars rear fog lamps when connected and probably your rear parking sensors. Some better universal kits have options to take care of these, but personally I always go for the dedicated kit as I know it will just work. You will usually need to get the car coded to pick up that a towbar is fitted. This is usually about £100.


Triton 420 towed by a Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi


Last edited Mon Mar 21, 2022 3:56 pm | Scroll up

#4

RE: universal or dedicated wiring?

in Anything Eriba-related Tue Mar 22, 2022 5:31 pm
by Ray Lawrence | 671 Posts

The dedicated installation will also turn off the smart alternator function (on towing vehicles in the last 5 years or so) when it detects a trailer attached.
Most important if you have in-transit leisure battery charging and 12Vdc fridge operation.


2007 Triton 430GT - Seat Ateca 1.4TSI petrol manual
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