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Post by widge on Feb 26, 2019 21:47:11 GMT
Hi
I have just received a new towbar today but have a few questions on fitting.
Firstly I took off the towing loop from the Passenger side without any problem, but on trying the bolts on the drivers side I was unable to get them started as the captive nuts in the chassis are corroded, I think that I need to run a tap through the thread to clean them but not sure what size they are, the instructions say M12 but it is quite a fine thread, the only M12 tap I have has a much courser thread, any suggestions on the size?
Secondly can anyone suggest the best place to connect into the rear wiring loom for the lighting socket?
Lastly, I have seen Wiring kits advertised that take into account disabling the reversing sensors (the one I have doesn't have this) does anyone know how this is normally done?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Dave
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Post by jasehutch on Feb 26, 2019 22:13:29 GMT
Dave , from memory the threads were 12x1.25mm.
I bought a tap , tapped out the passenger side (UK model) and then cut the tap down so I could do the offside with the exhaust silencer still in place (diesel).
I tapped into the wiring, soldered and heat shrunk but in hind sight I would have bought a 'vehicle specific' kit as it's simply plug in and go..
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Post by jasehutch on Feb 26, 2019 22:14:30 GMT
Please double check on the thread pitch though..
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Post by widge on Feb 27, 2019 5:40:25 GMT
Dave , from memory the threads were 12x1.25mm. I bought a tap , tapped out the passenger side (UK model) and then cut the tap down so I could do the offside with the exhaust silencer still in place (diesel). I tapped into the wiring, soldered and heat shrunk but in hind sight I would have bought a 'vehicle specific' kit as it's simply plug in and go.. Hi Thanks for that, I have been doing some searching on the internet and 12x1.25mm is what I found as well, the passenger side (mine is also a UK model) is fine as it already has bolts in it, it is just the drivers side, luckily my exhaust (petrol) doesn't look like it will be in the way, I did see some kits that were car specific, but they were much more expensive, but maybe false economy not to go for it. Thanks again. Dave
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Post by widge on Feb 28, 2019 6:45:16 GMT
Dave , from memory the threads were 12x1.25mm. I bought a tap , tapped out the passenger side (UK model) and then cut the tap down so I could do the offside with the exhaust silencer still in place (diesel). I tapped into the wiring, soldered and heat shrunk but in hind sight I would have bought a 'vehicle specific' kit as it's simply plug in and go.. Hi
I have been looking for a vehicle specific kit for the 2000-2006 and had no luck so far with the exception of one from Germany on eBay for £33 but they want an additional £27 to post so they can take a hike.
At one point I did find some y splitter cables for the rear light which I thought might be a tidy option but like lots of things on the internet you only seem to find them once and never again, I did watch several videos of fitting wiring kits so maybe it was in one of those I was them.
Anyway it looks like it is back to tapping into the wires the basic way.
Thanks for the help. Dave
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Post by phaeton on Feb 28, 2019 12:47:28 GMT
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Post by three5 on Feb 28, 2019 20:21:56 GMT
They look very similar to the original Toyota looms. I used one on my 4.3 and it was faultless when I installed it and has remained sono for 11 years! |
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Post by widge on Feb 28, 2019 22:20:55 GMT
Hi Thanks for that, but even they only have kits for the Rav 4.3 on-wards, no problem I will just connect into the existing wiring, this is only going to be to tow a trailer to and from the tip and builders merchant etc also for a bikerack. if I was going to start towing a caravan around I might be a bit more fussy.
On another related matter, has anyone any tips on keeping the socket connections clean? if you use it all the time there is not problem, but on occasional use I seem to spend more time cleaning the plug and socket contacts to get the lights working than actually towing the trailer.
Dave
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Post by davrav on Feb 28, 2019 23:24:50 GMT
Petroleum jelly?
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Post by firemac on Mar 1, 2019 0:30:12 GMT
Or silicone jelly works well. You can get a jar of it from a plumber's merchants for a couple of pounds.
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Post by three5 on Mar 1, 2019 10:06:21 GMT
Hi Thanks for that, but even they only have kits for the Rav 4.3 on-wards, no problem I will just connect into the existing wiring, this is only going to be to tow a trailer to and from the tip and builders merchant etc also for a bikerack. if I was going to start towing a caravan around I might be a bit more fussy.
On another related matter, has anyone any tips on keeping the socket connections clean? if you use it all the time there is not problem, but on occasional use I seem to spend more time cleaning the plug and socket contacts to get the lights working than actually towing the trailer.
Dave
Dave, IMHO the most vulnerable part of the wiring on a towing socket is the socket itself. It ends up in the stream of muck that passes under the car when you're running and water ingress to the back of the socket can be a problem. Ever since my LR days, whenever I've fitted a towing socket, I've always given the back connections a liberal dose of vaseline, to be honest I've pretty well packed the back of the socket with the stuff. The quality of the socket and the sealing arrangements thereon have an effect on the contacts at the front of the socket ( the bit that you plug into ). I buy the best socket that I can get, paying particular attention to the seals and the rigidity of the socket and rely on a regular spray with WD40 to displace moisture and generally keep the electrical contacts in good nick. I'm like you, the socket is only used for a light trailer for tip trips and my bike rack and have never had any problems with the above regime. Not tried silicone grease yet as I still have about half of a giant jar of vaseline that I bought 20 + years ago to fill sockets and protect battery terminals. HTH |
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Post by Mb2t on Mar 1, 2019 15:36:47 GMT
From caravaning usage, it depends which socket you use. The 7 pin one is a bit harder to keep clean, also some kind of Vaseline helps with putting it on or removing it. I currently use the 13pin one, and it is much better. The socket cover is good, and no dirt gets in (i do not use extra cover) and for the plug you can buy a cup which keeps it sealed when not in use (it is a green cup that also helps in alignment ).
M.
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Post by jasehutch on Mar 1, 2019 18:50:22 GMT
With reference to buying a vehicle specific wiring kit , it took an age to remove all the necessary interior panels , locate the required wires and then solder and heat shrink each connection.
This is why next time I would buy the vehicle kit instead..
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Post by three5 on Mar 15, 2019 11:08:23 GMT
Or silicone jelly works well. You can get a jar of it from a plumber's merchants for a couple of pounds. I've just considered posting a new thared called "The alternative to vaseline" but considered that it might be misconstrued 
I've just come across this stuff on a factors flyer:
Would humbly suggest that it is only used as a substitute for vaseline for waterproofing electrical systems.
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