Trailer Lights

[Alasdair S]

How does one connect trailer lights to an Octavia. Having probs with a live feed but as am totally ignorant did not realise a live feed was required - assumed wires for socket were tapped into the lighting wires and that was all. Problems occurring with battery drain over a period of time casued by leakage from an alleged live feed. Original installation done by a so callwed professional. Hope this makes sense!!

[marcusthehat]

Alsdair,

Treat the below with caution.

& I am sure someone will offer definitive advice.

I had similar problems, except mine was a dealer fitment (but subbed to a so-called "specialist")

The Octavia is (if a newer vehicle?) a Canbus system

Therefore a bypass relay is required, cos it is not simply +-12Volts, rather a microprocesser controlled digital system "works" the individual lights etc..

However I understand? that there should be a suitable " live feed" available at the rear of the car.

Other than that the wires from the bypass relay are simply spliced/sprigged into the wires feeding the taillight cluster.

Or they were in my case.

[TonyGardner]

Alsdair,

Treat the below with caution.

& I am sure someone will offer definitive advice.

I had similar problems, except mine was a dealer fitment (but subbed to a so-called "specialist")

The Octavia is (if a newer vehicle?) a Canbus system

Therefore a bypass relay is required, cos it is not simply +-12Volts, rather a microprocesser controlled digital system "works" the individual lights etc..

However I understand? that there should be a suitable " live feed" available at the rear of the car.

Other than that the wires from the bypass relay are simply spliced/sprigged into the wires feeding the taillight cluster.

Or they were in my case.

Having installed towbars and wiring on four octavia's I would recomend the safest way to provide a live feed for your relay is to run a suitable cable from the fuse box next to the battery.

If you wish to make it easy use a in line fuse and connect to one of the live screw posts at the front of the fuse box

I only install the fuse when using the towbar.

[Alasdair S]

Having installed towbars and wiring on four octavia's I would recomend the safest way to provide a live feed for your relay is to run a suitable cable from the fuse box next to the battery.

If you wish to make it easy use a in line fuse and connect to one of the live screw posts at the front of the fuse box

I only install the fuse when using the towbar.

[marcusthehat]

To quote from another poster,.i.e RustyGT

(And since only for a trailer as opposed to split charge facility for a caravan)

So as below:

"I have just fitted a witter towbar to my 57 plate octavia vrs. Surprisingly easy job to be honest.. just time consuming. I used a 7 way smart bypass relay. Didn't use the 12 s connection as only going in the UK. I used "chocolate block" connectors, and everything worked first time. If using 12 n only, then your permanent live from your 12v in th boot will be fine. I get no bulb warning lights on the dash, with patience its a relatively easy job.. and I'm a novice..!!"

This site was very helpful..

http://towsure.blogs...pass-relay.html

sent via HTC

This post has been edited by rustyGT: Yesterday, 20:45

Edited 29 September, 2011 by dieseldogg

[Alasdair S]

To quote from another poster,.i.e RustyGT

(And since only for a trailer as opposed to split charge facility for a caravan)

So as below:

"I have just fitted a witter towbar to my 57 plate octavia vrs. Surprisingly easy job to be honest.. just time consuming. I used a 7 way smart bypass relay. Didn't use the 12 s connection as only going in the UK. I used "chocolate block" connectors, and everything worked first time. If using 12 n only, then your permanent live from your 12v in th boot will be fine. I get no bulb warning lights on the dash, with patience its a relatively easy job.. and I'm a novice..!!"

This site was very helpful..

http://towsure.blogs...pass-relay.html

sent via HTC

This post has been edited by rustyGT: Yesterday, 20:45

[Alasdair S]

Hi

Thanks all. Took car to original fitter and he has connected rel;ay to fuse box at right hand side of dashboard - will be interesting to see if this cures the leakage problem now!!!

[John T]

Had a tow bar fitted two weeks ago, was given a wee drawing showing the fuse for the trailer lights as fuse no26 on the right hand side and location of the relay, still to pull the trailer but not had any battery drain problems.