I have a 1.6tdi, hatchback. Do I need specific wiring or plug to install the towbar electrics?

thanks

That depends if you want to do it correctly or not.

 

A vehicle specific wiring kit and associated control module will let the car change behaviour when a trailer is attached. The most obvious changes are things such as disabling the rear fog lights, warning if the trailer lights aren't working and changing the graphics on the parking sensors. If you car has ESP it will also change its parameters as to help you if whatever you're towing starts snaking or during emergency/heavy braking.

 

The alternative is a bypass relay, this means splicing into the wires to the rear light clusters and will only make the lights on the trailer copy those on the car. The car won't even be aware the trailer is there.

 

It's your call but personally I'd be choosing the proper method and additional control module.

It is nearly as chep to buy the dedicated kit nowadays, and then know that the job has been done correctly.

Good site is PF Jones. (http://www.pfjones.co.uk/) They have a good reputation amongst us Yeti owners.

If I buy the dedicated wiring does anything need to be coded, at the moment I have an old 7pin caravan. Im assuming its better to get the 13 pin fitted and use an adapter than try to do this all over again if I upgrade the caravan in the future?

It is nearly as chep to buy the dedicated kit nowadays, and then know that the job has been done correctly.

Good site is PF Jones. (http://www.pfjones.co.uk/) They have a good reputation amongst us Yeti owners.

well they've got another customer today, very helpful on the phone and very competitive prices

now to see how easy it is to fit. Thanks for the advice