Just got to Newhaven docks and on the way down I got a load of error messages around brakes on the dashboard of the car. Brakes worked ok so carried on. When we got to the docks I, turned off the car and started it again and still had lights. Once we got through passports i disconnected and reconnected the caravan electrics and the lights have gone. What could the issue be? Have had the caravan serviced in June and it was given a clean bill of health.

Was the error referring to 'Brake lights' instead of just 'Brakes'? If so, a strong possibility that a dirty connection in the trailer connection was raising an issue where bulb failure detection was in operation.

Disconnecting, then reconnecting the plug may have served to clean the connection.

I was trying to upload some photos of all the errors but they won't upload. I've looked at the pins on the caravan plug and whilst I wouldn't say they were pristine there's no obvious dirt or rust. I gave it a blow out and I guess we'll see what happens.

Can't see any signs of damage to the plug cable.

Is this the first time the car has towed this caravan? Has the car towed other trailers without problems? Trying to determine whether its the car or the trailer thats the source of the problem.

This car has only pulled this caravan twice before. They were only short trips around 15 miles each. We just had the tow bar fitted about 4 weeks ago.

We did not see the errors again upon leaving the ferry to our overnight stop. So we will see what happens today.

The ECU will detect bulb failures, which involves monitoring the voltages on the CANBUS so dirt on the caravan electrical plug or socket, a slightly loose bulb or wire in the light fittings could be the cause. Road bumps or the pull on the caravan cable when cornering might also cause voltage fluctuation. The nearside front marker light on my car trailer sometimes goes out - a light tap and it comes back on. However this does not trigger the usual VW & Skoda bulb failure dash warning.

Did your towbar fitter have any issues with obtaining or doing the CANBUS coding?

Tow bar company said the installation was fine, no issues. It's a 2020 car so don't believe we'd have problems with the coding. We travelled just over 300 miles yesterday without any repeat errors. Only difference was I left the cruise control turned off. So we will see what happens. Towed well, very stable. Petrol was 21mpg across the 300 miles so we did have to stop to top up. It could use a larger fuel tank!!!

That’s encouraging. MPG does take a hit when towing.