Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2006 18:22:58 +0100 From: "John Hudson" <mypcnospam.com> Subject: Re: 95 towbar wiring
"Bob" <uctraingnospamanet.com> wrote in message news:prj882dm2d9jtao920cu5uuho5414fkbq8nospamcom... > On Sun, 4 Jun 2006 21:54:54 +0100, "John Hudson" <mypcnospam.com> > wrote: > > Yes, you *do* use a relay. You do it because the cars existing wiring > is only designed to handle a certain amount of current. The relay > allows you to add only a minor amount of flow to the existing circuit > and then the relay handles the load of the new lights. > > This is particularly important in a recent Saab since most of the > wiring passes through a computer that controls all lighting. > Overloading it is a really bad idea. > > As to reliability - you are seriously endangering it by not using a > relay. The relay itself will be very reliable and last the life of the > car. If you are concerned about failure, you could rig a "light > failure" detector to the new circuits but I think it's overkill. > I have just fitted a factory supplied tow bar and its electrical lighting equipment to a two year old Land Rover. The wiring for the trailer lights did not pass through a relay ( or do you mean some type of fuse). I am not familar with the Saab in question but as on the three previous tow bars I have fitted no relay for the lights. What type of relay do you mean, I am interested in a relay of the type you suggest. If the trailer lights overload the cars lighting circuit it will operate an existing fuse.
