towbar electrics

[CornishPete]

wondered if anyone has any better method of splicing the towbar electrics to the vehicle electrics other than the blue scotch blocks that come with the towbar? I used them on the van and they've been ok but as they're not insulated and they live behind the rear light cluster a few of the wires have corroded. Was wondering about insulated piggy back connectors wrapped in self amalgamating tape? Or would soldering be best?
cheers in advance

 

[bump]

Soldering reduces the flexibility of the wires meaning breaks are more likely. I'd go down the insulated connector route. Personally I'd go for bullet connectors then wrap with SA.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Heat shrink solder joints.
They solder the cable and shrink to seal.
I used them a lot on Tow bars and Lorry loader cranes in the past with no issues.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/1116...ICEP3.0.0-L&ff14=122&viphx=1&ops=true&ff13=80

E bay link to something similar, if any one had any doubts.

 

[the snooper]

wondered if anyone has any better method of splicing the towbar electrics to the vehicle electrics other than the blue scotch blocks that come with the towbar? I used them on the van and they've been ok but as they're not insulated and they live behind the rear light cluster a few of the wires have corroded. Was wondering about insulated piggy back connectors wrapped in self amalgamating tape? Or would soldering be best?
cheers in advance

not insulated ? they are fully covered

 

[Kayos]

Soldering does reduce flexibility a tiny bit, but a well soldered and heat shrinked joint is the best option, as the wiring will be put in place and left

 

[colnerov]

Scotchlocks are the worst invention ever!! The devils work.

 

[Migmac]

My Ranger has just had new towbar electrics put on. No joins as such, you take the plugs off the rear light clusters and put the plugs on the new loom onto the cluster then the original plugs go on. Very easy and very neat.

 

[nick952]

Just use the waterproof scotchlocks:- http://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-Scotchlok-Filled-Connector-Crimps/dp/B007FAM6QE

 

[Barlidge]

Scotchlocks are the worst invention ever!! The devils work.

You beat me to it, horrible things.

 

[Kayos]

My Ranger has just had new towbar electrics put on. No joins as such, you take the plugs off the rear light clusters and put the plugs on the new loom onto the cluster then the original plugs go on. Very easy and very neat.

I believe it's the same on the Freelander, just plug it into the loom

 

[Fazerruss]

Scotchlocks are electrically insulated, but have no protection against moisture ingress.

In fact, they make things worse...

I've removed scotchlocks while tracing electrical issues and the wire has been black (corroded) either side of the 'join' for a good 6".

They aren't particularly good with vibration either.

Actually, they just aren't good at all.

It'd better to just twist the wires together and use selotape - at least that way you can freely admit it's a bodge

Yep I hate them with a passion. Besides corosion they tend to cut the conductors. Soldering is by far the best method. It's slow but I've never had a joint fail in the 20 years of fitting tow bars.

 

[tflnemesis]

+1 for solder and heatshrink, i have done over a dozen of these and if you choose to put the solder joints where the cable has very little or no movement or you can cable tie it in place it won't fail..

 

[CornishPete]

I've removed scotchlocks while tracing electrical issues and the wire has been black (corroded) either side of the 'join' for a good 6".

exactly what has happened.
thanks for all your reply's.
I think ill use the piggy back connectors as I have a ratcheting tool. With plenty of sa tape should be miles better than scotchlocks.
thanks once again.

 

[Robotstar5]

I believe it's the same on the Freelander, just plug it into the loom

The socket is behind R/H trim panel in the back, I've got a spare (new) plug-in towbar socket if you need one.

 

[Kayos]

The socket is behind R/H trim panel in the back, I've got a spare (new) plug-in towbar socket if you need one.

I missed the towbar you had on eBay, by the time I looked the auction was over

Let me know how much you want for the socket, towbar will be a must this year