Finally the tow bar electrics arrived and my tow bar is fitted on my Ev6. I just trial fitted my Yakima bike rack and the plug doesn't reach the socket on the car. It seems like it's a long way under the car, any ideas on getting a short (30cm or so) 13pin extension cable?
I guess any extension would put strain on the connectors, so perhaps I should look for something 1m or so and then the connector can be supported by the rack?
A friend has one like this - but maybe not this exact brand and his is much shorter, like maybe 50cm extended - I googled towbar stretchy extension to find.
Has worked fine for a couple years of use at least?
https://www.towsure.com/1-5m-coiled-extension-lead-n-type-2-x-13-pin-plugs
Just the job, I'll see if I can find a super short one.
Normally tow bar electric sockets are next to the tow bar ball, where's yours?
If you get that curly one you can thread the lead through the bike frames. On many cars now this means the alarm is essentially integrated with the bikes - disconnect the lead and the alarm goes off.
They are pretty easy to wire up. Similar to a house plug, just a few more terminals. Buy a plug, a socket and a length of cable to suit. It'll be the perfect length and you'll get change from a tenner.
Normally tow bar electric sockets are next to the tow bar ball, where’s yours?
It's a removable tow bad so the socket folds down from the socket where the swan neck inserts. It's quite a long way under the bumper.
If you get that curly one you can thread the lead through the bike frames. On many cars now this means the alarm is essentially integrated with the bikes – disconnect the lead and the alarm goes off.
That's actually a pretty good idea. It probably won't stop an idiot bike thief (nor do I leave my bikes unattended on a rack), but a nice unintended consequence.
It randomly occured to me that you could do the same when charging electric EVs (do all vehicles lock the charger onto the socket or is it just some? And does it unlock when charged?)
Have you checked that there isn't any length to be gained in the lead somewhere ie. it hasn't been wrapped around a part of the bike carrier or a cable tie that is holding it back etc.
Seems like a bit of a flaw in the design ?