Necessary to have trailer socket?

Skuxx

I failed the DOE on my van and one of the reasons was the trailer light socket wasn't properly secured properly! It had been welded to the tow bar but the weld broke and the electrical wire was just wrapped around the tow bar!

I don't think the socket even works and I've never used it in the 3 years I have the van, does anyone know if I can just cut the socket off, or will I be failed then for not having one??

biko

I suppose it depends on whether it's necessary to have working lights on the trailer you are using.

Skuxx

biko wrote: »

I suppose it depends on whether it's necessary to have working lights on the trailer you are using.

I don't tow trailers!! Just looking to know is it a requirement for the DOE to have a power socket if you have a tow bar!

sogood

Skuxx wrote: »

I don't tow trailers!! Just looking to know is it a requirement for the DOE to have a power socket if you have a tow bar!

From memory, I don't think a socket is a must have item, at least not on a car. If it is there, then it should be working, or at least fitted properly, but if it isn't there, then how can it be tested/failed?

This was my experience when I was fitting a tow bar to my car, right on the cusp of having to do my nct. I fitted the tow bar but left the socket off as I was waiting on a wiring diagram confirmation (long story).

Car passed and the tow bar was never brought into question, once it was fitted properly, albeit without a socket!

Going Forward

Same thing happened to me, bracket was rusted, chucked the socket onto spare wheel carrier, out of the way, never mentioned in DOE.

joujoujou

Skuxx wrote: »

I don't tow trailers!! [...]

Remove tow bar, remove socket, get your DOE done.