TowTec. More safety in every use
Thoughtful in every detail. Easy to retrofit.
TowTec stands for modern, vehicle-specific wiring kits for retrofitting towbars – reliable, efficient, and made in Europe. Whether analog or digital, 7-pin or 13-pin, vehicle-specific or universal – at TowTec, you’ll find the right solution for your vehicle.
More affordable than OEM products
Simple light test function
Reliable compatibility
Made in the EU
Wiring kit versions
7-pin or 13-pin
How many functions your trailer can use depends on the wiring kit you choose. TowTec offers two versions – with 7 or 13 pins:
- 7-pin wiring kits cover all basic functions and are ideal for smaller trailers without additional features.
- 13-pin wiring kits provide extra connections for reverse light, permanent power, or charging line – essential for caravans or bike racks with lighting. In many countries (e.g., Germany), a reverse light is mandatory.
Wiring kit type
Vehicle-specific or universal
With TowTec, you can choose between tailor-made, vehicle-specific wiring kits for optimal integration and installation, or a universal solution with broad compatibility.
- Vehicle-specific wiring kits are precisely matched to the make and model – with the right connectors, cable lengths, and instructions for quick and safe installation.
- Universal wiring kits are suitable for many vehicle types and are particularly ideal for workshops or retrofits with special requirements.
Type of wiring kit
Digital or analog
Modern vehicles require modern technology – especially when it comes to communication with the onboard electronics. TowTec offers both classic analog wiring kits and digital versions for vehicles with CAN bus systems.
- Analog wiring kits are suitable for older vehicles without data bus systems. They detect signals via voltage – simple and reliable.
- Digital CAN bus wiring kits communicate with the vehicle’s onboard electronics and offer additional functions such as light diagnostics, error messages, or integration into the vehicle menu.
Light testing made easy
TowTec CAN bus wiring kits come with a convenient self-diagnosis feature called the Trailer Lighting Test. This allows you to check the entire trailer lighting system quickly and without any additional tools – even on your own.
1
Switch off the engine and ignition, and unplug the connector on electric vehicles.
2
Activate the hazard warning lights and plug in the trailer connector within 30 seconds.
3
Observe from the rear of the vehicle – the light test runs automatically.
What our customers say
Frequently Asked Questions about TowTec
A 7-pin wiring kit is sufficient for simple trailers (e.g., without reverse lights). A 13-pin wiring kit is required for bike racks, caravans, or trailers with reverse lights or a charging function. Please also check any country-specific regulations or consult your car dealer for advice.
Vehicle-specific electrical kits are precisely tailored to the respective vehicle model and equipped with cable colors and lengths that match the vehicle. This simplifies installation, shortens installation time, and reduces sources of error when connecting to the on-board electronics.
With the lighting test integrated into all TowTec data bus electrical kits, you can check that your trailer lighting is working properly without needing a second person or a test device. The test starts and runs automatically when you plug in the trailer's power connector and switch on the hazard warning lights within 30 seconds. The light functions are then activated in pairs.
Yes, almost all TowTec electrical kits use modern control units with appropriate signal processing and are therefore also suitable for trailers with LED lighting.
CAN bus-compatible electrical kits can communicate with the vehicle's on-board electronics when they are coded, i.e., when they are activated for interaction with the vehicle electronics. This enables functions such as error messages, light diagnostics, and automatic shutdown when not in use. Modern vehicles usually require this digital electrical kit variant.
A buzzer electrical kit works in a similar way: it detects the flow of current from the vehicle's lighting system and emits an acoustic signal if a turn signal on the trailer is not working – hence the name “buzzer.” Such electrical kits are also referred to as “passive” because they do not communicate with the on-board electronics and do not need to be coded or activated.
In contrast, there are so-called “active” electrical kits, i.e., data bus or CAN bus electrical kits, which must be coded or activated when retrofitted. They communicate directly with the vehicle's on-board electronics and thus offer greater convenience, automatically detect faults, and can integrate additional functions such as reversing lights or parking aid control. Modern vehicles usually require a CAN bus electrical kit.
TowTec also offers CAN bus wiring kits with a switch function: a button can be used to switch the mode of the wiring kit between active and passive function.
TowTec electrical kits are designed for easy installation, but they are intended for use by professionals. If you have experience in the automotive sector, you should be able to carry out the installation yourself. However, to ensure full functionality and warranty coverage, we recommend having the installation carried out by a specialist workshop. As a rule, the electrical kit is installed together with the trailer coupling by your specialist workshop.
No. TowTec electrical kits have EC type approval and do not need to be registered or approved separately by the TÜV.
TowTec offers vehicle-specific wiring kits for most passenger car models available in Europe.
Yes, the electrical kit is independent of the coupling type. Whether rigid, removable, or swiveling—TowTec offers compatible electrical kits for all systems.
In most vehicles, the electrical kit must be activated via the on-board electronics after installation – this is also referred to as “coding.” This informs the vehicle that a trailer coupling is now present. Only then will all additional functions such as reverse lights, parking aid deactivation, or on-board computer displays usually work correctly.
