Installing towing electrics to some modern vehicles can be a difficult and time consuming task. Vehicle manufacturers are continually incorporating electronic check systems into vehicle lighting systems which can be compromised by the connection of towing equipment. Some higher specification vehicles no longer offer convetional connection to lighting systems at all, manufacturers are opting instead to utilise the vehicles CAN Bus system for lighting control. Vehicles which feature rear LED lighting systems are also a problem. These run on low voltage and pulsed power signals which cannot be used for direct connection to towing electrics.
The CANM8-TOW interface requires only 4 electrical connections to the vehicle and supplies direct, conventional towing lighting and charging outputs for the 12N and 12S sockets. Installation time is significantly reduced and other vehicle systems are unaffected.
CANM8-TOW Explained
The CANM8-TOW interface provides a solution to these installation difficulties by utilising a connection to the vehicles CAN Bus system which is used to source control for the towing electrics. The interface senses lighting system activity via the CAN Bus and provides conventional electrical outputs for connecting to towing electrics lighting and charging systems.
Compatibility
The CANM8-TOW system is fully compatible with the below vehicle models:
- BMW: 5 - Series (2003 >)
- Ford: Mustang (2004 >)
- Nissan : Cube
- Renault: Modus
- Skoda : Octavia (2005>)
- Volkswagen : Golf (2004>), Passat (2005>)
Installation
There are 2 connections between the interface and the vehicle CAN Bus wiring (CAN Hi & CAN Lo) along with a connection to a suitable permanent, main 12v power supply and an Earth connection.
The interface has 8 outputs which provide connection to the rear lights. These provide individual outputs for:
- Left Tail Lights
- Right Tail Lights
- Left Rear Indicator
- Right Rear Indicator
- Brake Lights
- Reverse Lights*
- Fog Lights*
- Ground Connection
Additionally, the interface features smart technology which senses when additional lighting is connected via the towing socket. An output is provided to drive an audible or visual warning device, which is activated whenever towing lighting is connected and the vehicle indicators are used. This is a statutory requirement to meet UK legislation.
* Not available to some vehicle applications.
Motion Controlled Split Charging
The CANM8-TOW interface features a unique Motion Dependent Split Charging system. Power is supplied to the auxilliary battery charging and caravan refrigerator systems only while the vehicle is moving.
The following outputs are supplied:
- 12v Permanent Auxilliary Supply
- 12v Motion Controlled Battery Charging
- 12v Motion Controlled Refrigerator Power
- Ground Connection
Installation Instructions
Full installation instructions are supplied for each specific vehicle application. The interface also features a status LED which confirms correct connection to the CAN Bus system.
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