Advice and tips

Plug/socket 7 pole 12V - ISO 1724 type N

1 - yellow - left indicator light - turn signal (L)
2 - blue - fog light (54g)
3 - white - carcass, negative pole (31)
4 - green - right indicator light - turn signal (R)
5 - brown - right rear light (58R)
6 - red - brake light - both sides (54)
7 - black - left rear light (58L)

The wire colour connections according to ISO 1724 define the standard for the electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer. This standard, first published in 1980 and last revised in 2003, is designed to provide a uniform framework for these connections. The specification 'Type N' refers to the 'normal' variant, while 'Type S' is defined in ISO 3732 and refers to the 'supplementary' type that carries additional functions, such as continuous current for caravans. ISO 1724 plugs are only suitable for O1 category caravans as 7 pins are sufficient for basic lighting functions without a reversing lamp. If a reversing light is required, either an additional supplementary plug (ISO 3732) or a 13-pin connector (ISO 11446) must be used. The same applies for towing a caravan, as ISO 1724 cannot provide a continuous current.

Plug/socket 13 pole 12V - ISO 11446

1 - yellow - indicator light on the left - turn signal
2 - blue - fog light
3 - white - base frame, negative pole for contacts 1 to 8
4 - green - indicator light on the right - turn signal
5 - brown - right rear light (tail light)
6 - red - brake light - both sides
7 - black - left rear light (tail light)

Some vehicle manufacturers prefer different wire colour designations, especially for contacts 8 to 13.

8 - pink - reversing lamp - both sides
9 - orange - permanent power supply, positive pole
10 - grey - power supply, positive pole via switch
11 - white/black - base frame, negative pole for contact 10
12 - reserved for future use
13 - white/red - base frame, negative pole for contact 9

With the increasing requirements for the trailer to vehicle connection, it was necessary to upgrade the original 7-pole connectors. In the late 1980s, Erich Jaeger, together with other key players in the automotive industry, developed a system of 13-pole 12V connectors. The new 13-pole system made it possible to transmit all lighting functions and other electrical functions through a single connector.

For interfacing with older 7-pole systems, reductions are available from both the 7-pole socket to 13-pole plug and from 13-pole socket to 7-pole plug. The reducers always convert only the first 7 poles due to the limitation of the number of poles in a 7-pole socket/plug - the other poles would not be able to be connected. Therefore, most reducers have only 7 pins/holes correctly fitted on the 13-pole side.

Plug/socket 15 pole 24V - ISO 12098

1 - yellow - left turn signal - turn signal
2 - green - right indicator - turn signal
3 - blue - fog light
4 - white - base, negative pole
5 - black - left rear light (tail light)
6 - brown - right rear light (tail light)
7 - red - brake light - both sides
8 - pink - reversing light - both sides
9 - orange - permanent power supply, positive pole
10 - grey - flywheel brake lock and axle steering
11 - white/black - traction control system
12 - white/blue - axle lifting device
13 - white/red - base frame, negative pole for data wires
14 - white/green - CAN-H data link
15 - white/brown - CAN-L data line

The ISO 12098 standard was designed to replace ISO 1185 and 3731. The 15-pin connector allows the same functions to be transferred between the tow vehicle and trailer as the previous two-pin system, in a single connector. It also includes two data lines (CAN-H and CAN-L) according to ISO 11992-3 for the exchange of information between devices other than braking systems and chassis (these are part of the ABS/EBS system according to ISO 7638-1).

ISO 12098 specifies the dimensional characteristics of 15-pin connectors for the electrical connection of devices other than braking systems and chassis used on towing and towed vehicles with 24 V nominal supply voltage. It includes contact distribution, testing and requirements for the trailer system, and also standardizes the storage socket for storing the disconnected plug and how to adapt between 7 and 15 pin connectors.

It is crucial to regularly check the overall condition of the trailer and the condition of the tyres, both in terms of safety and reliability.

Quality tyres and even loading contribute significantly to road safety.

Trailer tyres are the only components that directly interact with the road, which explains their importance to vehicle grip and stability. The condition of tyres, especially pressure and tread, has a significant impact on safety.

It is therefore important to check them regularly:

- Tyre pressure
- Tread depth
- Any irregular wear
- Cracks in the sidewalls

Why is the correct trailer tyre pressure so crucial?

- Fuel consumption is lower
- Road grip is optimal
- Braking distance is optimal
- Road irregularities are well absorbed
- Steering behaviour is optimal
- Increased stability contributes to maximum driving comfort
- Trailer tyres have a longer service life
- Risk of flat tyres is minimised

Correct tyre pressure promotes driving comfort and increases operational safety. Optimum tyre pressure improves braking performance, reduces the risk of aquaplaning, minimises tyre wear and significantly reduces the risk of punctures. This also makes your driving more economical. It is therefore essential to check your tyre pressure regularly.

The optimum tyre pressure for your trailer depends on the type of tyre. The table below gives you an overview of the required tyre pressure:

If you buy a cargo trailer, it is important to consider its maintenance and regular care. It's up to you whether you choose to entrust the care of your trailer to a service centre or to handle it yourself.

In the following paragraphs, we will give you an overview of the areas you need to focus on.

Checking wheels and tyres

An important area of care is proper tire inflation, especially on the smaller 10" wheels where proper pressure greatly affects tire life and drivability. The maximum recommended pressure is listed on the tire or on the warranty card. It is also advisable to regularly check the tightening of the wheel bolts.

Checking the wiring

It is essential to test the function of the lights before each journey with the trailer. Regular maintenance includes treating the fork contacts and bayonet connectors of the lamps with protective spray.

Checking brakes and axles

Every 6 months it is advisable to check the axial clearance of the bearings and the condition of the brake system. Once a year it is necessary to lubricate the brake drum bearings and adjust the axial clearance of the bearing. Also, the ramp brake damper should be checked and the sliding points and pivot points of the brakes should be lubricated.

Inspecting the towing joint

Clean and lubricate the knuckle and balls as necessary. It is recommended to use white or red petroleum jelly or grease.

Check in winter

In winter, it is important to be aware of aggressive gritting on the road, which can reduce the corrosion protection of the trailer. It is recommended to rinse the trailer with water and apply a wax to protect against corrosion.

Consistent maintenance following these instructions will increase the life of the trailer and minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns. Otherwise, minor neglect could lead to potential problems in the future.

What do you intend to use the trailer for?

It is crucial to clearly define what cargo you plan to transport. This will give you the information you need to determine the right trailer size. There are several types of trailers depending on their use, such as dump trailers for bulk materials, flatbed trailers, box trailers, etc.

We have categorized trailers on our online store according to their purpose so that you can easily navigate and get a basic idea.

Technical possibilities of your vehicle

Your choice may be limited by the technical capabilities of the vehicle you will be towing the trailer and the load on it, as well as the associated driving licence. Driving licence issues are addressed HERE.

Braked or unbraked trailer?

Unbraked trailers rely on the braking power of the towing vehicle and have a gross weight of no more than 750kg. They are often used for hobby purposes. Braked trailers, on the other hand, relieve the brakes of the towing vehicle, allowing the safe towing of loads up to four times their own weight, up to a total weight of 3,500 kg. They have higher safety standards, but higher costs and the need for regular maintenance.

Wheel location on the trailer

Trailers with wheel storage under the load area are narrower, allowing easy removal of the sidewalls and simple conversion to a platform. Trailers with wheels stored next to the load area have a lower centre of gravity and greater stability.

Which sidewalls are suitable for a trailer?

You can choose between sheet metal, plywood and aluminium sidewalls, each type has its own advantages and suitability depending on the application.

Single or double axle trailer?

Single-axle trailers are lighter and easier to manoeuvre, while double-axle trailers have better stability and are more suitable for frequent use.

The drawbar on the trailer

There are two types of drawbars: tubular and "V" drawbars. Each has its own specific characteristics and suitability depending on the design of the trailer.

If you want to safely transport different types of cargo on a trailer, such as green waste, firewood, bulk materials, motorcycles or construction equipment, it is essential to secure the cargo in the right way. Proper load securing is crucial to avoid danger to you and other road users. This article will provide you with useful information on how to effectively secure your cargo and what accessory options are available for this purpose.

When securing cargo, it is important to follow certain rules to prevent it from slipping, tipping or falling under normal circumstances. Professionally securing a load on a trailer requires following these seven basic rules:

1. Place the center of gravity of the load on the longitudinal axis of the trailer.
2. When loading cargo, the rule is: heavy items down, light items up.
3. Do not exceed the maximum permissible total weight or load on each axle.
4. Secure the load against forward and sideways movement.
5. The main load should be placed above the axle.
6. Avoid gaps between items to prevent them from falling on others.
7. Overhanging loads from the vehicle are normally allowed up to 1.50 metres (1 metre without marking), if they protrude more than 40 cm from the side they should be marked.

Load securing system

How can cargo movement be effectively prevented? As we have already mentioned, an effective means of securing a load on a trailer is to use a lashing system. Our trailers are therefore equipped with lashing eyes, shackles and bowls that allow the load to be firmly secured. These elements can be customised or purchased here according to individual requirements.

Load securing straps
When securing loads, clamping straps are used as a means of securing the load firmly. Here are three recommendations to keep in mind when working with these straps:

Adjust the tension of the straps to the weight of the load. Refer to the strap label for specific instructions.

Carefully check the condition of the strap before each ride. If they are worn, cracked or torn, they must be replaced.

On longer journeys, regularly check the condition and tension of the tensioning straps and tighten them if necessary to secure the load securely. You can find the strap options here.

Other ways to secure cargo:

Tug sails and sail structures with sails
Tensionable sails are suitable for cargo that is not fixed, such as sand or leaves, to prevent it being blown away by the wind and to protect the cargo from the weather. If higher loads are often transported, it is advantageous to invest in a canvas structure to keep the load safely stowed even in the elevated section. Depending on the type of trailer, we provide sails and structures with different loading heights and sail colours available.

Mesh and sidewall extensions
For transporting larger loads, we recommend the installation of sidewalls or mesh superstructures, also known as mesh superstructures, which can be done for example on our three-sided tippers. This modification provides additional space for loading and ensures that no cargo is lost during transport. The grid superstructure is particularly ideal for transporting firewood.

Covering nets
As an additional useful accessory for securing the load are the cover nets. These nets are designed to secure smaller loads such as leaves and the like.

With proper load securing, nothing can fall and cause damage. All the accessories we offer can be found here.

Once you have purchased a trailer, there are a few administrative formalities to complete.

When you buy from us you will receive:

Invoice
COC sheet (Certificate of Conformity)
Green card (proof of third party insurance) - which we can arrange for you (for trailers up to 750 kg for approximately 120 CZK) or you can arrange it yourself.
You will also get a temporary transport mark. The validity of this tag is 10 working days, during which time you must register the trailer with any transport authority. To register your vehicle, take the documents listed above, together with your identity card (ID card or, in the case of a legal entity, an extract from the commercial register). You do not need to bring the trailer itself! At the office, fill in the Vehicle Registration Form (available in the waiting room).

This will give you a permanent registration plate (number plate), a small registration certificate and a registration sticker - no MOT or registration test is required for a newly purchased trailer! Until 31.12.2023 you will still receive a large technical licence, but from 1.1.2024 the small technical licence will fully replace the large technical licence and will contain more information. The full technical specifications of the vehicle, which are now on the back of the large technical licence, will be available online in the Department for Transport's app.

All our trailers and related information are recorded in the Ministry of Transport's Central Information System (called CIS) and registering them with any transport authority in the country is very easy. 

Unbraked trailer 6 years since purchase 4 years since last inspection Braked trailer 4 years since purchase 2 years since previous inspection