T7 towing hitch connector questions

[blind_oracle]

I want to abuse the towing hook connector to power some external stuff e.g. when camping.

It has (should have?) a pin 9 that is always powered, presumably from a leisure battery. I've checked, but there's no voltage there. So probably it kicks in only when the towing control unit detects that the trailer is connected.

I wonder if anyone tried to emulate the presence of the trailer? I guess I can hook the lamps, but I'd avoid that and maybe use some resistors instead?

 

[WelshGas]

I want to abuse the towing hook connector to power some external stuff e.g. when camping.

It has (should have?) a pin 9 that is always powered, presumably from a leisure battery. I've checked, but there's no voltage there. So probably it kicks in only when the towing control unit detects that the trailer is connected.

I wonder if anyone tried to emulate the presence of the trailer? I guess I can hook the lamps, but I'd avoid that and maybe use some resistors instead?

Most Towbar connections, certainly factory fit , on previous VW Californias have a microswitch in the socket that detects the plug being inserted. So maybe using a Towbar plug with just pin 9 connected?

 

[blind_oracle]

Most Towbar connections, certainly factory fit , on previous VW Californias have a microswitch in the socket that detects the plug being inserted. So maybe using a Towbar plug with just pin 9 connected?

Hmm, I've tried exactly with a towbar plug, no voltage on pin 9. Maybe I picked the wrong pin, gonna check tomorrow. Thanks!