Which Wire to Use for Installing the Hopkins Backup Sensor System on the Front of a Vehicle

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins Backup Sensor System, # HM60100VA, can be wired to any 12 volt source, that will work for your application. Normally the power wire for the backup sensor is spliced into the reverse light circuit at the rear of the vehicle, near the back of the tail lights.

If you want to use the system on the front of your vehicle, you will need to determine when you will need the system to be activated. If you want it to be on at all times when the vehicle is being operated, you could wire the power wire to a switched 12 volt ignition source. You would need to use a circuit tester, # 3808, to locate a wire that is powered when the ignition key is turned on, or find an auxiliary fuse port that is switched and use a Fuse Circuit Tap Kit, # F2526, to wire the power wire from the backup sensor.

If you want the system to be on only when needed, you could wire the power wire directly to the vehicle positive battery post and install a switch, # D16740, in line on the power wire.

Another option would be to splice the power wire into the running light circuit behind a running light at the front of the vehicle, using a circuit tester to verify the correct circuit. This option will power the backup sensor anytime the vehicle running lights are on.

expert reply by: Bob G