Troubleshooting Hopkins Tail Light Wiring Converter

Updated 09/11/2020 | Published 04/02/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

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$25.72

Hopkins Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

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$30.05

Question:

have Hopkins converter 48845 will not send power to trailer lights. stop and turn are combined leds. motorhome with 6 pin round out to 4 pin on trailer.

asked by: Jim T

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you may just need to replace your wiring converter with one made for use with LEDs, the Hopkins LED Compatible Tail Light Converter Kit # HM48895. This is designed to work with the lower power draw of high-efficiency LED lighting.

If you test the motorhome wiring and confirm that the signals are present there as they should be then either your converter is damaged or it is simply the wrong one for your application.

expert reply by: Adam R

Joel M.

9/5/2020

I installed a Hopkins 4-way flat taillight converter last year. Everything worked fine. This year my right rear trailer indicator and brake lights won't work. I've confirmed the issue is on the vehicle and not the trailer side. The ground connection is good. I replaced the flat 4 connection and that didn't fix it. I've inspected all of the wiring and there is no break and I can see no issue with the the connections to the tail lights. Is it possible that the unit is having issues after one year? Any advice for where else the issue might be?

Jon G.

9/7/2020

Did you check the fuse for the right turn/stop trailer functions on your tow vehicle? Another place to look is the connector itself. Sometimes some corrosion or debris can get in there and cause problems, especially if it doesn't have a cover (although I'm pretty sure every Hopkins connector comes with a cover).

Joel M.

9/8/2020

@JonG I ended up taking it into the shop and they confirmed that the box was the problem. It doesn’t speak to the quality of the components if it fails that quickly. I called e-trailer and was told that it only comes with a 90 day warranty. Again, doesn’t inspire confidence about the quality.

Jon G.

9/11/2020

@JoelM I'm glad you got it figured out but I'm sorry to hear that you were having problems. I usually have a hard time recommending the Hopkins wiring over the Curt or Tekonsha simply because of that 90 day warranty they place on it.