What is the Difference Between the Hopkins and Tekonsha Wiring Kits for a 2007 Subaru Outback Wagon

Published 06/23/2017

Products Featured in This Question

ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit

(521)

$192.62

Hopkins Active Tail Light Converter with Install Kit

(91)

$67.94

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(497)

$224.30

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$88.95

Question:

How do I decide which trailer wiring kit to buy for my 2007 Subaru Outback sedan without factory trailer wiring: - ZCI Circuit Protected 4 Pole Harness and Hardwire Kit - Includes Tester Item # 119250KIT - Hopkins Active Tail Light Converter with Install Kit # 46255 What are the differences? Thanks,

asked by: John C

Expert Reply:

The first difference between the Hopkins Active Tail Light Converter with Install Kit # 46255 and the Tekonsha ZCI Circuit Protected Harness and Hardwire Kit # 119250KIT is that the Hopkins kit comes with Dielectric Grease and the Tekonsha comes with a Circuit Tester. The biggest difference between the two is that the # 119250KIT connects to your vehicle without cutting the original wires, this is a big deal.

Furthermore, I do recommend the Tekonsha kit over the Hopkins kit because we have found that out of all of our manufacturers Tekonsha is the most reliable when it comes to electronics.

If you do not already have a trailer hitch receiver I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame # 75560 since it is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver. A 2 inch receiver will allow you to use more accessories than a 1-1/4 inch receiver will.

If you do not already have a ball mount or hitch ball and you will be towing a trailer a Ball Mount Kit, like part # 989900, is a great choice to go with. It has 2 ball mounts, one with a 3/4 inch Rise and a 2 inch Drop and the other with a 2-3/4 inch Rise and a 4 inch Drop, 2 hitch balls, one with a 1-7/8 inch diameter hitch ball and one with a 2 inch diameter hitch ball, and a hitch pin and clip. You will want to check out the attached article on choosing a ball mount to make sure that one of these is the correct option for you though.

I have attached some demonstration videos that you can use as a reference.