Troubleshooting Hopkins Tail Light Wiring Converter

Question

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

0

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

0

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.

Answer 1

The trailer wiring harness you referenced, Hopkins #HM48895, is intended for vehicles that use LED taillights which draw relatively little power as compared to standard incandescent lights. I do not believe that your 1995 Ford Explorer came equipped…

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Answer 2

Hi Bruce, To lift your trailer we'll first need to check of the suspension and see if you have torsion axles or a leaf spring suspension. If you have torsion axles then I'll need to see the axle tag in order to determine what you have so I…

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Answer 3

There's a couple of factors that determine that. On older vehicles, very few vehicles needed a powered converter, because the vehicle's electrical system used a large enough wire gauge so that there was excess capacity in the vehicle's…

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Answer 4

This is a great question that there isn't exactly a great answer for. Hitch extenders not only put the weight further away from the hitch which would increase the leverage on the hitch, but they also add movement to the assembly which will…

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Answer 5

The Hopkins Endurance Quick-Install Trailer Connector Adapter #HM47200 that you referenced should work well without any modifications. It sounds like the running light issue you are seeing is on the 4-way of his F150. Use a circuit tester like our…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 10

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 11

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

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Answer 12

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Troubleshooting Hopkins Tail Light Wiring Converter

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