Wiring Installation Instructions for Hopkins LED-Compatible Tail Light Converter # HM48895

Updated 11/02/2020 | Published 05/16/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(48)

$30.47

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

This kit 48895 says the Red wire is for the Brake circuit. Which wire does it connect to?

asked by: Scott L

Expert Reply:

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 with LED-type lighting and this harness is not among those recommended for your vehicle.

The red wire on this harness does connect to the brake light circuit as you noted in the instructions. You can identify which wire at your Explorer's driver-side taillight assembly carries this brake light signal by testing with a circuit tester like # PTW2993 while a helper steps on the brake. The wire that carries a signal only when the brake pedal is pressed is the correct wire to splice to the harness' red wire.

For reference, the link provided will show you all 4-pole trailer wiring harnesses that are recommended for your truck. You can use the drop-down menu box at the top of the page to select the vehicle style that applies to your Explorer and you'll then see harnesses that will work for you.

I have also linked an article with helpful troubleshooting tips for 4-pole installations.

expert reply by: Adam R

Mike G.

4/1/2020

Can this converter be used on my 2017 Dodge Ram truck

Chris R.

4/1/2020

I believe your Ram already has combined factory wiring, so a converter shouldn't be needed to sync up to a trailer light hookup. Are you using the harness for a different application? This Hopkins kit is really a universal-type product, so it could be used, but I'm not sure it's needed. If you let me know what you're trying to do I might have a better option.

Justin Q.

11/1/2020

@ChrisR Hey man I have a 2008 Dodge ram 3500 Dooley and my brake lights and turn signal we’re on the same circuit I’m putting a flatbed on it and it has separate brake lights and turn signals this product will work correct?

Jon G.

11/2/2020

@JustinQ If your truck has combined lighting and you're needing to separate that then you actually need the Tow Ready # 118158 to get that brake signal on it's own circuit.

See All (7) Replies to Mike G. ∨

Mike G.

4/2/2020

I’m using it to hook up trailer lights that don’t light up. The truck has separate lights for blinkers and stopping, my trailer has one light for all

Chris R.

4/2/2020

Since you actually need to separate the circuits (instead of combine them), you'll need a 2-to-3 converter like # C56196. The above-mentioned unit is used to combine separate circuits, so it wouldn't work to operate the tail lights on your trailer.