Will Hopkins Flat Tow Wiring Work with LED Lights and Sensors on a 2024 Jeep Wrangler JLU

Updated 12/31/2024 | Published 10/02/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

(34)

$73.24

Roadmaster Smart Diode Kit for Variable Voltage LED Tail Lights - 7-Way to 6-Way Adapter Cord

(254)

$209.10

Question:

Will this harness work on a 2024 Jeep Wrangler JLU with LED tail lights and proximity sensors in the bumper?

asked by: Steve

Tail Light on a 2024 Jeep Wrangler JLU
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Steve, thanks for reaching out again!

Hopkins doesn't have any exceptions for their Wiring Kit # HM39VR which normally means it's compatible, but even though this is easier to install than a lot of the other options, from my experience I try to shy away from most of the Hopkins wiring solutions because they just simply aren't super reliable.

The best option for your 2024 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the Roadmaster Smart Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Wiring Kit # RM63MR and is ultimately what I recommend. I know it's not as cost-effective, but it's way more reliable and comes with diodes specifically built for the LED lights and sensors on your Jeep.

expert reply by: Jon G

Steve

10/3/2024

Thanks Jon, I am really opposed to cutting up the harness of a brand new vehicle when there are plug and play harnesses available. I do value your experience and advice here. Is there possibly a reliable plug and play harness without diodes that I can modify with the RM63MR diodes so that I can keep my vehicle harness stock? Cost is not a huge factor since I am willing to purchase two harnesses to accomplish this. Thanks, Steve

Jon G.

10/3/2024

@Steve Fair enough, I definitely get where you're coming from with splicing into brand new vehicle wiring - I would be hesitant as well. What you could potentially do is get the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit # HM39VR for the OEM connectors and 4-Way wiring, and then just get the Roadmaster Smart Diodes # RO54FR from Roadmaster and combine the two. You would need to cut out the Hopkins module (the black box) and hook the rest of the Hopkins wiring up using the remaining wire. You'll also need additional 16 Gauge Wire # 16-1-1 and Butt Connectors # DW05744-10 to splice into the other functions on the OEM connectors. Basically, you'd be doing the Roadmaster installation but building your own adapter to plug into the OEM ports. We haven't done this before so I can't confidently say this will work and give you details on how to do it, but this will be the next best thing that can potentially give you the best of both worlds.

Steve

10/3/2024

@JonG Thanks again Jon. I think I will give it a shot. Thank you for the additional component P/Ns.

Steve

12/27/2024

@JonG Hi Jon, The Hopkins harness and smart diode modification was successful at least as far as it has not caused any issue with the operation of the jeep. I have not yet towed with it, but I am getting closer to doing so. I have been researching an issue with the JLUs and want to be sure I have included all the necessary modifications to have a successful towing experience. What I have learned through the JLWrangler Forum is that there are two issues that are draining the vehicle battery while towing. One being the vehicle being “woken up” due to the brake pedal press from the auxiliary braking system and the other being the vehicle being “woken” by the tail light fault monitor line to the BCM being activated when the tail lights/blinkers are activated by the RV. For the second issue, I plan to add a switch or relay to the Hopkins harness to disconnect the monitor wire when in tow mode which was the solution indicated in the forum. For the first issue (brake activation) I was considering the Roadmaster brakelight relay solution. However, I found that Jeep has replaced the brake switch with a potentiometer to measure the position of the brake pedal. A disconnect or disconnect with a resistor may be the solution. Do you have a proven solution for this issue? I assume a charge line from the RV would be a bandaid, but I would like to fix the issue if possible. Waking the vehicle every time the brake is pressed does not sound like a good idea to me. Thank you for your expertise