Converter for Wiring a 3rd Brake Light on a Trailer

Updated 09/26/2025 | Published 05/02/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Tail Light Converter - LED Compatible

(45)

$25.02

2-to-3 Tail Light Converter for Towed Vehicles w/ Incandescent Tail Lights

(171)

$38.06

Load Resistor Kit for LED Turn Signals - 50 Watts - 6 Ohm - Qty 2

(36)

$8.85

Question:

Trailer wiring kit LED lights. Third brake light, I see you have one for incandescent bulbs. Does that work with LED brake light? Im swapping the whole trailer to LED marker lights, tail lights. Looking for the LED third brake light controller kit. Let me know if you have something like that. Thank you for your time

asked by: Paul V

Expert Reply:

Hey Paul! The Hopkins Tail Light Converter item # HM48847, you were looking at, will definitely work with LEDs. However, you need a 2-to-3 wire set up and this is a 3-to-2 wire.

Since your trailer uses a combined wiring system where the stop and turn signals run on the same circuit, in order to add a third brake light to your trailer you will want to use the Curt 2-to-3 Tail Light Converter item # 118158. This will convert the wiring to a separate system which would allow the third brake light to only come on when braking. It's compatible with trailer's that have LED lights. Now if your tow vehicle has LED lights you'll also need to install the Load Resistor Kit for LED Turn Signals item # DI34ZR.

I have attached a diagram below that will show you how the Curt 2-to-3 Tail Light Converter item # 118158 installs. If you have any additional questions go ahead and throw them into the comment box below.

Does your tow vehicle have LED lights?

expert reply by: Jerred H

Curt 2-to-3 Tail Light Converter
(click to enlarge)

Jerred H.

9/26/2025

Hey Paul, did the Curt 2-to-3 Tail Light Converter work out for your trailer's LED setup? I'm curious to know because it could help others looking to upgrade their trailer lights.