My Hopkins Trailer Wiring Power Converter Keep Going Out on My 2012 Volkswagen Routan
Updated 09/08/2025 | Published 06/08/2025
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Question:
Hello, I have purchase two Hopkins Plug in simple vehicle harness for my 2012 VW Routan, HM11143764. They seem to fail after one year. The module somehow fails. I will need another one, can I install whole thing inside the tire jack and just extend the wire ? Need to know if this is possible and the module won’t get hot inside the vehicle. Thanks
asked by: Giovanny S
Expert Reply:
Hello Giovanny,
I am very sorry to hear that you have gone through 2 different Hopkins wiring, that would be extremely frustrating!
Yes, you will be fine with installing the the the power module on the Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # HM11143764 inside the tire jack area. The thing that I do not like about extending the wires is that it does create more week spots.
SInce your powered Hopkins harness # HM11143764 keeps failing, switching to the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118490 could be a smart move, especially if you’re towing a light trailer with LED lights. It’s much simpler to install since there’s no need to run a wire to the battery, and there’s no converter box to go bad. That means fewer parts to worry about and less chance of something going wrong. It’s also easier on the wallet and works great for small, low-draw trailers. Just make sure your trailer lights don’t pull too much power, and you should be all set! Let me know if you want help checking that.
Also the # 118490 comes with a 1 year warranty, and you Hopkins # HM11143764 only comes with a 90 day.
I used to have a VW Routan, I loved it in the beginning. But did not like how it went through brake pads like crazy, and there was this plastic piece to my radiator lines that kept cracking, the first time it did it I thought my car was on fire, the second time it did it I was just mad because it was a $300 part. Ended up finding a youtube video on a metal $2 part from Lowes, never happened again with the $2 part =)
How long have you had the Routon? It is a nice smooth ride, but was just too costly for repairs. Have you had any issues with yours beside the trailer wiring going out?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- Powered Converter
- No Tow Package
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Hidden
- Hopkins
more information >
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Kate F.
9/8/2025
Hey Giovanny, Did you decide to switch to the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for your VW Routan? I'm curious if it solved the issues you were having with the Hopkins harness. Let me know how it worked out, as it could help others facing similar problems with their trailer wiring.