Why Do My Hopkins Wireless Tow Lights Keep Failing?
Updated 09/02/2026 | Published 08/25/2026
Question:
I was wondering, I have had 2 of the Hobbes. Wireless turn signal units. Im using them on a Sprinter Van. Winner bagel navion two thousand twenty two, both have failed. I wonder if theres some issue. Should I not be using that with the Winnebago? Navion, sprinter, Im pulling a Jeep. Rubicon, 2006, since theres no interconnecting wiring that shouldnt matter. But I dont know why those fail so quickly. And theyre not inexpensive, and I dont use them that much regards, steve beemer
asked by: Steven B
Expert Reply:
Hey Steve, thanks for reaching out. There is nothing about your 2022 Winnebago Navion on the Sprinter chassis or the 2006 Jeep Rubicon that makes a Hopkins wireless tow light system a bad fit. Since there is no wiring connection between the lights and the Jeep, the Jeep itself is not causing these failures. With two Hopkins units failing in a relatively short amount of time, I am leaning more toward the product itself. Hopkins wiring products are definitely on the budget end of the spectrum, and I have seen enough reliability issues with their electronics that two failures would not surprise me.
Before buying another set, I would test the transmitter on a different vehicle just to rule out anything strange coming from the Sprinter's trailer connector. If it acts normally there, that confirms the Navion is not the issue. At that point, I would move away from the Hopkins setup rather than buying a third one.
The Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-15267 is a much more reliable lighting option for your Jeep and is definitely what I recommend. It installs permanently on the Jeep, and uses diodes that splice into the vehicles wiring. They are completely safe to use, and once installed, it is very easy to hook up and go. Plus this lighting system will be much more durable and will last much longer than a Hopkins lighting system. Given your experience with the Hopkins lights, this is definitely what I recommend going with.
Where do you most enjoy taking the Navion with the Rubicon in tow?
(click to enlarge)
Merle S.
8/26/2026
I have the diode system installed on my Ford Explorer, seems to work fine however had it that long. I also tow a 2014 Jeep Wrangler and have a wiring setup that you drill a hole near passenger floor board and the connection is on the passenger side under the carpet and it uses the motor home connection to power my tail lights. No power from the jeep is used so the battery is not affected and the lights work as long as the motor home lights work. It was very simple to install.
Bryan H.
8/26/2026
I installed the Roadmaster 4 diode kit on a 2017 Jetta two years ago. I was a little skeptical when I ordered it, but the diodes have huge heatsinks. I’ll admit, cutting and splicing the wires is a permanent option, but it is so worth it! You don’t even notice them once installed. My daughter drives the car to work 50 weeks of the year, and when I want to take it on vacation, I just hook it up to the motorhome without concern.
Steven B.
9/2/2026
Good morning, next question is about brake controllers. I was reading everything on your site, and I think that demco might be the way to go on the Jeep. It looks like the Jeep forms like it. I have a blue ox Patriot currently, but it is big and bulky. It's just it was so much money I don't know. If there's any aftermarket value in selling it, but it's, I'd rather just go with that demo. I think wondered what your thoughts were about those?? Regards Steve Beemer
Jesse M.
9/2/2026
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal Fit
- 7 Blade to 6 Round
- Roadmaster
more information >
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on Flat Tow Wiring Harness
Steven B.
8/25/2026
Good afternoon, Jesse. I have a roadmaster, 154 kit laying on my shelf. Looks like it has diodes in it says universal wiring kit. I was always leery of diodes, because if they fail. But that's what you see the most of I take it Does that involve cutting into any existing wire? In the jeep, whereas is that plug and play on a two thousand six rubicon?? Regards Steve Beemer Too bad about that, hobbes, wireless seemed like a nice ideal. You don't have to get into anybody's wiring and easier to troubleshoot, but if they're gonna fail all the time, that's no good