Difference Between Hopkins # HM56300 and Tow Ready # TR118821 Flat Towing Wiring for 2010 CRV

Updated 12/08/2014 | Published 12/06/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

(49)

$70.09

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(700)

$47.73

Roadmaster FuseMaster Fuse Bypass Switch for Towed Vehicles - 20-Amp ATM Mini-Fuse

(357)

$91.24

Question:

Is this the same as TR118821? We need a wiring kit for towing a 2010 Honda CRV behind our motorhome. We have a Stay in Play Duo braking system so looks like we will also need the brake relay with either wiring harness.

asked by: Deb

Expert Reply:

Both the Tow Ready # TR118821 and the Hopkins # HM56300 serve the same purpose, allowing the lights on your flat towed vehicle to operate in tandem with those of the the RV. The difference is that the Hopkins wiring harness is a plug and play installation, while the Tow Ready harness would require cutting and splicing into the existing factory taillight wiring harnesses.

Because this harness wires your Honda CR-V as a combined system, a brake light relay (RM-88400 - sold separately) may be required if your towed car's brake lights illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed and the engine is off - as is the case when towing - then you need to install a relay to ensure that the lights on your towed car always act in accordance with the signals sent by your RV via the wiring harness. Without a relay, the brake signal from your towed car will override the turn signal sent by your RV when you slow down to make turns, creating a potential hazard.

You will also need a # RM76511 fuse bypass, as the owner's manual states that a fuse needs to be pulled before flat towing the vehicle. Rather than needing to pull the fuse, the bypass provides a switch that can be activated when flat towing. I've linked you to an install video for the fuse bypass, as well as to a video for the # RM-88400 brake relay.

expert reply by: Mike L