Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit with Converter Review

Breaking Down My First Experience with the Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals

The Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals promises a simple solution for making any vehicle with independent turn signals tow-ready. The kit, manufactured by Hopkins Towing Solutions, includes a converter, wiring, connectors, and even a circuit tester, aiming to provide a complete package for the average DIYer. I was particularly intrigued by the included converter, designed to adapt the vehicle’s electrical system to a standard 4-flat trailer connector.

My aging pickup truck, affectionately nicknamed “The Beast,” needed some love to haul my small utility trailer. Its wiring was a mess, a relic of previous owners’ questionable electrical skills. This kit seemed like a less daunting alternative to rewiring the whole truck from scratch.

The kit’s packaging was straightforward, containing the converter, wiring harness, connectors, a small circuit tester, and a handful of zip ties. The converter itself felt solid, encased in a weatherproof housing. My initial thought was that the wiring gauge seemed a little thin, but I remained optimistic given the low power demands of trailer lights.

I considered a few other options, including universal wiring kits from Curt and Tekonsha. Ultimately, the Hopkins kit won me over due to its included converter and circuit tester, promising a more complete and user-friendly installation process. The other kits often required separate purchases of these essential components.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The kit seemed comprehensive, but the wiring’s gauge raised a slight concern about long-term durability. I was hoping this would be a quick, painless fix to get “The Beast” back on towing duty.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals on “The Beast” in my garage over a weekend. The garage offered dry conditions, but the old truck presented its own challenges with rusty connections and tight spaces. Installation took longer than expected due to the need to trace and identify the existing wiring.

The kit performed reasonably well initially, but the included splice connectors were frustrating. They struggled to create a solid connection with the old, slightly corroded wires, leading to intermittent lighting issues. I eventually replaced them with solder and heat shrink tubing for a more reliable connection.

The circuit tester proved invaluable for identifying the correct wires and confirming the converter’s functionality. Without it, I would have been lost in the truck’s wiring spaghetti. However, the converter itself seemed to get quite warm during testing, raising concerns about its long-term reliability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of occasional use, the Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals is showing some signs of wear. The trailer lights work most of the time, but I still experience occasional flickering, suggesting a potential issue with the converter or wiring connections.

The converter’s weatherproof housing seems to be holding up well, showing no signs of cracks or leaks. However, the thin wiring is beginning to show some signs of cracking in areas exposed to engine heat. Regular inspection and dielectric grease application are now part of my maintenance routine.

The Hopkins kit has underperformed compared to my expectations for a long-term solution. While functional, the wiring’s quality and finicky connectors require constant attention and intervention. I have upgraded to a more robust wiring solution and a better converter from a different manufacturer.

Breaking Down the Features of Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals

Specifications

• The Electronic Tail Light Converter adapts a tow vehicle’s independent turn signal system to a standard 4-flat trailer connector. This allows vehicles with separate brake and turn signals to properly operate trailer lights.

• The Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals includes a 60″ length of wiring. This is often sufficient for shorter vehicles, but longer vehicles may require additional wire.

• The kit features a double-molded weatherproof design for the converter. This protects the converter from moisture and the elements.

• The kit includes a 4-wire flat extension, a 4-flat vehicle side connector, an LED circuit tester, three splice connectors, cable ties, a dust cover, a ground screw, and a grease packet. This provides all the necessary components for a basic installation.

Performance & Functionality

The Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals performs its basic function of converting independent turn signals to a 4-flat connector adequately. The kit struggles with inconsistent connections, especially with older or corroded vehicle wiring.

The converter does seem to work well with LED trailer lights. However, the low gauge wiring is prone to corrosion, leading to inconsistent performance.

The kit’s strengths lie in its comprehensive nature and the included circuit tester. The weaknesses are the low-quality splice connectors and the thin wiring. It meets basic expectations but lacks the reliability for demanding or long-term use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals features a compact, easy-to-mount converter. The build quality of the converter housing is acceptable, though the wiring feels flimsy.

The kit is user-friendly with clear instructions, but the splice connectors’ design makes solid connections difficult. There is a slight learning curve for understanding the wiring diagrams, but the included circuit tester helps greatly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals‘ lifespan is questionable due to the thin wiring and splice connectors. Expect to replace these components within a few years, especially in harsh environments.

Maintenance involves regular inspection of the wiring, cleaning connections, and applying dielectric grease. The converter itself is sealed and requires no maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals comes with essential installation accessories. There are no specific customization options for the kit itself.

The kit is compatible with any standard 4-flat trailer connector and LED or incandescent trailer lights within its rated capacity. Users can upgrade the wiring with heavier gauge wire and replace the splice connectors with more reliable options like solder and heat shrink tubing.

Pros and Cons of Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals

Pros

• Comprehensive kit including converter, wiring, connectors, and circuit tester.
• Weatherproof converter housing protects against the elements.
• Easy to install with clear instructions.
• Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
• Includes circuit tester, greatly simplifying the wiring process.

Cons

• Low-quality splice connectors create unreliable connections.
• Thin gauge wiring is prone to corrosion and cracking.
• Converter can get hot, raising concerns about long-term reliability.

Who Should Buy Hopkins Towing Solutions Tail Light 4 Flat Universal Kit With Converter, Independent Bulb Turn Signals?