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Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
Hopkins

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

Part Number: HM56000
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$78.19
Flat Tow Wiring Harness

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Wire your vehicle and get the signal lights required for flat towing without having to splice into your wiring with this custom, plug-in harness. Integrated diodes prevent feedback from RV for safe operation. Wires as combined lighting system. 1-800-940-8924 to order Hopkins flat tow wiring harness part number HM56000 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Hopkins products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles. Flat Tow Wiring Harness reviews from real customers.
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  • Reviews (52)
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Hopkins Flat Tow Wiring Harness - HM56000

  • Wiring Harness
  • Plugs into Vehicle Wiring
  • Tail Light Mount
  • Hopkins
  • Custom

Wire your vehicle and get the signal lights required for flat towing without having to splice into your wiring with this custom, plug-in harness. Integrated diodes prevent feedback from RV for safe operation. Wires as combined lighting system.


Features:

  • Lets you wire your vehicle to accept your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights for flat towing
    • Wires towed car as combined system so that brake and turn signals travel along same wire
    • Provides 4-way flat plug at front of towed car to connect to motor home
  • Plugs in quickly and easily - no cutting or splicing of wires
    • Connection points are located behind your vehicle's tail lights
  • Prevents electrical feedback to safeguard towed car's electrical system
    • Weatherproof box keeps built-in diodes protected
  • Won't interfere with electrical system when towed car is not hooked up to RV
  • Custom designed for your vehicle
  • Includes wiring harness, mounting bracket, and installation hardware
    • Extension loop for connecting towed car to RV - (HM48235 - sold separately)
    • Brake light relay (RM-88400 - sold separately) may be required if used with supplemental braking system
  • 90-Day warranty


Wiring Your Towed Car with Hopkins

Wiring your car for flat towing has never been easier. No more testing wires or splicing into your electrical system. No need to painstakingly position multiple diodes beneath your vehicle. No worries about voiding your warranty. With this custom-fit towed vehicle wiring kit from Hopkins, all you have to do is plug the harness into your vehicle's existing wiring, which is located behind your car's tail light assemblies. No cutting, tapping, or splicing is required.


After plugging in the wiring harness, use the included bracket to mount the 4-way flat connector at the front of your towed car. An extension loop (HM48235 - sold separately) is required to connect your towed car to your RV.


Separate vs. Combined Lighting Systems

Some automobiles operate on a 3-wire system, wherein the brake signal and the turn signals travel along different wires to illuminate different lights. (Typically, these vehicles have amber turn signals.) This is referred to as a "separate lighting system." When you hook up for flat towing using this harness, your towed car's lighting system will operate in a combined fashion regardless of whether it typically has combined or separate lighting. This means that the brake and turn signals sent by your RV to your towed car will be carried on a single wire. As a result, your car's brake lights will do the flashing for the turn signals. Your vehicle will still function as designed when not hooked up to your RV.


Do You Need a Brake Light Relay?

Because this harness wires your vehicle as a combined system, a brake light relay (RM-88400 - sold separately) may be required if you use a supplemental braking system with your towing setup. A supplemental braking system depresses the brake pedal in your towed car every time you apply the brakes in your RV. So, 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.



11156000 Hopkins Plug-In Simple Dinghy Towing Harness

Replaces 56000



This Product Fits The Following Vehicles



California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - HM56000

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (52 Customer Reviews)

Wire your vehicle and get the signal lights required for flat towing without having to splice into your wiring with this custom, plug-in harness. Integrated diodes prevent feedback from RV for safe operation. Wires as combined lighting system.

by:
Ford F-150

Arrived as advertised. Very tight window. We left next morning to pick up the Ford F150 4x4 super cab I purchased. Couldn't tow F150 on trailer as wheelbase too long. Easy installation at pickup location. My personal preference would have been an additional two feet of wire as I like excess in case of future issues but provided length was sufficient.



by:

Great wiring kit. Everything fit and worked perfectly on my 2013
F-150

Larry profile picture

Larry

8/20/2023

Still working perfectly. A quality wiring harness. It helped to have the truck on a lift.



by:
Ford F-150

With the Hopkins HM56000 I was able to easily wire my Ford F150 for towing behind our motorhome in no time at all. I read the instructions and watched and install video and it went in per instructions with no problems at all. I have used it a number of times since install and lights were great! Good price, easy install and it works!

Randall H. profile picture

Randall H.

8/10/2020

one year later and still works great! Follow the instruction, no short cuts and no problem.



by:

To work with. Fast shipping.



by:

If you have the option to use one of these custom fit kits for your trailer or tow vehicle wiring or both, don't hesitate to purchase. These kits make wiring a snap and both can be used in series if necessary without cutting or splicing any factory wire. I used this in comping with a T One kit for my Trailer hitch vehicle with no issues.



by:

I was ready to switch to a more permanent lighting system since we plan to keep the 2009 Ford Escape for awhile. This harness is designed specifically for the Escape and was pretty easy to install after watching a video provided by etrailer. My only challenge was converting the 4 pin connector to the 6 pin that was previously installed on the Escape. The wiring diagram provided by etrailer made that easy as well. I am slow and inexperienced, so it took me about 4 hours. I did not find the double sided piece of tape that was supposed to be provided, so I made use of some strong velcro.



by:
Ford Escape

Plug and Play!
No issues installing
this harness. It only requires two connection points, one at each tail light. The connectors fit perfectly. The only challenge is routing the wiring forward under the body, but that's not the vendor's problem. On my Ford Escape I chose to route the wiring forward on the driver's side to avoid all the exhaust components rather than on the passenger's side as recommended in the instructions.

Minor gripe - the double sided tape necessary to attach the diode pack to the body was missing from the kit. Fortunately, I had some on hand, but it would have been irritating if I hadn't.



by:

Big job, completed in 4 hours by myself. Not bad for a person 81 years old. Once again great instructions.



by:

We are out of state and when we entered a different shipping address, we received a phone call on our home phone to confirm that this order was legitimate. We really appreciate that extra layer of security provided by etrailer.

Will be installing the wiring kit today. Thx!!



by:
Ford F-150

I purchased the light wiring kit so I could tow my F150. The how to video was spot on and the install was easy for me.



by:
2008 Ford Edge

Did not say excellent because of installation. Not as described in instructions. Had to improvise.
Haven’t towed vehicle yet, so not sure if it works properly.



by:
2012 Ford F-150

The wiring harness fit the plugs on my truck well ,it was simple to install.



by:

Try to make the most direct route from tail light to tail light. My first wire route from tail light to tail light the wire came up short. I had to make a more direct route for it to reach, but it did the second time.



by:

Painless installation



by:

Have had no problems with the Hopkins wiring I purchased last here. Instillation was quick and simple. Worked great out of the gate.



by:

great product, very easy installation. I installed everything myself in just a few hours.



by:

Finally a product that was super easy to install (we are seniors and did the installation in no time at all). Sorry I can not send pictures but did not have a camera available. Thank you for the fast and efficient delivery of your product.



by:
2015 Ford F-150

Works great, but I will not take pictures because you can't see the product after installation.



by:
2013 Ford F-150

The wiring kit fit my Ford F 150 perfectly no cutting or splicing wires.



by:

To whom it may concern,
I must compliment
Jennifer S. for her professionalism, knowledge and diligence, explaining the product and finally shipping on time. If the product is half as good as the service I received. We will let you know how the product works after instillation.

Regards,

David Cohen



by:
2010 Ford Escape

Easy installation, looks good on the ca r.



by:

Easy installation. Working well.



by:

Great product...as described. Great instructions & easy to install. Also customer service was very helpful & provided me with excellent service. Would recommend to my friends.



by:

Easy to install

Kenneth T. profile picture

Kenneth T.

7/1/2016

Works great



by:
2013 Ford F-150

Great Product, Good Price and was very easy to install


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Hopkins Flat Tow Wiring Harness

  • Diode Wiring Kit For Flat Towing A 2022 Ford F-150
    We don't currently offer the Hopkins 56012 wire harness so you would need to purchase it through Hopkins or you could use the Roadmaster # RM38FR (LED tail lights) or # RM26FR (Incandescent tail lights) instead.
    view full answer...
  • Tow Bar and Base Plate Kit Recommendation for a 2015 Ford F-150
    The Demco base plate kit you referenced, part # DM9519318, is compatible with your 2015 Ford F150. The Demco Dominator, part # DM9511008, is a good choice for a tow bar. Its 7,500 lb capacity will accommodate your F-150 with no problem, and the safety cables are included. There are several options for wiring your F150 for towing (see link), I would recommend the Hopkins Custom Wiring Harness, part # HM56000. This harness is compatible with supplemental braking systems like the Roadmaster...
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  • Can Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles HM56000 Operate in Both Directions
    Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # HM56000 is directional; it cannot function in both directions. It can only take in the combined RV lighting signals and separate them for the towed vehicle's separate lighting. The custom connectors and pigtails are not available separately.
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  • What Light Wiring Kit Fits to My Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 2001 to Flat-Tow it
    The Hopkins Magnetic Tow Lights # C6304 will fit your 2001 Dodge Dakota. I recommend this light kit because it is very simple to use, it connects to your RV for power. The lights are magnetic and sit on your Dakota making them a great temporary lighting kit. If you need a base plate to flat tow your 2001 Dodge Dakota, I recommend the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # 266-3. I recommend this base plate because the arms are removable when not in use. You will also...
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  • Adapting a 7-Way Trailer Connector on an RV to a 4-Way Flat on a Towed Vehicle
    If the coach uses the 7-Way RV style connector with blade style pins then you can use coiled adapter, # HM47065, with the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit, # HM56000, or similar tow bar wiring that has a 4-Way flat end. If the coach has a 7-Way round pin connector then you can use an adapter such as # 47405. But you will likely need a 4-Way extension, # HM47115, to reach from the front of the vehicle to the coach. If your coach has a 6-Way round pin connector then you would use an...
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  • After Installing Tow Bar Wiring Harness HM56000 on 2008 Ford Edge Brake Lights Do Not Work
    You will want to unplug the 2008 Ford Edge from the motor home and use a circuit tester, such as # PTW2993 if you don't have one, to test the motor home side trailer connector. First test it without the adapter plugged into the 7-Way. Have someone sit in the motor home and go through the light functions while you test with the circuit tester. If the brake light signal is not coming through, then there is likely a blown tow package wiring fuse or wiring issue on the motor home you will...
    view full answer...
  • Can Trailer Wiring Function be Tested without Trailer Connected
    You can definetely test the pins of your trailer connector for correct voltage without a trailer connected. If you check out the video I attached you can see how this is done with a similar 4-way connection. Another option you have would be an emulator tester like the part # 6562 which would plug right into your 7-way (if that's what you have) and with it's light displays for each circuit you'll know if all of the circuits are active.
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
    To flat tow your 2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, you will need base plates, a tow bar, wiring, safety cables, and a supplemental braking system. For the base plate for your SVT Raptor, I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit with Removable Arms # BX2630. These base plates feature hidden reinforcements, meaning that less of the bracket will show, and the removable arms help keep a clean look for the truck when not being towed. The tow hook will need to be removed to install these base plates...
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  • Brake Light Relay Recommendation for a 2014 Ford F150 Being Flat Towed
    The only way I can safely recommend you install the Roadmaster Brake Light Relay part # RM-88400 in your 2014 Ford F150 is according to the installation instructions. Don't worry, if you follow the instructions and install the relay correctly your F150 would be just fine. I attached an install video for you to check out.
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  • Tow Bar Lighting Recommendation for 1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport
    Since there are no plug and play tow bar lighting solutions for your 1997 Jeep Wrangler like the Hopkins you mentioned your best option would be a diode kit like the Roadmaster part # RM-15247 which wires into your vehicle taillights and gives you a way to control them from the tow vehicle. The Hopkins kit was designed to fit a different vehicle.
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  • Tail Light Wiring Differences Between the 2008 Ford Edge and the 2011-2013 Ford Edge
    The Ford Edge went through a style change in 2011 and one of the changes involved the tail lights. The earlier generation Edge, including the 2008 models, used a combined wiring system. This means that the same bulb and circuit was used for the turn signal and the brake light. In 2011, the Edge was changed to a separate wiring system. There are separate bulbs for the turn signal and brake lights which means there are separate circuits for the turn signals and brake lights. These wiring...
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  • Flat Towing Wiring Options for 2014 Ford F-150 Platinum
    Strictly speaking, both you and your friend are correct. It just depends on which type of toad wiring harness is used. The link at right will show you all flat-towing wiring kits for the 2014 Ford F-150 Platinum. These include a custom-fit option from Hopkins, part # HM56000. This kit installs without cutting and splicing by plugging in to the F-150 tail lights and includes integrated diodes to prevent feedback. This operates as a combined lighting system.
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  • Parts Recommendation to Convert a 4-Way on a 2002 Toyota 4Runner to a 7-Way
    You are going to need two things before you can tow your new trailer and I would recommend you install them before you head down there. First, to convert the 4-way of your 2002 4Runner to a 7-way and allow you to install a brake controller you will want the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. I attached an install video and installation instructions for you to check out as well. For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part...
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  • Parts Recommendation for Flat Towing 2015 Ford F-150
    I wish I could say yes, but the part # HM56000 hasn't been listed as a fit for the 2015 Ford F-150 like what you have. We have found that the universal diode kits seem to be more reliable than the custom fit kits any way though. For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2016 Ford F-150
    For lighting you can use the diode kit, # RM-15267, and not have to worry about cutting into the taillight housing. This will splice into your taillight wiring to allow your tow vehicle to control the taillight assemblies of the towed vehicle. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV. For a base plate kit you would want the part # RM-524431-4 which is a confirmed fit for your 2016...
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  • Recommended Quality Flat Towing Setup for 2013 Ford F-150 Lariat EcoBoost
    For your 2013 Ford F-150 Lariat with EcoBoost, here are the parts I recommend if it were my vehicle and budget: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM-524431-5 Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs # RM-520 and tool # RM-066 RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs # RM-643 Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # HM56000 which you will cut the 4-way connector off and then use # RM-146-7. Roadmaster...
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  • How to Pick Out Tow Bar Wiring for Flat Towing
    What you are looking for is called tow bar wiring. Wiring your towed vehicle (or dinghy) can be a complicated process. Depending on the wiring method you've chosen, you may have to splice into your car's wiring, drill into your tail light housings or run wiring beneath your car. Because each towed vehicle is different, and each RV (or tow vehicle) is different, it can be somewhat difficult to determine what all you may need for your towing setup. For that reason we created an FAQ article...
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  • How To Flat Tow A 2008 Ford Edge With 4 Wheels Down
    Per the manufacturer, you can both flat and dolly tow a two wheel drive 2008 Ford Edge. If you have the all wheel drive model, you can only use a flat towing setup. For both the two and four wheel drive models, I recommend flat towing your vehicle with four wheels down as this will be the best option for frequent uses. For a flat towing setup you will first need a base plate kit such as the Roadmaster XL Base Plate Kit part # 4408-1. The Roadmaster base plate kit has a removable arm feature...
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  • Recommended Parts to Flat Dinghy/Recreational Tow a 2009 - 2011 Ford F-150
    A complete flat towing setup consists of a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. Since you haven't made up your mind on what specific vehicle you want, I will make some recommendations for you. Pretty much all of the parts are interchangeable for a 2009 - 2011 Ford F-150, but the base plates are a little more specific. If you end up going with a 2009 or a standard 2011 F-150 then use base plate kit...
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  • Tow Bar Wiring Recommendation for a 2014 Ford F-150
    We have exactly what you will need. First you will want the Hopkins Tow Bar Wiring part # HM56000. This will plug in line with your trucks taillights circuits to control them while being flat towed. This harness has a 4-way connector that can easily be converted to a 7-way with a # 47345. You will just need to plug the adapter into the 7-way socket on your tow vehicle and then plug the # HM56000 into it.
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2014 F-150 FX2 EcoBoost Behind Motor Home
    Safe and legal flat towing requires a number of components, as described in the helpful article I have linked for you. These items include a tow bar, wiring/lighting solution and extension, safety cables, a high/low hitch adapter and also base plates and braking system for the toad. For base plates for your FX2 Eco I suggest the Blue Ox # BO74FR which features removable arms. You can use the Alpha tow bar # BX7380 and custom-fit wiring kit # HM56000. If you need a wiring extension you...
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  • What Parts are Needed to Flat Tow a 2011-2014 Ford F-150
    In order to flat tow a twelfth generation (2011-2014) Ford F-150 behind your RV, you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, a lighting solution, a supplemental braking system, and most likely a high-low adapter. Starting with the base plates, I recommend the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit # RM-524431-5 if you have the EcoBoost or the Roadmaster MX Base Plate Kit # 495-3A if you don't have the EcoBoost. Both options feature a hidden bracket design that will provide a nice clean...
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  • Parts Needed For Flat Towing 2010 Ford Edge AWD Behind A 2022 Coachmen Leprechaun Class C Motorhome
    Your 2010 Ford Edge AWD must be flat towed or towed on a trailer, it cannot be dolly towed. You will need a Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX2190 to connect to the front of your Edge. This will allow you to flat tow your Edge with the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar # BX7380. You may need a high-low adapter like the Roadmaster # RM-048-4 as you need to keep the bars within 3" of level between your Edge and 2022 Coachmen Leprechaun. You will need the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit...
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  • Recommended Base Plate, Tow Bar and Accessories for Flat Towing 2010 Ford Escape XLT AWD
    According to my research, the vehicle will require the installation of a transmission lube pump before it can be flat towed without damaging the transmission. I'd encourage you to confirm this for yourself. Once the vehicle has been declared safe to be flat towed, you can install the base plates, part # 4414-1. Then, you'll need a tow bar. The Roadmaster Falcon 2, part # RM-520 would be an excellent choice. The tow bar would stow on the RV when the hitch is not being used. If you don't...
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Leah B
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