Hopkins Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
(45 reviews)
Price: $33.97
Hopkins Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
Item # HM48895
Retail:$58.18
Our Price: $33.97
You Save: 42%
Will this fit?
To see if this custom-fit item will work for you please tell us what vehicle you'll use it with.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
Need help with installation?
Locate installers near me- All Info
- Reviews (45)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Hopkins Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - HM48895
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Hopkins
- Converter
- 6 Feet Long
Great for cars and trailers with either LED or incandescent bulbs, this tail light converter has a 72" 4-way flat harness. Designed for vehicles that have amber turn signals. Installation hardware sold separately.
Features:
- Provides a 4-way flat trailer connector at the back of your vehicle to power your trailer's signal lights
- Compatible with 5-pole, 6-pole, and 7-pole adapters (sold separately)
- Ensures your vehicle's wiring matches that of your trailer
- Designed with safety in mind
- Guards against electrical shorts and mis-wire situations
- Splices into your vehicle's wiring
- Color-coded and labeled wires ease installation
- Wire connectors sold separately
- Resists damage from dust and humidity
- Includes durable, molded-rubber, female output socket with protective dust cover
Specs:
- Application:
- Vehicles with 3-wire electrical systems
- Trailers and vehicles with LED or incandescent lights
- 4-Way harness length: 72"
- Ground wire length: 36"
- Splice-in wire length:
- Brown, red, yellow: 12"
- Green: 71"
- Max amperage:
- Turn lights and brake lights: 2.1 amps per circuit
- Tail lights: 2.1 amps per circuit
- Wire gauge: 14
- 90-Day limited warranty
Do I Need a Tail Light Converter?
Some vehicles operate on a 3-wire system, wherein the brake signal and the turn signals run on separate wires to illuminate different lights. (Typically, these vehicles have amber turn signals.) But most trailers run on a 2-wire system, which means the brake and turn signals travel along a single wire. You'll notice that, on your trailer, the brake light will flash for the turn signals.
If your vehicle operates on a 3-wire system, it will need to be converted so it will be compatible with the wiring system of your trailer. This is where a tail light converter comes into play. This converter lets you combine the brake and turn signal functions of your vehicle so they run on a single wire to properly activate your trailer's tail lights.
If you have LED tail lights on your vehicle and incandescent lights on your trailer, you'll need some voltage regulation to make sure that your trailer lights get the power they need to activate. This converter will do just that. LED lights are more energy-efficient and require less power than incandescent lights, so the converter will adjust the power accordingly, ensuring that your trailer lights will activate no matter what type of bulbs your vehicle has - or your trailer, for that matter.
Converter Wiring Configuration
| Wire Color | Wire Function |
|---|---|
| Green | Right turn |
| Brown | Tail lights and parking lights |
| Red | Brakes |
| White | Ground |
| Yellow | Left turn |
Tail Light Converter Installation
To begin the installation, use a circuit tester (sold separately) to double-check the function of each wire on your vehicle's tail light wiring harness. The color/function of the splice-in wires on this converter may not match the color/function of those on your vehicle, so you'll want to be sure to check all of the wire functions first. Once you've figured out the functions of your vehicle's wiring, use quick-splice or butt connectors (sold separately) to connect the corresponding wires on the trailer connector.
Using double-sided tape (sold separately), stick the converter box to a flat surface inside your vehicle near the tail lights. It's helpful to clean the surface first so the tape can adhere fully.
Find a raw, unpainted metal surface to use as a grounding point and secure the white ground wire using a self-tapping screw (sold separately). Cleaning the surface before securing the white wire will ensure the converter is fully grounded. Finally, secure the converter wires to your vehicle using included cable ties.
Quick Tips:
- Butt connectors - especially heat-shrink ones - provide the most secure, longest-lasting connection, so we'd recommend you grab a few for this installation.
- Use a circuit tester on the plug terminals once the harness is installed to make sure everything's working. There's nothing worse than figuring out that you have a bad ground or a faulty connection right before you're about to hit the road.
- Be sure to put a little bit of dielectric grease on the 4-way plug to protect the terminals from dirt, grime, and corrosion.
48895 Hopkins Vehicle Wiring Harness with Vehicle End 4-Pole Connector and Tail Light Converter - 6' Long
Installation Details
Alternate Instructions
This Product Fits The Following Vehicles
- 1996 - 2003 Ford Taurus Wagon
California residents: click here
Customer Satisfaction Score:
89% were satisfied with this product
11% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
Customer Reviews
Hopkins Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - HM48895
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (45 Customer Reviews)
Great for cars and trailers with either LED or incandescent bulbs, this tail light converter has a 72" 4-way flat harness. Designed for vehicles that have amber turn signals. Installation hardware sold separately.by: George K.05/06/2014
Honda
Ordered the HM48895 trailer light converter for my Honda Sabre motorcycle. It was an easy install and works like advertised. Great product. Fast shipping.
by: Dwayne 04/24/2024
Fast shipping.Excellent service.
by: Jeremy04/17/2018
2017 Nissan Leaf
Used this on my 2017 Nissan Leaf. The wires were just long enough, and I used Posi-taps to connect them. The recommended product for my car doesn't require tapping into the car's wires, but requires running a hot wire all the way to the battery. I really didn't want to do that.
My trailer has all-LED lights. The car has LED stops and tails, so not sure this setup would work well with incandescent trailer lights.
by: Danny09/13/2020
Price is great fast ship when wireing a sand rail or dune buggy this is a great product saves time and space
by: Eric Wilson01/28/2017
Harley Davidson
Have had my Hopkins wiring adapter on my Harley for a good year now and still working perfect. Nice to know I can now hook up to any small motorcycle trailer with out trying to obtain wiring plugs from this one to that one and not pull my hair out. Great product.
by: Carl S.04/12/2017
Toyota Tacoma
I was having problems finding the right replacement 5-wire to 4--wire converter for the custom LED brake lights/turn signals on the flatbed conversion to my Tacoma pickup. I called etrailer.com's help line and described my problem to Bridget E. She knew exactly what I needed (a converter made especially for LED brakelights/turn signals), and shipped it out right away. Two days later I had it in my hands here in Hawaii. Nice! This is a high quality converter at a good price. I am pleased with both the service and the merchandise at etrailer.com. Highly recommended!
by: Mike07/18/2017
Excellent service and product was exactly as promised. Works great. Will definitely use etrailer again.
Mike
7/18/2018
It is a wiring harness for my Harley motorcycle, and it is still working great. Thank you for the follow-up.
by: Kent11/09/2016
Volkswagen
The product fooled me a bit . I thought it was from 4 wire to 5 wire , but it was 5 to 4 . Which worked out fine , on my VW Bus . The product works well and i recommend it . But make sure you don't want the 5 wires going to a 5 wire motorcycle trailer . Because the 5 wires need to connect to a European Cars 5 wire set up .
by: Royce05/01/2016
Harley Davidson
This is the second one of this I have had they are great for going from a five wire to a four wire configuration. I actually put this one on a Harley Davidson.
by: Ceejones07/12/2013
2011 Nissan Versa
Simple to wire and a complete solution to my trailer wiring. All I needed to add were the Scotch Locks. Wire lengths adequate to the job so no extra splices. Works with my low amp LEDs.
by: Glen 12/21/2021
Exactly as ordered...shipped on time
Glen
1/2/2023
Still in use...doing what it is supposed to do
by: Trailer light wiring harness07/30/2019
This wire harness is awesome. Well made and robust. Received shipment in a very short time and customer service support was awesome as well.
by: debbie s06/21/2016
This is the second time we have ordered from e-trailer. Both times the
items were received within two days. Both times the parts were
exactly as pictured or ordered. Great service! Perfect Parts!
Both parts were also hard to find parts which made the experience
even that much better. Our customer's more than appreciated being
put back in service so quickly. :)
by: Rick L.05/18/2015
2006 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic
George J. I ordered the convertor to put on my 2006 Heritage Softail Classic to pull a Harbor Freight Tagalong Trailer and it worked great and fit under the seat with no problem. Sorry no pictures. Thanks again Rick
by: Robert K05/13/2020
Great wiring harness
by: Dale05/20/2018
2008 Harley Davidson Street Glide
great product put it on 2008 harley street glide had one on from mchitch burned out cut wires matched wires works great thanks!!
by: Rod01/16/2018
Everything worked as it was supposed to. I'm ready to pull a trailer!
by: Gary b>10/16/2016
2000 Chevrolet Silverado
Worked perfectly for the application it was needed for.
by: Stephen07/23/2018
2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Good product at the right price. Great service from the company.
Stephen
7/23/2019
still working..
by: Sergio02/14/2019
Yes It does really make a difference; to pay the right price for a quality products. Thanks a lot.
by: Javier 07/19/2021
Really great product. After 1 year, it's still performing GREAT!!!!!
by: Coy H.04/20/2017
Can Am
I have two of these on my Can Am Spyders, and they work great!
by: Nick M.03/28/2018
I installed the products my self
Haven’t had any problems
Great people to work with
by: John E09/18/2020
It does everything it is supposed to do, even when it rains and snows.
by: Daniel04/12/2019
The equipment works good, I'm happy with my purchase.
25
45
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Hopkins Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Flat Towing Wiring Kit for 2019 Chevrolet EquinoxIf you have the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Premier you can use Roadmaster diode wiring kit # RM-15267 along with 6-pole plug # RM-910030-8 that you will install in place of the included 7-way. An article on wiring is linked to assist you with this process. If you do not have the Premier you'll instead need one of the kits shown on the linked page, such as magnetic light kit # TL21RK or bulb and socket kit # RM-152-LED.
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch for a 1998 Ford Taurus with Dual ExhaustI spoke with my contact over at Curt and he said that for a 1998 Ford Taurus with dual exhaust trailer hitch # C12232 will fit. If you plan on doing some towing the correct ball mount is # C45522 and for a 1-7/8 inch ball use # C40001 and for a 2 inch ball use # C40018. For trailer wiring use # HM40565 if you have a sedan and use # HM48895 if you have a wagon.
view full answer... - Recommended LED Tail Light Wiring Harness For 1996 Ram 1500 Flat BedTo connect your 3 wire LED lights in your 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 flatbed, I recommend using the Hopkins converter # HM48895 to combine the separate brake lights and turn signals to work with LED lights that require combined brake lights and turn signals. You will have to cut the 4-Way end off and hardwire the wires to the lights. This converter is designed specifically for use with LED lights.
view full answer... - How To Charge RV Battery With Tow Vehicle While TravelingThe 12V power that runs from the tow vehicle to your RV simply provides a maintenance charge which keeps your battery from depleting, but will not charge it. If you run 10 gauge wire from 12 volt accessory circuit on your 7-way connector (1:00 position per diagram) to the positive power post of the battery in the trailer, it will get that maintenance charge when towing. We offer 10 gauge wire by the foot as part # 10-1-1. The Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1225D with...
view full answer...
- Troubleshooting the Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit # HM48925 on 2004 Nissan XterraThe Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # HM48925 is not compatible with LED lights. The correct wiring harness for use with LED lights is the Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit with 4-Way Flat Connector - LED Compatible # HM48895.
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Absent Brake Signal with the Hopkins Converter # HM48895If your tow vehicle has separate lighting and you need to combine the stop signal with your turn signals then yes, the Hopkins Taillight Converter Kit # HM48895 that you referenced should be what you need. Try checking the wiring itself with a tester like part # PTW2993. If the brake signal is appearing on the yellow and green wires but is not showing up at the connector, then it could be as simple as a bad connector. If you are getting a signal all the way to the connector and it just...
view full answer... - No Output From Wire Harness Converter On 2006 Toyota TacomaIf you are using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 and finding that you have a signal going into the converter and not coming out, chances are that the converter is bad and needs to be replaced. This harness is designed to adapt your tow vehicle's 3-wire, separate taillight system to the trailer's 2-wire, combined system.
view full answer... - Can a Converter Box Be Used on a 6 Volt System The Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit with 4-Way Flat Connector part # HM48895 will not work on a 6 volt system. We also don't have any trailer wiring harnesses with a converter box that will work on a 6 volt system. The issue is with the converter box itself as it is not equipped nor designed to be used on a 6 volt system. However, this converter box will only be needed if the vehicle's lighting circuit cannot handle the additional draw of the trailer lights. As long as the vehicle's lighting...
view full answer... - Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Connector for 1998 Toyota 4RunnerThe Hopkins # HM48895 is a universal fit application that could be used on your 1998 4Runner. However, I personally would prefer the plug and play option from Tow Ready, part # 118341. This option would plug inline at the connectors between the vehicle wiring harness and the taillight assemblies for a much easier installation. No cutting or splicing is required. Since your trailer has LED taillights, you might experience hyperflashing if your 4Runner is equipped with a bulb out sensor...
view full answer... - Installing a Trailer Wiring Harness on a 1995 Honda Del SolI wasn't able to look up your order number using the supplied email address but the correct wiring harness for your 1995 Honda Del Sol is part # 118336 for Tekonsha or part # 43105 for Hopkins. I called Tekonsha and Hopkins to confirm this. Both of these harnesses are a direct plug and play install that will not require you to cut or splice any wires. Most of the time, it is just simply a case of not being able to find the connector. Hopkins suggested that you look in the back cargo area...
view full answer... - Can Hopkins Trailer Wiring Harness be Used to Wire LED Lights on a 2004 Dodge Ram FlatbedYes you could use Hopkins converter # HM48895 to combine the separate brake lights and turn signals on your 2004 Dodge Ram to work with LED lights that require combined brake lights and turn signals. You would have to cut the 4-Way end off and hardwire the wires to the lights but other than that it will work.
view full answer... - Recommended Trailer Wiring Harness For 2014 Toyota SiennaFor you 2014 Toyota Sienna I recommend the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, part # 118498. This harness plugs into the vehicle wiring without cutting or splicing into your Sienna wiring. After connecting to the wiring behind the tail lights you simply run the hot lead to the battery using the included fuse and you have a 4-way connector at the rear of the vehicle. Using this system with the powered Modulite protects your vehicle from overloading the electrical system on your Sienna...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Wiring Harness On 2004 Toyota TacomaIt sounds like there may be a short in the wiring for your Tacoma. You can do a quick test by using a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. To see if the converter on the # HM48895 is sending an output signal to the right side, have someone turn on the right turn signal while you use the circuit tester and check the pin on the 4-way connector that the green wire is attached to. If it shows no power check the green wire that is coming out of the converter. If that shows no power, check the...
view full answer... - 4-Way Wiring Harness For 2012 Jeep LibertyIf you do not have a 7-way connector at the rear of your 2012 Jeep Liberty, I recommend the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, part # 118554. This requires no splicing or cutting for installation and will give you a 4-way connector on your Liberty. I have attached a link to an installation video for this harness on a 2012 Liberty you can check out. Due to the wiring on your Liberty, and if it did not come with a towing package, a powered converter is required to protect the vehicle...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Stoplight Circuit of Trailer Wiring Not FunctioningIf you have the other lighting functions of the Hopkins 4-way part # HM48895 working but not the brake lights and you have checked that the red wire of the converter is getting voltage the first thing I would try is improving the ground of the converter box. If that doesn't fix the problem it would have to be that the converter box is bad. Also make sure you you are checking the pins of the 4-way with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 on the pins of the 4-way so that you know for sure...
view full answer... - Wiring Installation Instructions for Hopkins LED-Compatible Tail Light Converter # HM48895The trailer wiring harness you referenced, Hopkins # HM48895, is intended for vehicles that use LED taillights which draw relatively little power as compared to standard incandescent lights. I do not believe that your 1995 Ford Explorer came equipped with LED-type lighting and this harness is not among those recommended for your vehicle. The red wire on this harness does connect to the brake light circuit as you noted in the instructions. You can identify which wire at your Explorer's...
view full answer... - Recommendations for Wiring Harness on 2002 Ford Windstar and TrailerWe do have a wiring harness option for you, but the Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit # HM48895 you referenced is not a compatible fit on your 2002 Ford Windstar. I would recommend the Hopkins # HM40615 that is custom-made for your vehicle. It provides a 4-pole late trailer connector to your Windstar and features quick and easy installation. I have provided links to the instructions for the proper installation of this item as well as a link to a video showing its installation on a 2002...
view full answer... - Needing a 2-3 Wire System that will Seperate the Turn Signals from Stop SignalI do have a part that will work for what you are needing, but the Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit, part # HM48895, will not take a 2 wire signals and split it into a 3 wire signal. To split your 2 signals into 3 you will want to use the Tow Ready Vehicle to Vehicle Tail Light Converter, part # 118158. This will take your combined turn and stop wires and separate them into right turn, stop, and left turn wires. Please note that this converter does not work well with LED lights. Another...
view full answer... - Trailer Wiring Harness Recommendation for a 1981 Toyota Pick Up 4x4 and LED Trailer LightsFor your 1981 Toyota Pickup you will need to first determine whether or not you have combined or separate taillight circuits. Combined taillights are ones that the blinkers and brake lights are on the same circuit. Separate means the taillights circuits are on different bulbs. Which either way you would want the Curt Circuit Protected wiring harness part # C59496. This harness can work on either taillight style, the only difference will be how you install the harness on your vehicle. The...
view full answer... - Trailer Wiring Harness for Non-US Market 2022 Chevy ColoradoWe might have a plug and play option that could work for you, the Hopkins # HM11141164 which would install as shown in the linked video. You'll need to remove the taillight assemblies to access the connector that attaches the taillight to the vehicle's taillight wiring harness. You can compare the connectors on the # HM11141164 harness to what's on your truck, I'll provide some close up photos of the connectors for easy comparison. If the connectors you find don't match what's shown in...
view full answer...
- Is Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit with 4-Way Flat Connector # HM48895 LED Light CompatibleYes, the Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit with 4-Way Flat Connector # HM48895 is compatible with LED type lights and incandescents. It's listed on our site as LED compatible which may be misleading as it can also work with incandescent bulbs as well.
view full answer... - 2005 Monaco Knight Motor Home and Trailer Hazard Flashers not Working TroubleshootingThe best way to start is to do a quick inspection of the components involved, then if there are no immediately recognizable issues proceed to testing wiring to determine if the problem is the trailer or your motor home. I would recommend doing a quick inspection of the following items before testing wires: Check to make sure all electrical connections are secure, also look for any corrosion or indications of moisture within connectors. Make sure that all grounded wires are grounded...
view full answer... - Are Diodes Needed when Switching Trailer and Vehicle to LED LightsYou wouldn't need diodes when using Hopkins wiring harness # HM48895 but you may need load resistors on any affected circuits. When switching to LED lights you could experience hyper flashing with turn signals. In some situations, the LED lights won't draw enough power for the electrical system to recognize them. The load resistors will help with that issue, too. You can get a 2-pack of load resistors using # DI34ZR. You would need one load resistor per affected circuit.
view full answer... - Can Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit Be Used for Combined Tail Lights on Motorcycle Yes, the Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit # HM48895 will technically work to take the separate circuits on your bike and combine them so that the stop/turn signals are carried along the same wire for use with your 3-wire tail lights. You would need to cut off the 4-Way connector and hardwire that end to the new tail lights. A better option though is going to be with the Roadmaster Brite-Lite Wiring Converter # RM-732, as it wouldn't require any modifications and is really designed specifically...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Mike L
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Brandon M
Expert Research:
Adam R
Expert Research:
Rachael H
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Written by:
Tyler C
Installed by:
Jeff D
Updated by:
Alexander C
Updated by:
Sabrina W
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924
Jeremy
4/17/2019
Still working well