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Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles

Item # HM56009
Retail:$104.39
Our Price: $91.94
You Save: 12%
Tow Bar Wiring

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Shipping Weight: 1.32 lbs
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HM56009 - Custom Hopkins Tow Bar Wiring
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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. Great Prices for the best tow bar wiring from Hopkins. Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part number HM56009 can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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  • Reviews (108)
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Hopkins Tow Bar Wiring - HM56009

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

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 near rear bumper
  • 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 is 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 at the rear of the vehicle. 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 (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.



56009 Hopkins Plug-In Simple Dinghy Towing Harness

Installation Details HM56009 Installation instructions

This Product Fits The Following Vehicles



California residents: click here


Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - HM56009

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (108 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:

Was exactly as described. Perfect plug and play for my 2018 F150

Bob

3/26/2024

It is still working flawlessly. Great product sold by knowledgeable people



by:

Shipping was very fast, customer service was excellent, customer support was excellent, parts fit the way they should. Very good experience



by:

Quality product. Etrailer has great se rvice.



by:

These are well made and stronger than I thought they would be. With the installation video I feel I can do the job easily.



by:
2018 Ford F-150

This tail light wiring system worked perfectly as described in the instructions. I would definitely suggest the HM56009 for anyone with a 2018 F150. It makes life so much simpler than wiring in separate diodes.



by:
2018 Ford F-150

Very easy to install but watch the video on the website, the connector is not as pictured or as located in the written directions that come with it. It literly took longer to run the wires along the frame rail and zip tie them to make the connections. I used the black 4 way holder and attached it to my bumper bit i don't like it, if i was to do it over i would just hide it behind the license plate. 2018 F150 XLT 4x4

Eric

10/20/2020

Still working great



by:
Ford F-150

Awesome kit. So much easier than having to remove taillight and splice into my F-150 wiring. Just plugs into existing wiring harness.

James R.

2/27/2021

1 year out, still working great.



by:
2018 Ford F-150

Very happy with etrailer for the purchase of a Blue Ox tow bar with needed hook ups for lights, etc and an Air Force One Brake system for my 2018 F150. Crystal did a great job of comparing options and matching pricing from across the web. She offered free installation. The Installer, Shane was awesome, I wanted all hookups hidden by the front plate on the F150 when not towing, Shane came through and then some. Finally, the manager Robert was excellent on follow-up as we had some air leak once we got home. etrailer stood behind everything and follow was exceptional. Very pleased!



by:
2015 Ford F-150

The light kit has been installed on my 2015 F-150 for over a year and never had any issues. A quick and easy way to install tow lights on my truck.

Michael

2/13/2022

Stilling working like it is new. No issues and one of my better purchase



by:
2019 Ford F-150

This was pretty easy to install, and it works great! The only hard part was the tight connection where the truck harness is mounted to the frame. I suggest cleaning with a pressure washer or something before you start to keep dirt from falling in your eyes while trying to disconnect your truck wire harness.



by:
2018 Ford F-150

The taillight wiring kit came with a 4-pin connector. I will be replacing it with a 7-pin connector. Routing the wiring from front to back is not an easy task on a 2018 F150. After installation all the lights worked an needed.



by:
2016 Ford F-150

This kit made wiring my factory tail/turn/stop lights so simple I wish I had done this much earlier. Since my F150 had the traffic detectors in the tail light housing I didn’t want to start modifying them with diodes, etc. I already had trailer light wiring to the rear of the truck from a six way plug at the front. I used this to plug in a homemade light bar that worked ok but was not optimal to my way of thinking. The Hopkins kit that plugged directly into the factory harness was perfect. It is clean and simple and makes me happy knowing there is no unnecessary mods to the factory wiring.



by:

Fast delivery good product as always.



by:
2016 Ford F-150

Works perfectly on my towed 2016 F150.



by:
2018 Ford F-150

This is awesome,no splicing of wires plugs into existing wire harness on 2018 F 150

Randall

9/19/2019

Still going strong!



by:

Awesome experience with etrailer. They helped me get exactly what I needed. I recommend them to everyone!!!!



by:

Fast shipping, good deal



by: 04/20/2022

The left turn signal on my toad stopped working. I will probably need to take the entire harness out and replace it. It was a great idea if it still worked.

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

4/20/2022

I would start with testing for the left brake signal going into the black converter box and then also coming out of the black converter box. If the signal is coming through, then further testing would be needed to see where it is not. If there is not a signal, then the harness would need replacing as you have theorized.



by:
2019 Ford F-150

Very good experience locating and ordering base plate and wiring harness
etc. for my 2019 F150 that I'll be towing behind motor home.
Everything was well packaged and delivered as promised.
I recommend etrailer for your products.



by:
Ford Transit Connect

My daughter moved the package indoors while I was on vacation. I did not open the package until 9 months later when I first needed it. Part of the components were missing. The box was damaged in transit. etrailer went above and beyond to insure that I received the parts needed to use the unit. Great customer service. I am a very satisfied customer. etrailer is a pleasure to have as a supplier.
They worked with me when they were not bound to do so, which is a great quality to have these days. More companies should treat their customers like this.



by:

Light kit was delivered very fast. Went together and worked as advertised. Always had good service from etrailer.

Kenneth

2/9/2019

Excellent, easy to install.



by:
2018 Ford F-150

Ordered the Hopkins tail light wiring kit for my 2018 F150, it fit OEM wiring perfectly. The order came when scheduled and am very pleased, now just need time to hook up to my RV.



by:

I couldn't be happier with this product. It has worked flawlessly and took 10 minutes to install. I highly recommend it

Todd E.

6/6/2022

Still works perfectly, I would highly recommend buying this



by:

I will be installing this on Friday Aug. 14th, I have looked through all of the installation videos, and will be connecting this to a 6-way round connector. Thanks for all of the online information, it is great!!



by:
2018 Saturn Relay

Just what I needed for my 2018 F-150. My Lariat has the LED tail lights and this kit works. I added the relay kit RM-88400 as well.


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Hopkins Tow Bar Wiring

  • Troubleshooting Hopkins Wiring Harness to Flat Tow a 2018 Ford F-150
    We've actually heard of this issue before. You can thank one of our tech support guys for finding a simple solution for this. Even Hopkins wasn't aware of it. First of all the harness is just fine and you didn't install anything incorrectly on your 2018 Ford F-150. Technically, you can just keep towing your truck as is and you won't have an issue other than the lights look weird. Like you said, your F-150 has two bulbs in each tail light for the turn and brake lights; one on top and...
    view full answer...
  • Can Brake Signal be Isolated from Hopkins Wiring for Flat Towing a 2019 Ford F-150
    To isolate the brake signal from the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # HM56009 on your 2019 Ford F-150 you can just tie in the Pacer Performance 3rd Brake Light Logic Module # PP20-702. Attached is a photo of the installation instructions for you to check out.
    view full answer...
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  • Is T-Section of Hopkins Harness A Separate Part
    Just the t-section of the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # HM56009 is not available as a separate part; you would need the whole kit in order to get this section of the harness.
    view full answer...
  • Charge Line Kit and Wiring Harness To Give Lights To A Boat Trailer Being Triple Towed
    It sounds like you're wanting to tow your 2017 Ford F-150 and boat behind your motorhome. This is known as triple towing and while it is not illegal to do, it is illegal in most states, it can be dangerous, and it is important that you verify your state and local laws to ensure you're in compliance. With that being said, all you'd need to do is install the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # HM56009 to with your Ford's factory wiring harness. This will provide your...
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  • Recommended Wiring Harness and Tail Gate Strip for 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat with Max Tow Package
    The Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # HM56009 is a fit for your 2018 Ford F-150 but is used for the purpose of sending power from a motorhome to your tail lights when it is towed. That is not the correct fit for what you are seeking to accomplish. To give you the ability to utilize the LED strip at your tailgate I recommend the Reese # 74682 if you have the factory 7 way for a clean connection, but it sounds like the computer may still disable your sensors. ...
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  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2015 Ford F-150 Platinum FX Behind an RV Using Blue Ox Base Plates
    The Blue Ox base plates that fit your 2015 Ford F-150 Platinum FX are actually # BO74FR. Blue Ox lists them for all versions of the 2015 F-150. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you. For a compatible tow bar I recommend the Blue Ox Alpha # BX7380. It is rated for 6,500 pounds and comes with safety cables. For lighting you can use a diode kit, # RM-15247. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you. You may also need a high/low adapter to keep...
    view full answer...
  • Will the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles Fit a 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor
    Yes, the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part # HM56009 is a fit for a 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Flat Towing Wiring Harness for a 2020 Ford F-150
    There are a couple of options for a wiring harness for your 2020 Ford F-150 depending on whether or not your motorhome uses a 4-way connector or a 7-way connector. Both of these work with LED lights. I have listed them below: 4-Way Connector - Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles item # HM56009 7-Way Connector - Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit item # RM-15267 Roadmaster also recommends installing a charge line kit since your F-150's battery...
    view full answer...
  • Does Hopkins Tow Bar Lighting Kit part # HM56009 Fit 2015 Ford F-150 with BLIS
    The Hopkins Tow Bar Lighting Kit part # HM56009 fits all models of the 2015 Ford F-150 so it does work on yours that has BLIS.
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow 2018 Ford F-150 with Diesel Pusher and Air Brakes
    For a complete flat towing setup on a 2018 Ford F-150, you will need a number of components, including base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, wiring for indicator lights, and a supplemental braking system. While we carry the Blue Ox brand for many vehicles, there is not an available option for the 2018 Ford F-150. - Base Plate, etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit, # e86YR. - Tow Bar, etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar - 10,500 lbs., # e94ZR (comes with needed safety cables). - Tow Bar...
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  • Can Blue Ox 4-Wire Electrical Cord Plug be Grounded to Frame
    Yes, you're on the money; if you are not using the plug of the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles # HM56009 you can ground the plug of the Blue Ox 4-Wire, Coiled Electrical Cord with 4-Way, Round Plugs # BX8861 and be fine. I have added links to video reviews for you as well.
    view full answer...
  • Can I Flat Tow a 2015 Ford F-150 with 4 Wheel Drive
    According to the owner's manual of the 2015 Ford F-150 you can tow the 4wd models with 4 wheels down by putting the transfer case in neutral and engaging the 4-wheels-down towing feature; there is detailed information on this process in the owner's manual that I recommend checking out but you can do this without damaging the transmission when the process is followed. In order to perform this task you will also need base plates, a compatible tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring, supplemental...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed To Flat-Tow a 2017 Ford F-150
    In order to flat-tow a 2017 Ford F-150 you'll need a few different components such as base plates, tow bar, safety cables, braking system, and lighting. I have attached a list of these for you below with options that require the least amount of modifications. etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit part # e86YR etrailer XHD Non-Binding Tow Bar part # e94ZR Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System part # BLU37TR Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-88400 Hopkins Custom...
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  • Taillight Wiring Harness for Towing 2021 Ford F-150 Behind Motorhome
    Although we have wiring harness options that will work for your truck, the Hopkins # HM56009 taillight harness for towed vehicles wouldn't work for your 2021 Ford F-150, it only fits up through the 2020 model year. I'd recommend using a diode kit like part # RM-15267, that would install as shown in the video I've linked for you. You'll also want to use a # RM-156-25 charge line kit to keep the truck's battery topped off while you're towing the vehicle. I've also linked to an install video...
    view full answer...
  • Will a Bulb and Socket Tail Light Kit Work On a 2019 Ford F150 for Flat-Towing
    I do have an option for you but there is not enough room inside the tail light housing on a 2019 Ford F-150 to install a bulb and socket kit. That said, I wouldn't want to drill into a tail light on a newer truck anyhow wires which is why we have the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part # HM56009 that offers a plug-in-play installation with no drilling or wire splicing required (see video). I have attached some other parts you might be interested in as well. Roadmaster...
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  • Troubleshooting Running Light Circuit of Hopkins 56009 Tow Bar Wiring Not Working 2017 Ford Raptor
    Use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to test the green and yellow wire from the gray connectors for voltage when connected to a tow vehicle and the running lights on. If that circuit is active next check the green and yellow wire on the other side of the converter. If there's no voltage there then the issue is a bad converter box. If there wasn't voltage on the input side the issue is most like on the vehicle or the connectors. Try unplugging and replugging the gray connectors in as...
    view full answer...
  • Tail Light Wiring and Other Parts Needed To Flat Tow 2022 Ford F-150
    The Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles, # HM56009 is a great product for the 2020 and earlier years of the F-150 but it is not a fit for the 2021 and later models of F-150. For the 2022 model year we also have a great option in the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit, # RM-15267. If you'd like recommendations for the other needed items to flat-tow a 2022 Ford F-150, I suggest the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit, # BLU33FR that fits all trim levels of the...
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  • Does Hopkins Tow Bar Harness part # HM56009 Fit 2018 Ford F-150
    The Hopkins Flat Tow wiring harness part # HM56009 that you referenced does fit both a 2015 and a 2018 Ford F-150 and would be a great solution for your 2018 model.
    view full answer...
  • Replacing a 4-Way with a 6-Way when Flat Towing a 2015 Ford F-150 Behind an RV
    For help with wiring up the 6-Way I have included a picture that shows how both a vehicle side and trailer side 6-Way are normally wired. On a 6-Way the 12-volt power wire could be attached to the center pin or the pin in the 10 o'clock or 2 o'clock position (depending on which side you are looking at). I assume the 6-Way you are installing is going on the front of the F-150. All you need to do is figure out which pin on the tow vehicle and/or wiring harness from the tow vehicle to the...
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    Image 1 for
  • Will HM56200 Wiring Harness Affect Operation of Taillights When Not Flat Towing
    The # HM56200 is a fit for 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK models, and is NOT a fit for a 2020 Ford F-150.. For your 2020 F-150, you'll want to use # HM56009. The Hopkins flat tow vehicle wiring harness, part # HM56009 is designed to T into the connection between the vehicle taillight harness and the taillight assemblies. The function of the vehicle's taillights will remain unaffected when you're not flat towing, the taillights will work just the same and shine...
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  • Plug and Play Wiring Harness for 2018 Ford F-150 To Tow Behind Coach
    I have exactly what you are looking for in the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles part # HM56009 which is a fit for a 2018 Ford F-150 (All Models) and completely plug and play. In fact, the Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles is the only plug and play flat-tow wiring harness on the market. Hopkins has been making wiring harnesses for a very long time so you can depend on them and this kit in particular. I have attached for you an install video...
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  • Confirming Flat Tow Components for 2019 Ford F-150 4x4
    You have done your homework for your 2019 Ford F-150 4x4. You can use either the Roadmaster EZ5 # RM-524431-5 base plates or the EZ4 # RM-524431-4. The difference is the EZ5 directly connect to the tow bar and the EZ4 will use a crossbar for connection. So specifically with the Nighthawk tow bar # RM-676, I recommend the EZ5 # RM-524431-5 because the crossbar doesn't come with that tow bar. This tow bar also comes with the umbilical cord and safety cables, so you won't need to get those...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Plug and Play Tow Bar Wiring Recommendation for 2018 Ford F-150
    For a plug and play style of tow bar lighting kit that is a confirmed fit for your 2018 Ford F-150 we have the Hopkins kit part # HM56009 that is a confirmed fit. This plugs in line with the taillight wiring of your truck and makes for a very easy install.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Tow Bar Wiring for 2017 Ford F-150
    For your 2017 Ford F-150, I recommend going with the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This kit is confirmed to fit your truck and will wire it to accept your RV's tail, brake, and turn signal lights. The harness includes a round 6-Way connector that you will install in front of your F-150 and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV. I have attached an installation video on the 2016 Ford F-150 that you can use for reference. Since you are using...
    view full answer...


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Employee Mike L
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Jameson C
Employee Adam R
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Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
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Video Edited:
Jacob T
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