Add taillight bulbs or use Plug and Play?

LewTeam wrote:
Thanks everyone for your comments. All were appreciated and helpful. I begin installing my baseplate tomorrow and when I get everything completed I will place an update on here. Thanks again and happy camping to all.

LewTeam,
Well Sir, we had an '11 CRV that we used as a toad for about a year and, contrary to popular belief, tying into it's wiring for toad lights is NOT going to cause the CRV to GO UP IN FLAMES like some think. I did it with regular Radio Shack diodes, at a cost of about $3.00, DONE! And by doing it that way, the CRVs tail lights, INCLUDING THE AMBER TURN SIGNALS, acted the same EXACT way when towing it, as the did when driving it. I drew up a very simple wiring diagram and many have used it on here and other RV forums.

But, some folks are not into that sort of stuff and would rather just install a commercial wiring harness. I don't blame them, it's a simple solution too. But either mine or that way is by far, a better solution than adding bulbs. The reason I state that is, the manufacturer, HONDA in this case, designed those light housings for maximum effect of the existing bulbs by having the reflective rear housings positioned correctly.

But, adding an auxiliary bulb is not in the correct position for maximum effect. Will it light up, of course it will but, will it be as effective in all lighting conditions, (i.e. with the sun at your back in traffic conditions) well, not in my book. So this is why I did and do what I do, and that's to utilize the factory bulbs. I've done it dozens of times in multiple toads and not one has ever gone up in flames 'cause we tied into the factory wiring.
Scott

Hi, everyone. I am back. I am a bit disappointed because I called Hopkins this afternoon and the person told me they don't have a plug and play that will fit a 2006 CRV. Gottem for '07 - '14, but not '06 and under. Bummer. They said I could splice the harness into the existing lights but not sure I can do that. May try to get the harness and run it in the car and then take it to a professional to splice. Just don't know at this point.

LewTeam wrote:
Hi, everyone. I am back. I am a bit disappointed because I called Hopkins this afternoon and the person told me they don't have a plug and play that will fit a 2006 CRV. Gottem for '07 - '14, but not '06 and under. Bummer. They said I could splice the harness into the existing lights but not sure I can do that. May try to get the harness and run it in the car and then take it to a professional to splice. Just don't know at this point.

LewTeam,
Splicing into the factory wiring is not very hard at all. As stated before, I've done it countless times with absolutely ZERO negative effects. But, much of this type of thing all depends on ones skill and experience level. I've been doing this type stuff for decades and decades. It's all old hat to me. But, if you're not sure if you want to tackle this sort of thing, well, I'd bet dollars to donuts that you could find a friend who's got the talent/skills/experience that would help you out in this situation.

Even doing it the harder way, which I did forever by utilizing Radio Shack diodes for $3.50 a pack for 4 of them, (only used two per car) it would take me from start to finish, completed wiring and plug up front for towing, about 1/2 to 3/4 of a day. They ALWAYS worked perfectly, for a measly amount.
Scott

Scott, I like your attitude. We don't have a huge budget for RVing so I am trying to save wherever I can. I think I will google everything I can and see if I think I can tackle this. Probably have to buy a couple of tools but that beats $300 for a professional to do it. I'll let everyone know how it turns out. Thanks again for your positive comments.

When I did mine 14 years ago if I remember correctly the wiring kit I bought had several diodes and used the existing bulbs on the tow car, and was much easier to install than the base plate. Just make sure you fasten the harness securely to the underside of car and check it one in a while, mine got damaged because of low GC and dirt roads.

LewTeam wrote:
Thanks, Mike. Leaning here on the plug and play harness, too. I would be interested in how it goes for your situation. Good luck.

Just installed my Hopkins wire kit tonight.
Could not have been any easier. The worse park is running the wire from back up to the front bumper.
On a side note my wrangler has all LED lights and they work/flash normal.
Well worth the $$ to me.

mike brez wrote:

LewTeam wrote:
Thanks, Mike. Leaning here on the plug and play harness, too. I would be interested in how it goes for your situation. Good luck.

Just installed my Hopkins wire kit tonight.
Could not have been any easier. The worse park is running the wire from back up to the front bumper.
On a side note my wrangler has all LED lights and they work/flash normal.
Well worth the $$ to me.

Mike,
What year is your Wrangler? You say it has LED lights, meaning, did you INSTALL them or, is an '18 that comes with LED lights? Normally, if one installs LED bulbs in just about any Wrangler, other than an '18, the flashers can't cope with the less draw and usually perform what's called Hyper-flash or, a fast rate of flashing for turn signals or, 4-ways.
Scott