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LewTeam's avatar
LewTeam
Explorer
Jun 09, 2018

Add taillight bulbs or use Plug and Play?

Recently purchased a 2006 Honda CRV to use as a toad. I am thinking about the possibility of adding taillight bulbs, or, using Plug and Play modules. Has anyone else done either of these on a 2006 CRV? If so, any information on products you used would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
  • j-d wrote:

    I don't know much about Plug'N'Play. I'd guess it connects to OEM wiring and geta diodes in place to isolate toad's system from RV's lighting. If that's what it does, it'll preserve the focus of the OEM lamps.


    I am guessing the OP was referring to the old Plug-n-Tow by Tow Daddy. They have been bought out by Hopkins (who makes a LOT of towing accessories) and the product has been renamed Hopkins 56200 Plug-In Simple Towed Vehicle Wiring Kit

    Not cheap, but it looks like a very painless installation.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    We have two vehicles set up as toads. On both, I added Maxxima LED Surface Mounts

    On my pickup truck, I made little aluminum brackets to avoid holes in the body. On wife's Corolla (with her permission) I drilled for stainless steel screws. Those lights, those holes, aren't going to change trade/resale on a 2006 with 100,000+ miles.

    Much of my reason why, was the RV wasn't supplying enough current to properly light incandescent bulbs.

    Separate Bulbs are good because you have zero worries about involvement with toad's electrical system. They won't look as bright as the OEM lights because the OEM bulbs are in a focused position the additional ones won't have.

    I don't know much about Plug'N'Play. I'd guess it connects to OEM wiring and geta diodes in place to isolate toad's system from RV's lighting. If that's what it does, it'll preserve the focus of the OEM lamps.

    The deluxe route: Cars sold in Europe get different light assemblies. There's another red light where USA has a reflector. They provide a bright red light aft for running in poor visibility. You can wire them for Stop/Tail/Turn and have independent, focused, lamps.
  • Thanks, want-a-be. Glad to know the add a bulb works well too. I appreciate the offer to help. I might just need you.
  • Thanks, Mike. Leaning here on the plug and play harness, too. I would be interested in how it goes for your situation. Good luck.
  • We went with the add a bulb on a 2007 and a 2014 CR-V, didn’t have any trouble with either one. Routed the wires thru the frame to the front. If I can be of any more help let me know. Good Luck
  • I did the add a bulb thing on my old wrangler and wasn't happy with it then switched to the magnetic ones from harbor freight that I ran the wiring along the frame.
    I just got a new to me wrangler and just ordered a Hopkins plug and play harness.