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CVD's avatar
CVD
Explorer
Nov 29, 2014

Wiring for For CRV, Hopkins Kit Any Good?

Just purchased a new (2014) CRV, looking at wiring options. I was concerned with the complexity of tapping into the existing wires; but stumbled across what looks like a plug/play diode kit. Based on the video of this kit from Hopkins, the factory plugs simply go into the “kit” plugs. Basically a preassembled harness. I don’t have to cut into the existing wiring. Any reviews?

BTW – I did install a diode based wiring setup a couple years ago, but on a Wrangler (not as much plastic fascia and simpler wiring to cut into).

http://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar-Wiring/Honda/CR-V/2014/HM56304.html?vehicleid=20141372978

7 Replies

  • CVD's avatar
    CVD
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2014
    In case anyone else is looking for something like this: TrailerMate also makes a plug/play harness with the diodes built in. It has 100 reviews, nearly all good. Think I'll go with this one.

    http://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar-Wiring/TrailerMate/TM783120.html
  • robatthelake's avatar
    robatthelake
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2014
    I got mine from Demco ,ordered it along with the Baseplate!
    The biggest hassle was getting the Plastic side panels off and back on without cracking them.

    The Plug and Go Wiring is as simple as it gets!

    I also installed a Curt Towing receiver along with the proper wiring kit. It is also a plug and Go setup that utilizes a factory installed circuit which is tucked up behind the same plastic side panel!

    Our CRV is an 07 .
  • CVD's avatar
    CVD
    Explorer
    Nov 30, 2014
    Sorry about confusion with the links, don’t know what happened, doesn’t’ make sense.

    Regardless, anyone used this Hopkins kit? I like the idea of a plug/play kit. The video is clear. The idea makes sense. Here’s the description:

    “Hopkins Tow Bar Wiring - HM56304

    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.

    My only concern is I’ve not heard of such a setup before and there is only one review on ETrailer.com sales page. I searched “Hopkins tow bar wiring review”. Found another video, looked like a sales video.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzpMrSO4le4

    Here’s the Hopkins installation video : http://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-trailer-wiring-2014-honda-crv-hm56304.aspx
  • Butch50's avatar
    Butch50
    Explorer
    Nov 29, 2014
    Something very strange but when I use your link with a copy and paste I come up with a 51372 part # that is for a 2013 CRV but when you look at the link it shows it should be going to the correct one a 56304.

    This is the Link I came up with for the 56304

    When I paste your link into google and send it comes back saying parts for 2013 CRV. I think etrailer has something funny going on with their links.

    Anyway it looks like the 56304 is the correct kit to wire up you CRV. Hopkins make a lot of things for towing and I have not heard of anyone complain about and of the products.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Nov 29, 2014
    I went back and reread the info.
    Yes, it seems that it is for a toad wiring. I would be leery of the MH connector having bare pins even with the diodes that must be in the black box.
    If it is as easy as it says I do not know why other vehicles could not be set up the same way.
  • CVD's avatar
    CVD
    Explorer
    Nov 29, 2014
    enblethen wrote:
    That is for wiring in for a trailer not for wiring up to tow behind MH.


    Don't think so. The video shows installation of toad wiring. The first sentence of the description is “Wire your Honda CR-V and get the signal lights required for flat towing without having to splice into…”
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Nov 29, 2014
    That is for wiring in for a trailer not for wiring up to tow behind MH.

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