Demco 9523130 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Honda Cr V ’12 ’16 Review

First Impressions of Demco 9523130 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Honda Cr V ’12 ’16

The Demco 9523130 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Honda Cr V ’12 ’16 promises a simple, headache-free solution for adding tail lights to your towed vehicle. As someone who’s spent years rigging up vehicles for various outdoor adventures, including flat towing, I’ve wrestled with my fair share of frustrating wiring projects. The claim of a direct plug-in, no-splice installation for 2012-2016 Honda CR-Vs immediately piqued my interest, promising a potentially quick and clean setup.

My old CR-V has become my designated toad for longer RV trips. The motivation behind buying this kit was simple: streamline the process of hooking up my CR-V for flat towing and ensure reliable tail light functionality without butchering the factory wiring. The thought of avoiding the usual mess of wire strippers, butt connectors, and questionable splices was incredibly appealing.

Upon unboxing the Demco 9523130, I was initially impressed by the completeness of the kit. It included the wiring harness with the 4-flat connector, an extension, zip ties, a bracket, and even ground screws. The build quality of the harness appeared robust, and the connectors looked well-made.

I had considered a universal wiring kit from Hopkins, and a similar product from Roadmaster. I went with the Demco kit based on the reviews that specifically mentioned a truly plug-and-play experience for my particular year CR-V, and the reputation of Demco products in the RV community. The promise of a direct fit, minimizing the risk of wiring errors and potential electrical issues, sealed the deal.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The components seemed well-made, and the “no splicing” claim was enticing. The price of $189.99 felt a little steep, but I hoped the ease of installation and reliability would justify the cost in the long run. Now, it was time to put it to the test and see if it lived up to the hype.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Demco 9523130 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Honda Cr V ’12 ’16 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Demco 9523130 took place in my driveway as I prepared for a week-long RV trip. I followed the instructions carefully, and the initial plug-in to the CR-V’s tail light wiring harness was indeed a breeze. It was a satisfying click, knowing I didn’t have to cut any factory wires.

The weather was mild and dry, ideal for an outdoor installation. I snaked the wiring harness to the front of the vehicle, utilizing the provided zip ties to secure it along the frame. Hooking up the 4-flat connector to the RV was simple, and I tested the lights immediately. Everything worked perfectly – running lights, brake lights, and turn signals.

Initially, the installation was remarkably straightforward, however, finding a suitable ground point proved to be a minor challenge. The self-tapping screws worked, but I preferred to find an existing factory ground for a more secure connection.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and thousands of miles of towing, the Demco 9523130 has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve towed in heavy rain, scorching heat, and even across some bumpy dirt roads. The wiring has held up without any issues.

There are no visible signs of wear and tear. The connectors are still snug, and the wiring insulation remains intact. The only maintenance I’ve performed is a periodic application of dielectric grease to the 4-flat connector terminals to prevent corrosion, as Demco recommends.

Compared to my previous experience with a universal wiring kit on another vehicle, the Demco 9523130 is a night and day difference. The custom fit and plug-and-play design have eliminated the headaches of troubleshooting wiring issues on the road. It significantly outperforms my past DIY wiring attempts.

Breaking Down the Features of Demco 9523130 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Honda Cr V ’12 ’16

Specifications

• Compatibility: Specifically designed for 2012 to 2016 Honda CR-V models, ensuring a precise fit and function. This eliminates guesswork and potential wiring errors.
• Wiring Harness: Includes a pre-wired harness with factory-matching light plugs. This makes installation simple and fast.
• 4-Flat Connector: Provides a standard connection for towing lights, compatible with most RVs and trailers. This is the standard connector type for basic towed vehicle lighting.
• 48-inch 4-Flat Extension: Offers flexibility in routing the wiring to the front of the towed vehicle. It allows easy connection to the RV or tow vehicle.
• Mounting Bracket: Includes a bracket for securing the 4-flat connector at the front of the towed vehicle. This provides a clean and accessible connection point.
• Cable Ties: Comes with 20 cable ties for securing the wiring harness along the vehicle frame. These keep the wiring organized and prevent it from dragging or getting damaged.
• Ground Screw: Includes self-tapping ground screws for establishing a reliable ground connection. A good ground is essential for proper light function.

Performance & Functionality

The Demco 9523130 performs its job flawlessly. The lights on my CR-V work in sync with the RV’s lights, ensuring safe and legal towing. There is consistent and reliable operation.

The strongest aspect of this kit is its simplicity and ease of installation. The plug-and-play design is a lifesaver for anyone who dreads electrical work. The wiring is robust, and the connectors are secure.

A minor improvement would be including more detailed instructions with clearer diagrams showing the suggested wiring route. While the installation is relatively simple, more visual guidance could benefit less experienced users. Otherwise, it exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Demco 9523130 is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The materials used are durable and weather-resistant, ensuring long-lasting performance. The weight is minimal, adding no significant burden to the towed vehicle.

The kit is incredibly user-friendly. The plug-and-play design eliminates the need for specialized tools or electrical expertise. There is no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Demco 9523130 is built to last. The wiring is protected by a durable sheath, and the connectors are weather-resistant. The kit should provide years of reliable service with minimal maintenance.

Maintenance is limited to occasional cleaning and application of dielectric grease to the connector terminals. The wiring is easy to inspect and repair if necessary, although the robust construction makes repairs unlikely.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Demco 9523130 comes with everything needed for a basic installation. There are no optional accessories or customization options offered by Demco for this specific kit.

The standard 4-flat connector is compatible with most RV and trailer wiring systems. Users may choose to add a 7-way to 4-flat adapter if their tow vehicle uses a different connector type.

Pros and Cons of Demco 9523130 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Honda Cr V ’12 ’16