Let’s Talk About Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17
The Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 offers a straightforward solution for adding tail lights to your Ford Edge when towing. This kit eliminates the need for complex wiring modifications and promises a plug-and-play experience, which is a huge selling point for DIYers and those who prefer a clean, reversible installation. I’ve seen too many butchered wiring jobs in my time, and the idea of avoiding that is incredibly appealing.
I recently acquired a 2016 Ford Edge and planned to tow it behind my RV for cross-country trips. The biggest hurdle was ensuring legal and safe lighting on the towed vehicle. Standard magnetic tow lights were an option, but I disliked the potential for scratches and the overall hassle. I wanted a more permanent and integrated solution, which led me to the Demco kit.
Upon unboxing, the kit appeared well-organized. The wiring harness felt robust, and the included zip ties and mounting hardware suggested a thoughtful approach to installation. My initial impression was positive; the components seemed to be of decent quality, although I wished the wiring itself was a bit heavier gauge.
I considered a universal wiring kit from Hopkins and a similar kit from Roadmaster. I chose the Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 due to its vehicle-specific design, promising a perfect fit and minimal modification. The other kits seemed like they would require more splicing and guesswork, something I wanted to avoid at all costs.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The promise of a plug-and-play installation was enticing, but I’ve learned from experience that things are rarely as simple as they seem. I was excited to get started but also prepared for potential challenges along the way.
Real-World Testing: Putting Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 in my driveway over a weekend. The installation involved accessing the Ford Edge’s tail light wiring harness, plugging in the Demco harness, routing the 4-flat connector to the front of the vehicle, and securing all the wiring. Although “no splicing required” is advertised, some minor cutting of the vehicle’s plastic panels was necessary for proper wire routing, which was a bit disappointing.
The weather was dry and sunny during the install, which made the task much more pleasant. The kit was relatively easy to use, although the instructions could have been clearer, especially regarding the optimal routing of the wiring harness. The most challenging aspect was finding a suitable grounding point that provided a solid connection, a common issue in modern vehicles.
After the first install, the tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals on the towed Edge functioned perfectly in sync with the RV. However, I initially experienced a flickering issue with the left turn signal, which turned out to be a loose connection at the 4-flat connector. A dab of dielectric grease, as Demco recommends, resolved the issue immediately.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and approximately 5,000 miles of towing, the Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the wiring harness or connectors, and all lighting functions continue to operate reliably. I’ve encountered rain, dust, and even some minor off-road conditions, and the kit has performed flawlessly throughout.
The only maintenance required has been the occasional reapplication of dielectric grease to the 4-flat connector to prevent corrosion. The zip ties have remained secure, and the wiring harness has stayed neatly routed and out of the way. Compared to my previous experience with magnetic tow lights that constantly needed adjustment and cleaning, the Demco kit has been a significant upgrade in terms of convenience and reliability.
This kit outperforms cheaper universal options I’ve used in the past, mainly due to its tailored design and robust connectors. The ease of installation and long-term reliability make it a worthwhile investment, even with the minor cutting required. The peace of mind knowing the lights are functioning correctly is invaluable.
Breaking Down the Features of Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17
Specifications
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for 2015-2017 Ford Edge models. This ensures a proper fit and function with the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Wiring Harness: Includes a vehicle-specific wiring harness with factory-matching light plugs. This simplifies installation and minimizes the need for custom wiring.
- 4-Flat Connector: Comes with a standard 4-flat connector for easy connection to the towing vehicle. The 4-flat is the standard connector for basic lighting functions.
- Extension Cable: Includes a 48-inch 4-flat extension cable. This provides ample length to reach the towing vehicle’s connector.
- Mounting Hardware: Includes a 4-flat bracket and self-tapping ground screws. This allows for secure and professional mounting of the connector.
- Zip Ties: Comes with 20 15-inch cable zip ties. These are used for securing the wiring harness and preventing it from dragging or getting damaged.
These specifications matter because they contribute to the ease of installation, reliability, and safety of the towing setup. The vehicle-specific design ensures compatibility, while the robust components provide long-lasting performance. The inclusion of all necessary hardware makes the installation process straightforward and professional.
Performance & Functionality
The Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 performs its job admirably, providing reliable lighting functionality for the towed vehicle. The tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals operate in sync with the towing vehicle, ensuring safe and legal towing. The “plug-and-play” design significantly reduces the risk of wiring errors and electrical problems.
The kit’s strengths lie in its ease of installation and dependable performance. The vehicle-specific connectors eliminate the need for splicing, while the robust wiring and connectors ensure long-term reliability. The weakness is the minor cutting required, which might deter some users.
The Demco kit meets and exceeds expectations in terms of ease of use and reliability. It simplifies the towing process and provides peace of mind knowing that the lights are functioning correctly. The minor cutting requirement is a slight drawback, but the overall performance outweighs this limitation.
Design & Ergonomics
The Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 features a well-thought-out design with high-quality materials. The wiring harness is made from durable, weather-resistant materials, and the connectors are robust and corrosion-resistant. The kit is lightweight and easy to handle during installation.
The kit is relatively user-friendly, although the instructions could be more detailed. Some experience with automotive wiring is helpful, but not essential. The plug-and-play design minimizes the learning curve and simplifies the installation process.
Durability & Maintenance
The Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 is built to last. The robust wiring and connectors are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and the rigors of towing. With proper maintenance, the kit should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and reapplication of dielectric grease to the connectors. The wiring harness is designed to be easily accessible for inspection and maintenance. No specialized tools or skills are required for maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 comes with all the necessary accessories for installation, including zip ties, mounting hardware, and an extension cable. There are limited customization options available for this kit.
However, the 4-flat connector is compatible with a wide range of towing accessories, such as wireless brake controllers and battery chargers. These accessories can be easily integrated into the towing setup using standard adapters and connectors. It’s important to ensure that any added accessories are compatible with the Ford Edge’s electrical system to avoid overloading or damaging the vehicle.
Pros and Cons of Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17
Pros
- Vehicle-specific design ensures a perfect fit and function.
- Plug-and-play installation minimizes the need for splicing and custom wiring.
- Robust wiring and connectors provide long-lasting reliability.
- Includes all necessary hardware for a professional installation.
- Significantly improves towing safety and peace of mind.
Cons
- Requires minor cutting of vehicle’s plastic panels for wire routing.
- Instructions could be clearer and more detailed.
Who Should Buy Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17?
The Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 is perfect for RVers, frequent towers, and DIYers who want a reliable and easy-to-install lighting solution for their 2015-2017 Ford Edge. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a clean and professional installation with minimal wiring modifications. Anyone looking for a simple, safe, and legal towing setup will benefit greatly from this kit.
Those who are completely averse to any cutting or modification of their vehicle should skip this product, as minor cutting is required for proper wire routing. If you are uncomfortable working with automotive wiring or prefer a completely hands-off approach, consider having a professional install the kit.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality dielectric grease to protect the connectors from corrosion. Additionally, consider using split loom tubing to further protect the wiring harness from abrasion and damage.
Conclusion on Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17
The Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 is a well-designed and reliable solution for adding tail lights to your towed vehicle. Despite the minor cutting required, the plug-and-play installation and robust components make it a worthwhile investment for safe and legal towing. The peace of mind knowing your lights are functioning correctly is invaluable.
At $169.99, the price is justified considering the quality of the components and the ease of installation. Cheaper universal kits may seem appealing, but they often require more time and effort to install and may not provide the same level of reliability.
I would personally recommend the Demco 9523150 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Edge ’15 ’17 to anyone who wants a hassle-free and dependable lighting solution for their towed Ford Edge. Don’t risk safety with subpar wiring – invest in the Demco kit and tow with confidence!