Let’s Talk About Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12
The Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 offers a direct plug-and-play solution for those needing to tow a Ford Flex manufactured between 2009 and 2012, excluding Eco-Boost models. This kit eliminates the need for messy and potentially damaging wiring modifications. It promises a seamless electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the towed Ford Flex, ensuring brake lights, turn signals, and running lights function correctly and legally.
My need for this product stemmed from a recent decision to flat-tow my 2011 Ford Flex behind our RV. I was tired of the hassle and expense of renting car trailers. I wanted a reliable and safe wiring solution that wouldn’t void my vehicle’s warranty or create a tangled mess of wires.
Unboxing the Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 revealed a well-organized package. The wiring harness looked robust, and the included hardware – zip ties, bracket, and screws – appeared to be of good quality. The overall impression was that this was a professionally designed kit, not a cobbled-together afterthought.
I considered the Roadmaster RM-154 and the Hopkins 56200 wiring kits, both popular options for flat-towing. I chose the Demco kit because of its reputation for direct-fit compatibility and the included harness extensions, which I anticipated would make the installation process smoother. The Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 seemed like the most complete and user-friendly option.
My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of apprehension. Automotive electrical work can be tricky, and I’ve had my share of frustrating experiences in the past. However, the promise of a plug-and-play installation gave me hope that this would be a relatively straightforward project.
Real-World Testing: Putting Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 in my driveway over a weekend. The weather was pleasant, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny, providing ideal conditions for working on my vehicle. The installation process, while generally smooth, did have a couple of minor snags.
The plug-and-play connectors worked perfectly, fitting snugly into the Ford Flex’s existing wiring harness. Routing the wires along the frame and securing them with the included zip ties took some time to ensure everything was neat and out of the way. The grounding screw location I initially chose proved inadequate, requiring me to find a more robust grounding point for reliable operation.
Everything seemed to function correctly upon initial testing; however, after towing for approximately 100 miles, I noticed intermittent flickering of the towed vehicle’s brake lights. I traced the issue to a loose connection at the 4-flat connector, which required some electrical tape and a tighter zip tie to resolve. Despite this minor issue, the Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 performed admirably.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and over 3,000 miles of towing, the Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 has proven to be remarkably reliable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the wiring harness or connectors. Regular visual inspections to ensure the connections remain secure are part of my pre-trip checklist.
The kit has been exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, dust, and extreme heat (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the Arizona desert). The wiring insulation has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or deterioration. I occasionally spray the connectors with electrical contact cleaner to prevent corrosion and ensure optimal conductivity.
In comparison to my previous experience with a universal wiring kit that required splicing and soldering, the Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 is a significant improvement. It offers peace of mind knowing that the electrical connections are secure and reliable, which is crucial for safe towing. It outperforms that messy, spliced system in every way.
Breaking Down the Features of Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12
Specifications
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for Ford Flex models manufactured between 2009 and 2012, excluding Eco-Boost versions. This ensures a direct fit and proper electrical integration.
- Wiring Harness: Includes a wiring harness with a standard 4-flat connector, providing connections for brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. The harness is constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials.
- 4-Flat Extension: A 48-inch 4-flat extension is included, allowing for flexible routing and connection to the towing vehicle. This is particularly useful for longer tow bars.
- Hardware: Comes with (20) 15″ cable zip ties, (1) 4-flat bracket, and (3) #8 self-tapping ground screws. This provides all the necessary hardware for a secure and professional installation.
- Plug-and-Play Design: Designed to plug directly into the vehicle’s existing light harness, eliminating the need for cutting, splicing, drilling, or taping. This greatly simplifies the installation process and reduces the risk of wiring errors.
- Light Harness Extensions: Includes light harness extensions for added flexibility and ease of installation. These extensions allow for easier routing of the wiring harness.
These specifications are important because they ensure compatibility, ease of installation, and long-term reliability. The plug-and-play design significantly reduces installation time and minimizes the risk of electrical issues. The high-quality materials and weather-resistant construction ensure the kit can withstand the rigors of towing.
Performance & Functionality
The Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 performs its job flawlessly, providing a reliable electrical connection between the towing vehicle and the towed Ford Flex. All lighting functions (brake lights, turn signals, running lights) operate as expected.
The primary strength of this kit is its ease of installation and reliable performance. The plug-and-play design makes it simple to connect to the vehicle’s existing wiring harness. One area for potential improvement would be a more detailed installation guide with clearer diagrams.
The Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 exceeded my expectations in terms of ease of installation and overall reliability. The plug-and-play design saved me a significant amount of time and effort. The consistent performance of the lighting functions gives me peace of mind while towing.
Design & Ergonomics
The Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 features a well-thought-out design with high-quality materials. The wiring harness is made from durable, weather-resistant materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of towing. The connectors are robust and provide a secure and reliable connection.
The kit is designed to be user-friendly, with a plug-and-play design that eliminates the need for cutting, splicing, or taping. There is a minimal learning curve involved. However, some basic automotive wiring knowledge is helpful for proper installation.
Durability & Maintenance
The Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 is built to last, with high-quality materials and weather-resistant construction. With proper care and maintenance, this kit should provide many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving visual inspections to ensure connections are secure and free from corrosion. The occasional application of electrical contact cleaner to the connectors will help maintain optimal conductivity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 comes with all the necessary accessories for a standard installation, including zip ties, a bracket, and ground screws. The kit is designed to be used with a standard 4-flat connector, which is a common and readily available connection type.
While there are limited customization options specific to this kit, it is compatible with various tow bar wiring extensions and adapters from other brands. These can be used to customize the wiring setup to suit individual towing needs. The Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 works well with the Demco Air Force One supplemental braking system I also installed.
Pros and Cons of Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12
Pros
- Plug-and-play design for easy installation.
- Direct fit for Ford Flex (2009-2012, excluding Eco-Boost).
- High-quality, weather-resistant materials.
- Includes all necessary hardware for installation.
- Reliable performance and consistent lighting functions.
Cons
- The installation guide could be more detailed.
- Finding a suitable grounding point may require some effort.
Who Should Buy Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12?
The Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 is perfect for RV owners who want to flat-tow their Ford Flex (2009-2012, excluding Eco-Boost) safely and legally. It is also suitable for anyone who needs to tow a Ford Flex and wants a reliable, easy-to-install wiring solution.
Anyone who is uncomfortable working with automotive electrical systems or who doesn’t own a compatible Ford Flex model should skip this product. This kit is vehicle-specific and requires some basic understanding of wiring principles.
A 4-flat to 7-way adapter might be necessary for some towing vehicles depending on the type of connector installed on the RV. A supplemental braking system for the towed vehicle is also a must-have accessory for safe and legal towing.
Conclusion on Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12
The Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 is a well-designed and reliable wiring solution that simplifies the process of flat-towing a Ford Flex. Its plug-and-play design, high-quality materials, and consistent performance make it an excellent choice for RV owners and anyone needing to tow this particular vehicle model.
At a price of $219.99, the value proposition is justified considering the time and effort saved by the plug-and-play design and the peace of mind knowing that the electrical connections are secure and reliable. The Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 is significantly more cost-effective than professional installation.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this kit to anyone looking for a hassle-free wiring solution for flat-towing a Ford Flex. Invest in the Demco 9523081 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Ford Flex ’09 ’12 and enjoy a safer, more reliable towing experience.