Let’s Talk About Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15
Flat towing a vehicle behind your RV is a fantastic way to explore without sacrificing the convenience of having a car readily available. However, integrating the towed vehicle’s lights with your RV’s electrical system can be a headache. Enter the Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15, a product designed to simplify this process for specific Ram truck owners.
My aging Honda CRV finally gave up the ghost, and I upgraded to a beautiful 2014 Ram 1500 4×4 with the factory LED tail lights, thinking this would be the perfect toad to tow behind my Winnebago. Then, I discovered the wiring situation. After wrestling with generic wiring kits on previous toads, and creating a mess, I decided to spend the extra money for a plug-and-play solution.
Upon receiving the Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15, my initial impression was positive. The wiring harness looked robust and well-labeled, unlike the spools of wires I’ve dealt with in the past. The provided zip ties and mounting hardware seemed adequate, though nothing particularly stood out initially.
I considered using a universal wiring kit from Curt, but the thought of splicing into my Ram’s factory wiring harness made me cringe. Blue Ox also offers similar kits, but I read some online reviews about compatibility issues, which steered me towards the Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15, promising a direct, hassle-free installation for my specific Ram model. The Demco kit provided factory matching light plugs and a wiring harness with a 4-flat connector.
Honestly, I was both excited and apprehensive. Excited by the prospect of a clean and simple installation, apprehensive because, well, anything involving vehicle wiring can quickly devolve into a frustrating mess.
Real-World Testing: Putting Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15 was during a cross-country RV trip from Texas to Yellowstone National Park. I installed the kit in my driveway before leaving. It was a hot Texas summer day, so sweating while under the truck added another layer of “fun”.
The installation was largely straightforward, plugging directly into the factory tail light connectors, as promised. However, getting the connectors to fully seat took some serious elbow grease. I actually thought I broke one of the factory LED tail lights! Thankfully, they popped in finally, and everything functioned normally.
The kit performed flawlessly throughout the trip. The lights on my Ram mirrored the signals of my RV perfectly, ensuring safe and legal towing. I experienced both heavy rain and dusty conditions during the journey. The connections remained secure and corrosion-free, a testament to the quality of the wiring and connectors.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use and over 5,000 miles of towing, the Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15 has proven to be incredibly reliable. The wiring shows no signs of wear or damage, and the connections remain tight and secure.
Maintaining the kit is simple. I periodically apply dielectric grease to the 4-flat connector, as Demco recommends, to prevent corrosion. This takes just a few minutes and ensures continued trouble-free operation.
Compared to my previous experiences with universal wiring kits that required constant troubleshooting and repair, the Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15 is a game-changer. It simply works, every time, providing peace of mind and allowing me to focus on enjoying my travels.
Breaking Down the Features of Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15
Specifications
The Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15 is specifically designed for:
- 2013 to 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 models with factory 4×4 LED tail lights ONLY.
- The kit includes: (1) wiring harness with 4-flat connector, (1) 48-inch 4-flat extension, (20) 15″ cable zip ties, (1) 4-flat bracket, and (3) #8 self-tapping ground screws.
- The harness provides standard 4-way flat output, covering running lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- It features factory-matching light plugs for direct connection to the Ram’s tail light wiring.
These specifications are critical for ensuring proper fit and function. Using a kit not designed for your specific vehicle can lead to electrical issues or even damage your vehicle’s electrical system. The 4-flat connector is the industry standard for basic towed vehicle lighting, ensuring compatibility with most RVs.
Performance & Functionality
The Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15 performs its job exceptionally well. The lights on the towed Ram mirror the signals from the RV accurately and reliably.
The primary strength of this kit is its ease of installation, thanks to the direct plug-in design. However, the tight fit of the connectors could be improved. It requires significant force to ensure a secure connection, which can be unnerving.
Overall, the kit meets and exceeds expectations. It provides a simple, reliable, and safe way to integrate the lights of a towed Ram 1500 with an RV.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15 is good. The wiring is adequately insulated, and the connectors appear to be durable. The included zip ties and mounting hardware are functional, but nothing fancy.
The design is user-friendly, with clearly labeled connectors and a straightforward installation process. The no-splice design eliminates the risk of wiring errors, making it accessible to even novice installers. There is some cutting required to mount the 4-flat bracket.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, I expect the Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15 to last for many years. The wiring and connectors are exposed to the elements, but regular application of dielectric grease should prevent corrosion and ensure continued reliable operation.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only periodic cleaning and greasing of the connector terminals. The kit is not designed to be repaired, but the robust construction should minimize the need for repairs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes all the necessary hardware for basic installation, so no additional accessories are strictly required. However, some users may want to consider adding a longer 4-flat extension cable if the included 48-inch cable is not sufficient for their setup.
There are no specific customization options for the Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15. It is designed to provide a standard 4-flat output for basic towed vehicle lighting.
Pros and Cons of Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15
Pros
- Direct plug-in installation: Eliminates splicing and simplifies the installation process.
- Reliable performance: Provides consistent and accurate lighting signals.
- Durable construction: Designed to withstand the rigors of towing.
- Factory matching light plugs: Factory-matching light plugs make for a simple installation.
- Provides safety: Mirrors lighting to ensure proper towed vehicle lighting.
Cons
- Connectors can be difficult to fully seat.
- Relatively expensive compared to universal wiring kits.
Who Should Buy Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15?
The Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15 is perfect for RV owners who want a simple, reliable, and safe way to tow their 2013-2015 Dodge Ram 1500 with factory LED tail lights. It’s ideal for those who value ease of installation and peace of mind.
Those who are comfortable with splicing wires and are looking for a more budget-friendly option may want to consider a universal wiring kit. Also, those with Ram 1500s without factory LED tail lights will need a different wiring kit.
A must-have accessory is dielectric grease for the 4-flat connector.
Conclusion on Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15
The Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15 is an excellent investment for Ram 1500 owners who flat tow their vehicles. While the price is higher than universal kits, the ease of installation, reliable performance, and peace of mind are well worth the extra cost.
The price is justified given the time saved, the elimination of potential wiring errors, and the overall reliability of the system. Considering the potential cost of electrical repairs due to improper wiring, this kit is a bargain.
I would absolutely recommend the Demco 9523114 Towed Connector Vehicle Wiring Kit For Dodge Ram 1500 ’13 ’15 to anyone looking for a hassle-free towing experience. Don’t risk your safety and your truck’s electrical system with a cheap, generic kit. Invest in the Demco kit and enjoy worry-free towing!