Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit Review

Let’s Talk About Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit

The Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit is a crucial component for anyone planning to tow a vehicle behind their motorhome. Manufactured by Demco, a trusted name in towing solutions, this kit is designed to safely connect the electrical systems of both vehicles. It ensures that running lights, turn signals, and brake lights function correctly without causing electrical feedback issues. Having spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear industry, I’ve seen countless wiring nightmares – this kit aims to prevent exactly that.

What brought me to this product was a recurring issue with a customer’s RV setup. They were experiencing blown fuses and erratic light behavior after connecting their towed vehicle. After some research and talking with fellow RV enthusiasts, the Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit came highly recommended as a reliable solution.

Unboxing the kit, I was immediately impressed by the seemingly simple, yet robust construction. The heat-sealed diodes felt well-protected, and the female terminals appeared to be of good quality. There wasn’t any flashy packaging, just the essential components neatly contained.

Compared to other diode kits I’ve encountered, particularly some cheaper, generic brands, the Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit stood out due to its reputation for durability and proper heat sealing. Some kits I’ve seen use flimsy connectors and lack adequate protection for the diodes, leading to corrosion and failure. I opted for the Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit for its promise of reliability and peace of mind.

My first impression was positive. The kit felt like a professional-grade solution, not a cheap workaround. This instilled confidence that it would solve the electrical issues I was aiming to address.


Real-World Testing: Putting Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit on a customer’s RV setup involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler being towed behind a 2020 Class A motorhome. The original wiring setup was causing the Jeep’s brake lights to flicker erratically whenever the motorhome’s turn signals were activated. This was a dangerous situation on the road.

The installation took place in a standard garage setting, with typical automotive tools and wiring equipment. Although not subjected to extreme weather, it was a humid summer day, which highlighted the need for properly sealed electrical components. The diodes and terminals performed flawlessly, preventing backflow and eliminating the electrical interference.

The kit was surprisingly easy to install. The clearly marked terminals and straightforward design meant minimal time spent deciphering confusing instructions. No special tools were required beyond basic wire strippers, crimpers, and a multimeter for testing.

After the first use, all issues were resolved. The Jeep’s lights now mirrored the motorhome’s signals perfectly, without any flickering or backfeeding.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use (approximately 5,000 towing miles), the Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit continues to perform flawlessly. The customer reported zero electrical issues since the initial installation. This is a significant improvement over the original setup.

There are no visible signs of wear and tear. The heat-sealed diodes still look as good as new, indicating a robust construction that can withstand the elements and vibrations of towing. The terminals are corrosion-free, which is a testament to the quality of the materials used.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent. A quick visual inspection during regular RV maintenance is all that’s needed to ensure everything is still connected and in good condition. This contrasts sharply with some cheaper kits that require frequent cleaning and tightening of connections.

Compared to previous experiences with inferior diode kits, the Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit has significantly outperformed expectations. It provides reliable, long-lasting performance. It gives me confidence in recommending it to others.

Breaking Down the Features of Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit

Specifications

  • Four Heat-Sealed Diodes: These diodes are the core of the kit, preventing electrical feedback between the motorhome and the towed vehicle. The heat sealing process provides superior protection against moisture and corrosion, ensuring long-term reliability.
  • 12 Female Terminals: The kit includes 12 female terminals to facilitate easy and secure connections. These terminals are designed for standard automotive wiring, making installation straightforward.
  • Connects Running Lights, Turn Signals, and Brake Lights: This kit enables the proper synchronization of essential lighting functions between the motorhome and the towed vehicle. Proper synchronization is crucial for safe towing.
  • Prevents Backflow of Electrical Feedback: The primary function of the kit is to protect the electrical systems of both vehicles from damage caused by voltage backflow. Backflow can lead to blown fuses, damaged wiring, and even more serious electrical problems.
  • Pack of Four: The kit comes with four complete diode units, providing redundancy or allowing for use on multiple towed vehicles. Having extras can be useful for future needs or repairs.

These specifications are critical for ensuring safe and reliable towing. The heat-sealed diodes prevent corrosion, while the correct number of terminals simplifies installation. The prevention of backflow is essential for protecting both vehicles’ electrical systems.

Performance & Functionality

The Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit performs its job flawlessly. It eliminates electrical feedback and ensures proper lighting synchronization between the motorhome and the towed vehicle.

Its primary strength lies in its reliability. Once installed, the kit requires minimal maintenance and provides consistent performance. One weakness, potentially, is the lack of detailed installation instructions for complete novices.

The Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit meets and exceeds expectations. Its reliability and ease of installation make it a top-tier product in its category.

Design & Ergonomics

The Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit is designed for functionality and durability. The materials used are high-quality and the construction is robust.

The kit is user-friendly for those with basic automotive wiring knowledge. A novice might require some additional research or guidance.

Durability & Maintenance

The Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit is designed to last for years. The heat-sealed diodes and corrosion-resistant terminals ensure long-term durability.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional visual inspections. The durable construction means repairs are unlikely.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit includes the necessary terminals for a standard installation. No additional accessories are required for basic functionality.

There aren’t many customization options for a diode kit. However, it is compatible with standard automotive wiring connectors and accessories. Be sure to use appropriately sized wiring and connectors for the application.

Pros and Cons of Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit

Pros

  • Reliable Protection: Heat-sealed diodes prevent corrosion and ensure long-term performance.
  • Easy Installation: Straightforward design and clearly marked terminals simplify the installation process.
  • Prevents Electrical Feedback: Protects both the motorhome and towed vehicle from potentially damaging voltage backflow.
  • Durable Construction: High-quality materials and robust construction ensure the kit can withstand the rigors of towing.
  • Peace of Mind: Provides confidence that the lighting systems are working correctly and safely.

Cons

  • Price: At $79.99, it is more expensive than some generic diode kits.
  • Limited Instructions: Installation instructions could be more detailed for complete beginners.


Who Should Buy Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit?

The Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit is perfect for RV owners who tow vehicles regularly and value reliability and safety. It’s also ideal for those who prefer to do their own wiring installations and want a straightforward, easy-to-use kit.

This product might not be necessary for those who rarely tow vehicles or those who are comfortable with simpler, less robust wiring solutions. Individuals completely unfamiliar with automotive wiring should seek professional installation.

Must-have accessories include a good set of wire strippers/crimpers, a multimeter for testing connections, and potentially some extra lengths of automotive wiring.

Conclusion on Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit

The Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit is a well-designed, reliable solution for connecting the electrical systems of a motorhome and a towed vehicle. While the price is higher than some alternatives, the superior durability and protection offered by the heat-sealed diodes justify the investment.

The value proposition is strong. The peace of mind knowing that the electrical systems are protected and functioning correctly is well worth the cost.

I would definitely recommend the Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-install solution for their RV towing setup. Don’t gamble with your safety and the electrical systems of your vehicles – invest in the Demco Heat Sealed Diode Kit and enjoy worry-free towing.

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