Best Trailer Light Control Modules for Towing and Wiring
Direct answer: If you need reliable power conversion for trailer lighting, choose a dedicated 3-to-2 or 2-to-3 wire converter from trusted brands like CURT and GM. These modules simplify wiring, support various lighting configurations, and help keep taillights, brake lights, and turn signals in sync. The best picks below cover common towing setups—standard towing with a 4-way flat, dinghy towing behind an RV, and OEM-style replacements. Each product is suited for specific vehicles and wiring needs, with clear guidance on who should choose it and why.
| Product | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| CURT 56130 SMT Converter | Vehicles needing a non-powered 3-to-2 wiring splice-in | Color-coded wires for quick, dependable installation on standard 4-way systems |
| CURT 56196 2-to-3-Wire Converter | Dinghy towing behind an RV or large vehicle | Splice-in option that supports 2-to-3 wire conversion with color-coded wiring |
| GM Genuine Parts 85073615 Trailer Brake Control Module | Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac models needing OE-grade control | OE design and testing for GM vehicles, backed by GM engineers |
| Replacement for GM 13542847 Trailer Lamp Control Module | OEM-style replacement for GM wiring configurations | One-year warranty and local delivery option; direct compatibility with 13542847 part |
| Oyviny LED Compatible 3-to-2-Wire Converter | LED or mixed lighting systems requiring robust LED compatibility | Powered 3-to-2 conversion and universal trailer connector with LED support |
Buyer type notes:
– Do-it-yourself installers who want straightforward, color-coded splices.
– RV owners doing dinghy towing need reliable 2-to-3 or 3-to-2 converters.
– Car owners seeking OE-grade parts for GM vehicles.
– LED-lit trailer setups require compatibility with LED tail lights.
– Caution: Verify vehicle wiring configuration to ensure the correct converter type is chosen for your setup.
CURT 56130 SMT Converter
Features: Reliable power. Non-powered 3-to-2-wire taillight converter that provides a dependable splice-in trailer wiring harness option if a CURT custom harness is not available. Converts a 3-wire vehicle electrical system to a standard 2-wire trailer wiring with a standard 4-way flat socket for taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Color-coded wires for faster installation, with 3.0 amps signal circuit and 5.0 amps taillight circuit.
Best for: DIY installers seeking a straightforward, non-powered solution for standard towing with a 4-way flat connector. It’s ideal when a vehicle doesn’t have a CURT-specific harness and a simple splice-in is preferred.
Limitations: Not a powered converter, so some higher-load setups or heavy LED configurations may require a powered alternative for stronger signal integrity.
CURT 56196 2-to-3-Wire Converter
Features: DINGHY TOWING. Converts the 2-wire vehicle electrical system to standard 3-wire trailer wiring for dinghy towing behind an RV or large vehicle. Splice-in connection with color-coded wires for quick install; 2.1 amps signal circuit and 5.0 amps taillight circuit. Can also be spliced to a 4-way flat socket for convenient connection.
Best for: RV owners or campers who tow a dinghy vehicle behind a larger motorhome and need a 2-to-3 wire solution with a reliable splice-in approach.
Limitations: Slightly lower signal on the 2-to-3 conversion may require careful wire management to avoid interference on longer trailer runs.
GM Genuine Parts 85073615 Trailer Brake Control Module
Features: OE-grade part with design and testing to rigorous standards. Backed by General Motors. Specifically engineered for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicles, designed to integrate with factory braking electronics.
Best for: GM vehicle owners seeking an OEM-style, engineered replacement that aligns with dealership-grade components and maintenance expectations.
Limitations: May require vehicle-specific compatibility checks to ensure exact fitment with your model year and trim.
Replacement for GM 13542847 Trailer Lamp Control Module
Features: Local delivery option with a one-year warranty. Part Number: 13542847. Provides a practical aftermarket replacement that fits the known GM wiring configuration and maintains trailer lamp control functionality.
Best for: Vehicle owners needing a straightforward replacement for a 13542847 module without resorting to OEM purchase, with local delivery support.
Limitations: Availability may vary by region; verify compatibility with your specific GM model and year.
Oyviny LED Compatible 3-to-2-Wire Converter
Features: 3-to-2 wire tail light converter that powers a standard 4-way flat socket for taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Supports 5.0 amps for right/left turn and brake functions. Also advertised as LED-compatible, with a multi-function 6-wire to 4-wire conversion capability and universal trailer connector via splicing.
Best for: Vehicle setups with LED or mixed lighting where LED compatibility is required, and you need a flexible powered solution for a universal connector.
Limitations: Powered wiring kit may be required to connect to the vehicle battery; kit not always included in the basic package.
CURT 56187 3 to 2 Wire Power Converter
Features: Powered 3-to-2-wire taillight converter with a standard 4-way flat socket. Color-coded wires for easier installation; provides 3.0 amps signal circuit and 5.0 amps taillight circuit. Suitable when a power-assisted solution is needed for reliable operation.
Best for: Those needing a powered alternative to ensure stable taillight operation when the towed vehicle’s signals must be isolated from the tow vehicle’s power supply.
Limitations: Like other powered converters, it may require proper grounding and fuse considerations for optimal performance.
CARROFIX Powered 3-to-2-Wire Converter
Features: Adapts 3-wire system to standard 2-wire trailer wiring; includes a 4-way flat connector for taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Also ships with a dust cover to protect the connector when not in use.
Best for: Users who prefer an easy, all-in-one kit with protection for the connector against dust and debris, suitable for frequent trailer use.
Limitations: Ensure compatibility with your vehicle’s wiring and that the included dust cover fits your connector style.
Buying Guide
What to prioritize when choosing a trailer light control module
- Wiring configuration: Decide between 2-to-3 or 3-to-2 wire conversion based on your towing setup (dinghy vs standard tow, LED vs incandescent lighting).
- Power requirements: Choose powered vs non-powered converters depending on load and signal stability needed for taillights and brakes.
- OEM vs aftermarket: OEM-like modules (GM Genuine Parts) offer dealer-grade compatibility for specific vehicles, while aftermarket options provide broad compatibility and quick installs.
- Installation approach: Splice-in color-coded wiring is common; ensure you have the right tools and follow safety precautions to avoid damage.
- LED compatibility: If your trailer uses LED tail lights, confirm LED compatibility to avoid signal issues.
- Durability and weather resistance: Consider modules with sturdy housings for outdoor exposure and long-term reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a trailer light control module? A device that interprets the vehicle’s lighting signals and provides correct taillight, brake, and turn signal output to the trailer.
- Do I need a powered or non-powered converter? Powered converters are better for higher load or LED-heavy trailers, while non-powered are usually adequate for standard incandescent setups.
- Can I use any converter for dinghy towing? Not always. For RV dinghy towing, a 2-to-3 wire converter is typically used to convert the 2-wire to a 3-wire setup.
- Are OEM GM parts always the best choice? OEM parts can offer better compatibility with GM vehicles, but aftermarket options can be cost-effective and suitable for many setups.
- Will these modules work with all trailers? Most are designed for standard 4-way flat trailer connectors; verify compatibility with your trailer’s wiring and the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Do I need professional installation? Many installations are DIY-friendly with color-coded wiring, but complex systems or safety-critical connections may benefit from professional help.