Trailer hitch receivers are workhorses for towing, but what about when they're not in use? The HitchMount LED Pod Light Kit turns your idle hitch receiver into a functional lighting upgrade — delivering a high-power reverse light, running light, and optional fourth brake light. Here's why the HitchMount outperforms every other trailer hitch light on the market.
Table of Contents
- Overview Video
- What Makes the HitchMount Special
- Brighter Reverse Light
- Additional Running Light
- SafetyStrobe 4th Brake Light
- Everyday Operation
- Simple Installation
- Better, Focused Optics
- Proven Reliability
- Shop HitchMount Kits at Ess K Customs
Overview Video
What Makes the HitchMount Special
The HitchMount is built around the Stage Series C1 LED pod light platform — extremely compact but delivering significant output. It's engineered to fit any standard 2-inch trailer hitch receiver using a patent-pending snap-fit design with side tabs and a retention tab. Just push it into the receiver and it locks into place. When it's time to tow, removal takes seconds — press the side tabs and pull forward.
The HitchMount delivers three functional lighting benefits in one compact package:
- High-power hitch reverse light
- Red running light (backlight)
- Optional 4th brake light with SafetyStrobe (C1R model)
Brighter Reverse Light
Factory reverse bulbs don't provide enough output for confident nighttime backing. The HitchMount pairs patented TIR optics with high-powered LEDs to deliver a reverse light that's several times brighter than stock bulbs. It automatically illuminates bright white when the vehicle is shifted into reverse — giving you a dramatically better view of what's behind you.
Additional Running Light
The HitchMount features a distinctive red backlight that fully illuminates the TIR optic while driving. Unlike the small indicator LEDs found on competing products, this backlight delivers a modern, eye-catching appearance that's visible day and night.
SafetyStrobe 4th Brake Light
The C1R model adds a high-power red function that serves as a fourth brake light — activating every time you hit the brakes. By default, the C1R flashes three times before fully illuminating for maximum attention. The SafetyStrobe feature can be easily disabled by disconnecting the purple wire on the module, and re-enabled just as easily by reconnecting it.
Everyday Operation
The HitchMount connects to your vehicle's factory trailer hitch wiring using the included harness — completely plug-and-play with all 7-pin trailer connectors. If your connector isn't 7-pin, the kit still works with minor harness modification. A universal backup harness is also available separately, allowing you to override factory backup light functionality and enable the hitch light with a switch.
Simple Installation
The patent-pending snap-fit design means no drilling and no hitch pin required. Insert the HitchMount into your receiver, snap it into place, and plug in the harness — the entire installation takes less than five minutes. Removal is just as fast for when you need the hitch for towing. For added security, an optional locking hitch pin modification takes just minutes and doesn't affect warranty coverage.
Better, Focused Optics
Traditional reflectors and simple lenses lose light to glare and internal inefficiency. The HitchMount uses a custom-engineered TIR (Total Internal Reflection) optic that collects all light from the LED and directs it exactly where you need it. The custom-molded TIR optic serves as both the optic and main lens — no light lost through an outer lens like competing products. Pillow optics on the outer lens surface deliver a true optically designed 50x50-degree spread with even illumination throughout.
Proven Reliability
The HitchMount is extensively tested to SAE standards for long-term operation from -40 to 185°F, along with vibration, moisture intrusion, and corrosion testing — the same standards used for factory components. 100% USA-engineered and assembled, the HitchMount is built to last.
Shop HitchMount Kits at Ess K Customs
Ready to put your trailer hitch to work when you're not towing? As an authorized Diode Dynamics dealer, Ess K Customs carries the full HitchMount lineup with vehicle-specific kits and the universal 7-pin kit — all with full manufacturer warranty.