Recommendation for Adding Taillights to Rear of Hitch Mounted Bicycle Rack
Question:
Im thinking about installing a custom wiring kit for my 2011 highlander. But most of the lights I see, seem to be meant for trailers and not something you could place on the rack or one of the bikes on the rack so you can have at least a brake light or light that is always on with the headlights if not turn signals too when you have a 3 or 4 bike rack sticking out so far.
asked by: David M
Expert Reply:
We don't offer anything purpose-built to install taillights on a hitch mounted bike rack, but you could effectively modify an existing system very easily. If your bike rack is steel, you could simply use a magnetic mount tow light like part # RM-2120. There would be some extra wire you'd need to bundle up and secure with zip ties, but the installation would be very simple.
Another option would involve using a light kit designed for a cargo carrier. I'd recommend the # 98174LED kit and two of the # BK70BB brackets. The brackets could be bolted or zip tied onto the bike rack (the actual bike rack would dictate where you would attach the lamps).
Either option would provide you with fully functional taillights, brake lights and turn signals. If I had to choose between the two options, I'd choose the second alternative because I believe it would be a cleaner looking installation without all the extra wire.
To power the magnetic mount kit or the cargo carrier light kit, you'd need to install a trailer wiring harness on your Highlander to supply power for the lamps you're wanting to add. I'd recommend using part # 118449. I'll link you to a video showing how the wiring harness is installed.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
LED Light Kit for Draw-Tite, Tow Ready, Pro Series, and Rola Railed Cargo Carriers
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier Parts
- Lights
- Light Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Trailer Light Mounting Bracket for 6-1/2" Oval Trailer Lights, Steel - Black Powder Coat
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Lights
- Mounting Hardware
- 6-1/2 Inch Diameter
- Brackets
- Black
- Optronics
more information >
Roadmaster Standard Magnetic Tow Lights
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Bypasses Vehicle Wiring
- Removable Tail Light Kit
- 20 Foot Long Harness
- Universal
- Magnetic Mount
- Optronics
more information >
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Dave J.
4/8/2020
This is a great idea but not may have side effects with some modern vehicles. My Volvos blind spot sensors are disabled whenever trailer lights are plugged in. I must choose between having improved visibility or the wonderful blind spot alert system.