Lighting Kit for 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited When Thule 4-Bike Hitch Rack is in Use

Question:

I have a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the 2 in trailer hitch and wiring harness as part of Jeeps trailer package. I have a Thule hitch mounted bike rack with the four bikes. I have the extension so that the tire clears to open the back. I am looking to add a tail light kit as when down with four bikes on it sticks out quite a bit, so extra safety. In addition, when in the down position and also in the up position, it covers the third brake light to some degree. So I am looking for somethign I can easily attach and change light position when up or down. What do you recommend? Thanks.

asked by: Bob M

Expert Reply:

Often a loaded bike rack can block a substantial portion of a vehicle's rear lighting so adding supplementary lighting to your 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited when you are using your Thule 4-bike hitch rack is a sensible safety-conscious notion.

The simplest and most cost-effective method to add lighting to your Wrangler is to use a kit designed for use with tow bars (as when vehicles are towed by a motor home) such as the Optronics # TL21RK. These heavy-duty lights feature magnetic bases to hold them in place on the Wrangler and a flat 4-pole trailer connector. If your Jeep has a 7-way rather than a 4-pole trailer connector you can simply add on adapter # PK12716 from Pollak which will plug into the 7-way socket on the Jeep and provide a 4-pole flat connector for the plug on the Optronics lights.

expert reply by: Adam R