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.

expert reply by: Mike L

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.

Chris R.

4/11/2020

That's a good point, and unfortunately there's not currently a 'best of both words' solution for that particular situation. Most racks do feature integrated reflectors that help with night time vision, but to really add powered lights like above you'll need to tap into the vehicle's 4-Way or tail light circuits.