Availability of Magnetic Lights For Use with Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier

Updated 06/19/2017 | Published 06/16/2017

Products Featured in This Question

24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Tilting - Folding - 500 lbs

(645)

$233.13

Enclosed Cargo Trailer License Plate Holder, Plastic - Black

(195)

$6.09

Universal Magnetic Tow Lights - 20' Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

(213)

$64.66

Question:

Hi, Is there some standard or regulation that these hitch mounted accessories have to abide by? Thanks.

asked by: Alison

Expert Reply:

You ask a good question.

Any vehicle accessory, such as a hitch-mounted cargo carrier like # e98874, when installed and in use must not block the vehicle's various stop/turn/tail lights. In actual practice it is usually not the carrier itself that blocks the lights but the cargo that is loaded on it. A couple of large cartons loaded into this tray-style carrier could, on some vehicles, partially block the view of your lights for a motorist behind you. State laws and the degree of actual in-the-field enforcement will vary on this matter.

There is a simple and cost-effective solution for such instances, a set of magnetic tow lights like # TL21RK. These lights feature powerful magnets that hold them in place on the sheet metal of your vehicle roof, where they will remain easily visible to other motorists. All you need for connection is a standard 4-pole wiring harness, many of which offer easy plug-in installation.

If you care to tell me the details of your vehicle I can recommend a wiring harness kit.

You may also need a license plate relocation kit like # LP35BB to keep the plate visible to authorities.