Do Thule Transporter Enclosed Cargo Carrier Lights Have to Be On if Vehicle Tail Lights are Visible

Updated 07/02/2020 | Published 03/24/2012

Question:

Is it necessary to hook up the cargo carrier lights if the carrier does not hide my vehicles break lights or turn signals? The carrier lights seem to draw too much power for me to use a simple wiring connection method. I have a 2012 GMC Terrain.

asked by: Brian H

Expert Reply:

If the Thule transporter, # TH665C, does not block the vehicle tail lights, then you do not have to connect the lights on the carrier (check local and state laws to be certain).

If the 2012 GMC Terrain came with a 4-Way trailer connector, it should be plenty strong enough to power the simple stop, tail, and turn lights on the carrier. If you are experiencing a problem, it could indicate that something is wrong with the wiring on the vehicle or carrier.

Since it is a new vehicle, it is more likely that the wiring on the carrier needs to be examined. Check for corrosion at the connector, loose or broken wires, and make sure you have a good ground connection. On the vehicle, check to make sure that any fuses or relays related to the trailer wiring are present and intact.

expert reply by: Michael H

Steven D.

6/23/2020

i have a thule transporter mfg. in 2019, the brake turn signals lights work. should the tail/running lights be on/lit when my vehicle lights are on ? thANKS

Chris R.

6/26/2020

The lights on the Transporter should indeed illuminate with the running lights on your vehicle. I would check to make sure you're actually getting power at the running lights pin on your vehicle's 4-Way. There could be a blown fuse under the hood that needs to be replaced.

Steven D.

6/29/2020

the box carrier does not have transporter embossed on the box, but looke the same. could thie be a different./earlier model ? thanks.

Chris R.

7/2/2020

@StevenD I suppose it's possible. I would think though if it hooks up with a 4-Way connector that the running lights circuit should still illuminate its light assemblies. Have you checked to make sure you're actually getting power on that pin with the vehicle's 4-Way.