Is An Additional Ground Needed Between the Bike Rack/Cargo Carrier and Vehicle When Using Lights

Updated 12/02/2019 | Published 12/01/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Cargo Carrier Light Kit For 52017 and 52018

(47)

$27.74

LED Light Kit for Draw-Tite, Tow Ready, Pro Series, and Rola Railed Cargo Carriers

(289)

$58.99

Question:

So, I am required to have lights on items extending from the body of the vehicle. I have a hitch rack and I am having some issues with grounding, after installing a trailer light set. Do I need to connect a grounding wire from the rack to the body of the vehicle? Thank you,

asked by: Bradley K

Expert Reply:

In regards to cargo carrier/bike rack lights like the Cargo Carrier Light Kit part # 52014 or part # 98174LED, there will be a ground for each of the tail lights and the trailer connector. The tail lights may ground to the mounting surface or they may ground to the main trailer connector ground. Regardless, there will only be one ground wire from the cargo carrier/bike rack to the vehicle. If you don't already have the vehicle side trailer wiring harness for the above you can use the 4-Pole 60" Long Vehicle End part # 18002 which has a white wire that will need to be attached to a bare metal surface on the vehicle. This will be the only ground that needs to be hooked up with the above setup.

expert reply by: Conner L