Yakima License Plate and Tail Light Relocation Kit Wiring Harness Connection Type

Updated 08/18/2021 | Published 08/14/2021

Question:

A big problem for hitch mounted bike racks is how they block the license plate and tail lights. The issue has been swept under the carpet by the manufacturers and retailers of these racks in the US. In Europe you can buy racks with integrated lights and plate relocator made by Thule and others but for some reason a US version isnt available. I applaud Yakima for finally offering this solution. My question is: can this item be adapted to be used on the Kuat Sherpa V 1 rack I already own? I realize I would have to drill to mount the lights on the rack. Im just not sure about the wiring, because the lights seem to plug into the exo system, which appears to have its own connector to the car wiring. I have looked for other solutions, such as light bars like the Saris 4426, but they dont seem to have the integrated license plate holder and light like the Yakima item has. Thanks for your help and I hope we see all the other makers of hitch racks follow suit with the tail light and plate issue.

asked by: Ted H

Expert Reply:

The wiring for the Yakima License Plate and Tail Light Relocation Kit # Y74VR will have connections to a main harness that plugs into a 4-way flat trailer connector. It then has separate connectors for each of the taillights as well as the license plate light. The length of the wiring is designed specifically to fit the Yakima EXO system but you should still have enough length when mounting to your Kuat bike rack. A Hopkins Endurance Easy-Pull 4-Flat Extension # HM47114 can also be used if you do not have enough length or would like to only have one cord length heading to the front of your bike rack.

If you do not already have a 4-way please let me know what vehicle you have and I can recommend a harness that will add the 4-way.

Mounting the lights themselves may require special brackets to fit your Kuat bike rack since it will not have mounts for any light kits like the Yakima.

expert reply by: Bud M