How to Install a License Plate Light on a Cargo Carrier for Use in California

Updated 07/14/2014 | Published 07/13/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Wesbar 4-Pole Flat Connector w/ Jacketed Cable - Trailer End - 4' Long

(155)

$15.67

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(149)

$56.54

Optronics LED Trailer License Plate Light w/ Bracket - 5 Diodes - Clear Lens

(620)

$15.59

Question:

We got this cargo carrier and the Rola expandable cargo bag from etrailer, and they are fantastic! Here in California, a license plate light is required, which is problematic when we have to move the license plate off the car and onto the carrier. We dont end up blocking our tail lights, but do block the license plate. Are there any stand-alone license plate lights available? Its not something we use all that often, so a battery powered one would work for us. Ive searched on this site and around the internet, with no luck. So maybe such a thing doesnt exist. Thanks for your help and for all the useful information you share! You folks are awesome!

asked by: Tracy

Expert Reply:

I believe I have a solution for you, but it will require you to install trailer wiring on your 2010 Toyota Prius.

For trailer wiring you will want the Tow Ready wiring harness part # 118505. This will give you a 4-way with a running light circuit that you could use to power a light for the license plate that would only come on when your headlights are on.

You will then have to mount a lighted license plate bracket on your cargo carrier like the part # LPL55CB. You will run the black wire of this light to the brown wire of a trailer end 4-way like the part # W787264 and then the white wire from the light to the white wire of the 4-way. You will then be able to plug in the 4-way you wired to the cargo carrier to the 4-way of your Prius and you would be good to go.

expert reply by: Jameson C