Towing Lights

[happy]

I'm preparing to get our TOAD in shape to tow.

Cutting into the towed vehicle's lights for onboard factory lighting seems the better solution. I am not sure if I want to do this mainly due to it being a new vehicle and all the computer gadgets and controls.

1,000 Questions
Do you recommend an RV repair place or the TOAD dealership for something like this?

On a 2021 model vehicle can I still tape my lights or does the BCM or other computer module sense a fault if I cut and splice lights into the system?

Is a set of jumper lights.....quick tow lights.... a viable way to go?

Other ideas and suggestions?

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by happy

I'm preparing to get our TOAD in shape to tow.

Cutting into the towed vehicle's lights for onboard factory lighting seems the better solution. I am not sure if I want to do this mainly due to it being a new vehicle and all the computer gadgets and controls.

1,000 Questions
Do you recommend an RV repair place or the TOAD dealership for something like this?

On a 2021 model vehicle can I still tape my lights or does the BCM or other computer module sense a fault if I cut and splice lights into the system?

Is a set of jumper lights.....quick tow lights.... a viable way to go?

Other ideas and suggestions?

Recommend a location that is an authorized installer of the equipment you are buying. The correct harness with diodes should have no effect on your vehicle’s systems.

[Pete'sMH]

I have done splice in with diodes once and didn’t enjoy it. I found a plug and play kit for my Jeep that was all assembled to do the job and simply plugged into the tail light harness that was super easy and effective. On my most recent set up I added a new dedicated light bulb to my tail light housings. That turned out to be almost as simple as the plug and play deal and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. I used a kit with super bright LED bulbs and replaced a burned out back up light bulb while I had the tail light assembly out.

[Lt Keefer]

Tons of people have installed all kinds of lights for towing their dinghy. The internet will tell you it is easy of pie. Even more people have had Camping World and other customization dealers install wires and diodes and such to light up their toads. I have been using the same set of magnetic tow lights since the 1990s. It takes me about 5 minutes to install the tow bar, plop the lights on the roof and hook up to the RV. A one time purchase has provided over 20 years of RVing bliss.

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

Tons of people have installed all kinds of lights for towing their dinghy. The internet will tell you it is easy of pie. Even more people have had Camping World and other customization dealers install wires and diodes and such to light up their toads. I have been using the same set of magnetic tow lights since the 1990s. It takes me about 5 minutes to install the tow bar, plop the lights on the roof and hook up to the RV. A one time purchase has provided over 20 years of RVing bliss.

A few years back when the aluminum body F150's came out (purchased one of the first out) I was going to use my magnetic lights that I have had a long time as well. I was waiting for my Diode kit to arrive (which worked well) and wanted to take a short trip. Found out in a hurry there is no place to use magnetic lights on a it. Wound up with my led remote light bar tied on with bungee cords.

[Nursx2]

I have used diodes in three cars now and have had ZERO issues!

Did not even use a vehicle specific kit - just four simply diodes. Easy!

Made my own wires and ran them under the cars - that was the most time consuming and dirty part.

[craigd853]

Originally Posted by happy

I'm preparing to get our TOAD in shape to tow.

Cutting into the towed vehicle's lights for onboard factory lighting seems the better solution. I am not sure if I want to do this mainly due to it being a new vehicle and all the computer gadgets and controls.

1,000 Questions
Do you recommend an RV repair place or the TOAD dealership for something like this?

On a 2021 model vehicle can I still tape my lights or does the BCM or other computer module sense a fault if I cut and splice lights into the system?

Is a set of jumper lights.....quick tow lights.... a viable way to go?

Other ideas and suggestions?

https://www.harborfreight.com/search...%20light%20kit


Check this out, this is a wireless system for any vehicle. I bought this and am quite happy with it. If this doesn't work type in Harbor freight and look for 7 pin wireless LED trailer tow lights.

[happy]

Thank you for letting me know my options.
Hope all of you get to travel to some great places once winter is over.

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by craigd853

https://www.harborfreight.com/search...%20light%20kit


Check this out, this is a wireless system for any vehicle. I bought this and am quite happy with it. If this doesn't work type in Harbor freight and look for 7 pin wireless LED trailer tow lights.

Currently using wired magnetic lights on top of TOAD.

However, my to-do list includes the:
Blue Ox Tail Light Wiring Kit, Bulb and Socket
(Blue Ox Part #: BX8869) $64

Looks like a fairly simple install and will reduce change-over time for my TOAD.

https://www.blueoxtowbars.com/produc..._Socket,BX8869

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by Nursx2

I have used diodes in three cars now and have had ZERO issues!

Did not even use a vehicle specific kit - just four simply diodes. Easy!

Made my own wires and ran them under the cars - that was the most time consuming and dirty part.

Running the wires carefully is definitely the hardest part

I always use the plug and play adapters and seal them to avoid any issues

Have done several with no issues

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by craigd853

https://www.harborfreight.com/search...%20light%20kit


Check this out, this is a wireless system for any vehicle. I bought this and am quite happy with it. If this doesn't work type in Harbor freight and look for 7 pin wireless LED trailer tow lights.

I have a nice wireless led light set that uses the 7 pin connector and 12v plug for power

Used it for all types of towing trading vehicles and boats. If no power in the towed then a battery booster with a 12v plug works fine and will power it for several days on one charge

[happy]

The diode wiring seems best for long term.
The stick on lights seem like something I can do without breaking them.

We have a few weeks before planned travel.
Thank you all for the ideas.

EDIT: I really like the Lith-Ion lights. If they can get through 20 hours of continuous usage they are compelling.
Harbor Freight shows 100 hours....

[HMCSW]

Originally Posted by happy

I'm preparing to get our TOAD in shape to tow.

Cutting into the towed vehicle's lights for onboard factory lighting seems the better solution. I am not sure if I want to do this mainly due to it being a new vehicle and all the computer gadgets and controls.

1,000 Questions
Do you recommend an RV repair place or the TOAD dealership for something like this?

On a 2021 model vehicle can I still tape my lights or does the BCM or other computer module sense a fault if I cut and splice lights into the system?

Is a set of jumper lights.....quick tow lights.... a viable way to go?

Other ideas and suggestions?

I always go to someone that has a lot of experience. Fortunately we live 30 minutes form the RoadMaster factory and they install. Like a doctor you don’t want someone that says” huh I’ve never seen that before”

[happy]

Wow. That is a nice arrangement. We live so far out, we have to drive toward town to be in the sticks.

Maybe not that bad but not much of a selection when it come to getting tech done.

[TxTig]

I went with a socket and bulb system when I outfitted my Wrangler to tow. Added a new socket/bulb to each of my taillight assemblies. Didn’t have to tap into the factory wiring, but did have to drill a 1” hole in the back of each taillight to accept the new socket. It was pretty easy to install and run a trailer light wire to the front bumper and wire to the connector coming from the coach. Five years in service now and zero problems.

[streamintrip]

Check with DEMCO. They make an excellent plug n play harness that requires no cutting, drilling or add on bulbs. I use this in my Colorado and prior in my Fusion Hybrid.

Using this system, your existing lights work directly with your coach.

[twriner1]

Amazon sells a wiring kit with full instructions

[Msdpok]

I know flat towing is the way to go, but I’m still using my tow dolly! Still convenient for us, and it has super bright LED lights on each side and marker lights!
Just not ready to plunk down the added expense of a tow system and wiring harness, when the Forest River made dolly is still in great shape!! Just sayin’