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RicB's avatar
RicB
Explorer
Dec 19, 2018

cover for bikes on toad blocks lights

We just got 2 electric bikes and a carrier to mount on our Jeep Wrangler toad. I want to cover the bikes while towing long distances (MI to FL). A standard cover blocks the toad lights. There are covers available that have lights integrated into the cover. They plug into the trailer light connection on the the toad but that doesn't work when towing behind the coach since the trailer plug is not energized by the coach connection. A wireless magnetic light bar mounted on the roof of Jeep would solve the problem but the Jeeps roof is fiberglass so that would require drilling holes and mounting a metal plate. Also we often carry kayaks on roof. Plus the wireless light bars are a bit pricey just to have for when I have the bike cover on. My only reasonable solution thus far is to tap into the feed from the coach and put in a separate trailer plug to be used for the bike cover when Jeep is being towed. Any other ideas/suggestions?
Class A

9 Replies

  • slider45's avatar
    slider45
    Nomad
    Dec 20, 2018
    johnsonbert wrote:
    For a similar situation, I made a light bar using angle iron and led boat trailer lights that attached to the bike rack with a couple of u-bolts and plugged into a special harness as you describe tapped into the taillight wires coming from the coach. Worked well for us for several years. Hope this may help. Happy Trails Bert


    This. My uncle had done the same for the extra visibility of the lights.
  • campinginthewoo's avatar
    campinginthewoo
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2018
    Maybe mounting led lights inside the back window of the jeep? I have a friend with a jeep and he mounted lights either inside or they maybe surface mount led lights but you definitely can see them
  • Two_Jayhawks's avatar
    Two_Jayhawks
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2018
    We also carry two e-bikes on a platform rack behind toad. With the computers and batteries removed we use draw string heavy plastic bags (I think they are dry bags for boating- Amazon) to cover the important stuff. I never had any long tern success with bike covers.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2018
    We have hauled our biked to Florida and all around the Midwest without covers but do remove the seats. Easiest solution for you.
    When camped we throw a tarp over the bikes which are mounted on a rack in the front of our Suburban.
  • Bruce_Brown's avatar
    Bruce_Brown
    Moderator
    Dec 19, 2018
    MountainAir05 wrote:
    I just ran a 4 wire conductor from the front of the tow and thru the cabin and add light on the rear, plug in when need and unplug when not. Cable stays with the tow.


    Yup, pretty simple solution. Cheap and easy too.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Dec 19, 2018
    I'd tap into the toad lights hopefully in the back with a simple plug accessible in the back. Then add a LED light bar to the bike rack.
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Dec 19, 2018
    I just ran a 4 wire conductor from the front of the tow and thru the cabin and add light on the rear, plug in when need and unplug when not. Cable stays with the tow.
  • johnsonbert's avatar
    johnsonbert
    Explorer
    Dec 19, 2018
    For a similar situation, I made a light bar using angle iron and led boat trailer lights that attached to the bike rack with a couple of u-bolts and plugged into a special harness as you describe tapped into the taillight wires coming from the coach. Worked well for us for several years. Hope this may help. Happy Trails Bert

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