Need aftermarket brake/taillights while towing with bikes on hitch. 2024 RS

[dosbirn]

We flat tow my 2024 RS behind our motorhome with the battery disconnected using a blade switch. Of course, it disconnects all power to the car while towing, per Chevy’s towing instructions.

We added an OEM towing hitch to the RS so we can carry our E-bikes on a bike rack. The problem is, the bikes cover up the RS brake/taillights & turn signals, especially if we have to cover the bikes for rainy weather. And, since the battery is disconnected, we can’t use the 4 pin plug for power for add-on magnetic brake lights.

What else can we do?

 

[Kobuk]

How are your brake lights wired for flat towing without your bikes? When I set up our 2024, I ran wire back to my rear taillight assemblies for marker and brake. If it were mine, I’d either tap into the wires I ran back and add to it another 4 way flat or round plug and fab or use a magnetic light assembly. You’ll need to make sure you can keep your splice waterproof. My second choice would be to make another trailer wire harness that would plug into your motorhome and go back to your rack light assembly. Tricky part there is securing the harness back so it doesn’t scuff paint or catch road debris. I know that there are some wireless assemblies and some needed the equinox battery to power which won’t work for us and some were rechargeable. They seemed expensive for me and I prefer wired for reliability but others may differ. Good luck!

 

[dosbirn]

The RS gets brake/lights power from the motorhome using a 7-way to 6-way BlueOx electric cord. The 6-way plug was added to the front of the RS when the towing plate/connectors & Airforce One braking system was added. So the motorhome plug is being used.

I’ll look into the wireless systems but it sounds like anything we do will require running new wires.

There are so few cars that can be flat towed nowadays. We thought the Equinox would be the perfect choice until Chevy later realized power to the car needs to be shut off while being towed.

 

[Kobuk]

I agree with the limited choices and that’s why we also went with the Equinox. So far I am happy with ours. I added a simple shut off switch to my neg. terminal so it’s a quick and easy on or off and I do recommend it. I haven’t had any battery issues or any other issues for that matter.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZCVXQ96?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

It sounds like your lights are wired similar to mine and splicing into your wires towards the rear of your car I think would be simplest, then if you use your rack, plug in your lights mounted to your rack via the plug by your hitch.
I am curious about your electric bikes and hauling them. What carrier are you using? I know the electric bikes are heavy, how well do they ride on the back of your Equinox? Honestly I didn’t even think of that as an option until now!

 

[dosbirn]

I agree with the limited choices and that’s why we also went with the Equinox. So far I am happy with ours. I added a simple shut off switch to my neg. terminal so it’s a quick and easy on or off and I do recommend it. I haven’t had any battery issues or any other issues for that matter.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZCVXQ96?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

It sounds like your lights are wired similar to mine and splicing into your wires towards the rear of your car I think would be simplest, then if you use your rack, plug in your lights mounted to your rack via the plug by your hitch.
I am curious about your electric bikes and hauling them. What carrier are you using? I know the electric bikes are heavy, how well do they ride on the back of your Equinox? Honestly I didn’t even think of that as an option until now!

We have Lectric bikes. They weigh about 65 lbs. each. Lectric recommends removing the batteries while transporting on a hitch rack. In fact, Lectric sells a Hollywood brand hitch rack to use for their bikes.

The bike rack I got is a Cravot CyberRack E2 Plus, rated at 200 lbs. I know that many rack manufacturers say not to use them on a towed vehicle but I specifically messaged them & they said it was fine. It came with a folding loading ramp that makes it so easy, I have even loaded & strapped them down myself (67 yo woman).

Maybe tying into the 4 pin plug with wires running to the battery is the best option after all.

 

[Lee]

The problem is, the bikes cover up the RS brake/taillights & turn signals, especially if we have to cover the bikes for rainy weather.

I would forget about using covers when hauling the bikes.
When we travel with the bicycles on the rack and it rains I just wash them when we reach our destination.

 

[dosbirn]

I would forget about using covers when hauling the bikes.
When we travel with the bicycles on the rack and it rains I just wash them when we reach our destination.

That’s certainly an option but I would still cover the electronic display & shifter.

 

[Lee]

I would still cover the electronic display & shifter.

Those should be waterproof.