How to Install a License Plate Light on a Cargo Carrier for Use in California
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Optronics LED Trailer License Plate Light w/ Bracket - 5 Diodes - Clear Lens
- Trailer Lights
- License Plate Lights
- Rectangle
- Surface Mount
- Non-Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 8-5/8L x 3-1/4W Inch
- White
- Optronics
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Wesbar 4-Pole Flat Connector w/ Jacketed Cable - Trailer End - 4' Long
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- Wesbar
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs for Coil Spring Suspension
- Shop: Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear
- Shop: Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs for Coil Spring Suspension - Rear Axle
- Shop: Optronics LED Trailer License Plate Light w/ Bracket - 5 Diodes - Clear Lens
- Shop: etrailer License Plate and LED Tail Light Mounting Kit for Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier
- Shop: Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear
- Shop: Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear
- Q&A: Attaching License Plate to Cargo Carrier
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Search Results: hitch tightener
- Search Results: cargo carrier license plate
- Search Results: hitch stabilizer
- Search Results: hitch cargo carrier bag
- Search Results: license plate lights
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Vehicle Suspension Upgrades
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Rear Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers Review
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: hitch
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Best Way to Prevent Sagging Suspension When Towing a Trailer
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Roof Rack
on Trailer Wiring
