Community Forums

baraff · 03-26-2013, 04:29 PM

What do you do about illuminating the license plate light on your toad? Or is it even a necessity? I am setting up my Subaru to be towed, is this something I should be concerned with?
I try not to drive at night so this may be a moot point, but curious as to what to do.

legryz · 03-26-2013, 05:00 PM

Really not a concern. Taillights, brakelights and turn signals, that's what's important.

**CLIFFTALL** · 03-26-2013, 05:02 PM

Here's a link to a few threads on the subject.
http://www.google.com/search?q=Toad+...earch=irv2.com

Route 66 · 03-26-2013, 05:58 PM

None of the wiring kits light the license plate. Mine wasn't lit.

view2a.thril · 03-27-2013, 03:36 PM

I added a single tag light in between the OER tag lights. The add-on is wired directly to the running lights cable from the RV. Only the new one lights when towing; only the OER's when driving the toad.

I used diodes to wire the toad's tail lights and turn signals into the RV cable. Space was too tight to do the same for the dual OER tag lights.

Also, the toad's brake lights, including hi-brake light, come on when the brake pedal is pulled by the Invisibrake. Note that this brake light setup will not work in cars that require the ignition key to be on before the brake lights light.

baraff · 03-27-2013, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by view2a.thril

I added a single tag light in between the OER tag lights. The add-on is wired directly to the running lights cable from the RV. Only the new one lights when towing; only the OER's when driving the toad.

I used diodes to wire the toad's tail lights and turn signals into the RV cable. Space was too tight to do the same for the dual OER tag lights.

Also, the toad's brake lights, including hi-brake light, come on when the brake pedal is pulled by the Invisibrake. Note that this brake light setup will not work in cars that require the ignition key to be on before the brake lights light.

Can you tell me where you got the diodes for your toad lights and how were they installed?
Thanks, first time setting up a toad with "hard-wired lighting", always used magnetic lights before..
-Burns

view2a.thril · 03-28-2013, 06:02 AM

Burns,

The kit I used is available from many sources including Camping World. I ordered from Hitchsource.com.
--Roadmaster Kit 154 Universal Wiring Kit with four Hy-Power Diodes.
Installation instructions here.

Check this link for details on lighting choices.
Good luck!
Hamp

bruceisla · 03-28-2013, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

What do you do about illuminating the license plate light on your toad? Or is it even a necessity? I am setting up my Subaru to be towed, is this something I should be concerned with?
I try not to drive at night so this may be a moot point, but curious as to what to do.

Here's what I did .... cheap, portable, no wiring changes to vehicle, works fine.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f85/licen...ad-147962.html

amanda_h · 03-28-2013, 09:28 PM

That's why I like having the battery being charged in the toad when the motorhome engine is running (I have a U.S. Gear Unified Tow Brake). That way, I can turn on the parking lamps on the toad and not only have license plate illumination but side marker lights too while underway.

I use that little switch on the top side of the steering column on a Subaru as it turns on the exterior lights without having to have the ignition switch in the "on" position.

-harry

CampDaven · 03-28-2013, 10:33 PM

I dont really know!
Interesting. I will check mine.
But, then, I'm not allowed out after dark.
By order of me.

Skip426 · 03-28-2013, 10:44 PM

Depends on how the license light gets it's power & where you tap in to power the tail lights. When I wired my toad the diodes went in before the factory spices so one feed from the coach powers both tail lights and the license light.

njs42 · 03-28-2013, 11:06 PM

Last time I went through this conversation I recall that many states require the license plate to be lighted. I think I looked them up.

Frankly, however, I cannot tell you whether or not mine does; haven't worried about it and haven't even looked, because I seldom drive at night. That sounds like you as well, at least your intentions. Technically I suppose it is a good idea, practically speaking as you say---moot.

As for me I only worry about it when someone ask this question, so I'll get a little less sleep tonight, then forget about it by morning, again.

Hope this helps.