Community Forums

riverforest · 04-18-2019, 01:48 PM

got car on dolly. the magnetic brake lights on rear metal roof held real good when new. now only 2 months later they have lost so much hold power not sure I want to use them anymore. is this a common problem ?

Waiter21 · 04-18-2019, 01:56 PM

I installed a flat four connector under the hood. Same style and wired like the one in the back for towing.

I then made a "Y" cord so I can plug in the tow dolly and toad into the MH.

oldecmech · 04-18-2019, 02:25 PM

I have a set of those purchased in 1995. The magnets seem to be still very strong. The disadvantage I found is that unless both surfaces are perfectly clean, they scratch the toads paint. I am not going to use them on our new toad.

riverforest · 04-18-2019, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waiter21

I installed a flat four connector under the hood. Same style and wired like the one in the back for towing.

I then made a "Y" cord so I can plug in the tow dolly and toad into the MH.

yeah that all sounds like a good plan, but how well do your magnetic lights hold. have they lost their magnetism ?

Waiter21 · 04-18-2019, 04:24 PM

Quote:

but how well do your magnetic lights hold. have they lost their magnetism ?

I don't use them. They don't stick on the car and when they do, they scratch the heck out of the paint.

riverforest · 04-18-2019, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waiter21

I installed a flat four connector under the hood. Same style and wired like the one in the back for towing.

I then made a "Y" cord so I can plug in the tow dolly and toad into the MH.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waiter21

I don't use them. They don't stick on the car and when they do, they scratch the heck out of the paint.

let me see, you don't use the magnet lights, but have it wired so the toad brake lights, light up ???
not sure how to do that, but it would solve my problem.

gvjackson · 04-18-2019, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverforest

... now only 2 months later they have lost so much hold power not sure I want to use them anymore. is this a common problem ?

We used mag lights for our 3 months snowbird trip, Jan to Mar. Held just as good at the end, as the start. Some reviews on Amazon complained of loss of/poor holding power, but we had no indication of a problem. And, you need to look after your finish, for sure, from both the pads & wire chafe.

5spd97 · 04-19-2019, 04:01 PM

I have a parcel tray in the back of our Chevy Spark on which I mounted two flat steel electrical junction box covers (.80 from Lowes). I spray painted them black before I attached them with two small bolts and nuts each. When we tow I snap the magnetic lights onto these plates and the lights are clearly visible through the back window of the toad, i never worry about the wind or the paint getting scratched. I also never worry about the toad battery draining. It takes a minute or so to route the wiring out the passenger door, under the hood and out the front to the trailer hitch. Works great.

ThomB · 04-20-2019, 06:44 AM

We have been using this light for 2 years and about 24K miles and only had one issue with it. That was the day that we disconnected the car and forgot to take it off. The car has an automatic spoiler and my wife heard a lot of ruckus coming from the back before she realized. The magnet kept it attached to the car even when the spoiler deployed.

22’’ Lime Light Wireless Tow Light Bar. When we ordered you just had to specify what plug you needed. I just zip tied it to the RV so it would not fall out ever. I’ve not looked at it in about a year...
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075DHYR65..._6mXUCbNGVFGZX

gvjackson · 04-20-2019, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5spd97

... When we tow I snap the magnetic lights onto these plates and the lights are clearly visible through the back window of the toad, i never worry about the wind or the paint getting scratched...

Great thought. Consider your idea copied! Thanks

riverforest · 04-20-2019, 07:47 PM

I like the light on the parcel tray idea, but I have a nissan cube and the rear windows are deeply tinted. I emailed the company I got the lights from still waiting on reply.

5spd97 · 04-22-2019, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverforest

I like the light on the parcel tray idea, but I have a nissan cube and the rear windows are deeply tinted. I emailed the company I got the lights from still waiting on reply.

The rear glass on my toad is deeply tinted also, but I'm sure they have to be within legal limits. My magnetic lights are led and they are plenty bright and visible. The manufacturer will probably give you some legaleze answer to avoid potential liability. Just hook them up and stand them on the package tray and see what you think.