Tow dolly tail lights?

Wonderdog1 · 03-02-2020, 06:27 PM

I have decided to use a tow dolly to drag our toad around.

Are the tow dolly tail lights “only” legal or do the toad tail lights need to work as well? I know it would be safer to have both, but was just wondering?

Thanks

mdka99 · 03-02-2020, 07:21 PM

I think you could just do the trailer but I did the toad also.

emiddleb · 03-02-2020, 07:51 PM

What is truly "legal" is on a state-by-state basis. You need to check your states rules and those states you plan to drive through, as there is NOT reciprocity on towing laws. You must be legal for where you are driving regardless of what your home state requires.

You can always put a set of the magnetic tail lights on the trunk of your toad (it's what I do) to be safer, and I believe it would make you legal everywhere.

Reniram · 03-02-2020, 07:51 PM

I don't think they are required by law, I do have a set of magnetic stick on lights for my car but there is only plastic around the rear and I can't stick them on the roof with the convertible top..I usually run with my lights on all the time and to have any added rear lights would always be a good idea especially when travelling at night.

be happy · 03-03-2020, 04:48 AM

I am going to say that the dolly lights are all that is needed. My reasoning is that if additional lights were needed the dolly mfg. would have installed plugs for additional lights. I have towed with a dolly for many miles and it as not been an issue. Going into and out of Canada nothing was said.
Good luck, go with the dolly lights and enjoy the experience.

**ThomB** · 03-03-2020, 06:29 AM

I agree that the dolly lights are enough but if you decide that you want more we went with a TowMate Light like this. I didn’t want to have to wire up the car to have lights and this has worked well for us for 3 years. Towmate TM22G 22" Wireless Tow Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DIDAZZG..._3TLxEbSE06XC4 They will send you whatever end that you need to plug into the RV but I’m guessing if you did something like this you’d have to wire in a double plug at the RV.

AJMike · 03-03-2020, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThomB

I agree that the dolly lights are enough but if you decide that you want more we went with a TowMate Light like this. I didn’t want to have to wire up the car to have lights and this has worked well for us for 3 years. Towmate TM22G 22" Wireless Tow Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DIDAZZG..._3TLxEbSE06XC4 They will send you whatever end that you need to plug into the RV but I’m guessing if you did something like this you’d have to wire in a double plug at the RV.

That looks interesting but it plugs into the same RV hitch socket that the tow dolly plugs into, so how to you use both? Is there some split pigtail that you can use? Or is that what you meant by wiring in a double plug for the RV?

Wonderdog1 · 03-03-2020, 06:59 AM

Thanks for everyone’s replies. I’m quite sure l will use working tail lights on the toad when towing. I was just curious.

This is a GREAT forum where one can come for info and advice and it’s folks like you that make it so!

Thanks!

mdka99 · 03-03-2020, 04:30 PM

I used a Hopkins 559999 universal wiring kit. works slick and a splitter makes all the lights work.

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-55999...words=hm+55999

**ThomB** · 03-03-2020, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJMike

Is there some split pigtail that you can use? Or is that what you meant by wiring in a double plug for the RV?

You would either need to make one or see if there is one available, yes.