Question for Mountain Bikers; RE hitch mount bike racks

[Jernik]

We have a Yakima hold up, and have been pleased with it. However, I noticed our 29ers when loaded block the brake/turn signal lights on the 4Runner to some degree. So, I went to Harbour Freight and bought a cheap set of magnetic tow vehicle lights (on sale for $8.88!), cut the wires to length, and have a semi-custom fit run/brake/turn signal light solution. However, the lights have to come off when bikes are off and I want to fold up the rack. Thus my question...

Have any of you custom made a lighting solution for your bike rack? I was thinking about some small trailer LED lights possibly mounted on an angle bracket and permanently attached to the Yakima. This way the wiring would be contained, and lights would fold with the rack when not carrying bikes. I'd considered the idea of putting the lights on a hinge, so they'd still be visible when the rack was folded, but I'm not sure I really like that idea - I'm having a hard time envisioning it looking nice and not like a low class hack job. If you have installed lights on your rack, care to share pics?

 

[ridefast]

This has also been on the back of my mind for several years. I am going to find something similar to this that can be attached to my rack. Something low profile that isn't and eye soar. Id hate to look like inspector gadget out there.


http://www.amazon.com/Tailgate-Light-White-Reverse-Lights/dp/B003BL1H0M

 

[Jernik]

Not a bad idea, but I think finding the right length is the challenge there. 60" is way too long, I don't recall the width of my rack, but it's probably closer to 46" or so.

I'd also considered wiring up some bright white lights for added visibility in reverse at night as well. I ran out of time for our trip, so I got those cheap magnetic lights. They work, but definitely don't look that great.

 

[Bigshankhank]

Id say you're overthinking this. I have both a hitch mounted bicycle rack and a hitch mounted dirtbike rack I have used on both my trucks and my Jeep and intend to use on my Runner. With the 3rd brake light up above everything and the spoked wheels allowing enough light from the left and right indicators to pass through I don't see this being a problem.

That being said, depending on the construction of your rack if you have enough flat space you could cut holes and mount a pair of 2-3" round LED accessory taillights into the rack.