Using trailer plug for lights

[Riviot]

Problem: RTT over bed + bikes on hitch rack = terrible brake light visibility

Solution: modify Thule T2 Classic and add a light bar for a mere $60 that plugs into the trailer plug (fun project, I'm pretty proud of this one!)

Questions: What will plugging something into trailer plug, without towing, do? Does the light still work when not in tow mode? If tow mode is required for lights, assuming range estimate becomes unreliable, does it affect actual power consumption?

Pics to come Friday when I test it going to work!

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[Soju1]

Subbed

 

[electruck]

My recollection of past reports, perhaps incorrect or outdated, are that the vehicle forces you into tow mode as soon as you plug something in. I'm sure someone with first hand experience will soon chime in to confirm or refute this info.

 

[jjswan33]

As I understand it does indeed force tow mode and limits things like D+.

There is a way but it’s not pretty, I will be removing it immediately if/when Rivian releases their brake light accessory.

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/rooftop-tents-blocking-brake-lights-chmsl.5014/

 

[Riviot]

As I understand it does indeed force tow mode and limits things like D+.

There is a way but it’s not pretty, I will be removing it immediately if/when Rivian releases their brake light accessory.

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/rooftop-tents-blocking-brake-lights-chmsl.5014/

That's the post I was looking for! I ended my rabbit hole down the towing thread.

 

[Thedude]

It does not force you into tow mode. It will pop up a window asking if you want to go into tow mode but you can select no and remain in any other drive mode.

 

[Riviot]

It does not force you into tow mode. It will pop up a window asking if you want to go into tow mode but you can select no and remain in any other drive mode.

I noticed that testing the lights, but never clicked No/cancel. If you go into other modes, do they still work?

 

[Thedude]

I didn’t pin anything out with a multimeter but I also don’t recall the trailer lights turning off when I went out of tow mode. I would swap to sport/lowest every time before unhitching to not have to raise the trailer tongue as high and did it in the dark a couple times a week all winter.

If you have a multimeter it would be a quick and simple check.

 

[Ozmt]

It does not force you into tow mode. It will pop up a window asking if you want to go into tow mode but you can select no and remain in any other drive mode.

It fits force tire mode defaults though. No parking sensors, no rear cross traffic, no cruise control

 

[Dark-Fx]

It does not force you into tow mode. It will pop up a window asking if you want to go into tow mode but you can select no and remain in any other drive mode.

Unless something has changed recently, by plugging something in, it still disables all of the sensors at the rear of the vehicle that would get upset by there being a trailer present. You can select whatever mode you want but those sensors stay disabled.

 

[Riviot]

Unless something has changed recently, by plugging something in, it still disables all of the sensors at the rear of the vehicle that would get upset by there being a trailer present. You can select whatever mode you want but those sensors stay disabled.

Is that any different from enabling Rear Accessory with a rack on back? Driver+ still works with that on.

 

[kylealden]

Is that any different from enabling Rear Accessory with a rack on back? Driver+ still works with that on.

Yes, it is different. (Speaking from experience because I do this all the time.) There's "Towing Mode" the drive mode, which is separate from "towing", the state the vehicle thinks it's in when you have something connected to the 7-pin port.

You can opt out of the Towing drive mode and all the other drive modes work fine (including suspension adjustments, range estimates, etc.). And yes, the brake lights will still operate (including reverse, turn signals, etc.) in any drive mode you choose.

However, you'll still lose:

1. Driver+ (Highway Assist)
2. Automatic emergency braking
3. Traffic aware cruise control
4. Blind spot warnings
5. Side and rear proximity sensors

Regardless of drive mode these features won't work with brake lights connected to the hitch.

Rivian has said they'll fix this; I'm eager for it.

 

[jjswan33]

Rivian has said they'll fix this; I'm eager for it.

Me too.. Either this or the 3rd brake light accessory (speculation I hear is that will be bluetooth/battery based). I'd love to have the option to remove my camper without taking the bed apart.

 

[kylealden]

Me too.. Either this or the 3rd brake light accessory (speculation I hear is that will be bluetooth/battery based). I'd love to have the option to remove my camper without taking the bed apart.

I'm hoping it's both - I would love the accessory for my tent, but I also have brake lights on my bike rack because my bike wheels can hide the main brake lights from some angles; I don't need another CHMSL for that, I just need to be able to use my rack lights without nerfing my car ?

 

[Riviot]

However, you'll still lose:

1. Driver+ (Highway Assist)
2. Automatic emergency braking
3. Traffic aware cruise control
4. Blind spot warnings
5. Side and rear proximity sensors

All I want is 1 and 3, they can keep the rest!

Doesn't Rear Accessory take 4 and 5?

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