bskimmer
Beaumont, Tx
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Joined: 08/14/2004
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I am concerned about wiring our new Smart car for towing. There is not enough room in tailight assembly for and independant system. So, I am wondering if there is any problem with the diode arrangement assuming it is done correctly. I could use a magnetic light bar but am concerned about sctatching the paitned surface on our new car.
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LaszloP
Tomball, TX
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Joined: 04/18/2006
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I wired a Honda Accord so cannot speak specifically regarding a Smart. But in hindsight, after the time and money I spent getting it connected, I would probably just go with the wireless (non-evasive) setup found here:
Wireless Tow Light Bar
It has suction cups which would not damage your finish.
If you still choose to connect via wire, I found this quite helpful.
Wiring Diagram
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garym114
Bluff Dale, Texas
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Joined: 07/24/2006
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Really no issue. There are a many diode wired toads following their MH around. I did my CRV myself.
2000 Sea Breeze F53 V10 - CR-V Toad
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admiral0647
Illinois
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Joined: 01/31/2008
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I used wired magnetic lights for about 6 months. The wires along the body of the car slapped in the wind and scratched the finish. The magnets also scratched the finish.
I got a diode kit and had my car dealer install it two years ago. No problems since.
I started with nothing... and have most of it left.
Damon Challenger 377c
Toyota Yaris Dingy
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JUrban
Delaware
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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I don't know why so many people are so afraid of diodes. They are extremely easy to install, they have no moving parts, are sealed from moisture and work without anyone even knowing they're there. The only problems I've ever had in over 100,000 miles of towing was that a wire came off one of the diode pins, probably due to a very rough road. Less than 5 minutes to fix and no tools or parts necessary. Use doides.
John
2008 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40' QSP
2006 Chevrolet Colorado Toad
BlueOx Aventa LX Tow Bar
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brobox
Sunny SW. Florida
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Joined: 11/18/2003
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I have had diode kits on my last 2 toads and never a problem. I bought my kits from Blue Ox, but our local hitch shop will do it cheaper as he buys his diodes in bulk. I didn't find this out until I had him install my kit.
Chuck
02 Travel Supreme, 2 street side slides
09 Toyota Tacoma 2WD
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JnJnKatiebug
NW Arkansas River Valley
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Joined: 10/14/2009
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Diodes here and no problems. I did the install myself. Bought the diodes online, 4 for $15. My Tacoma has a tube frame, I used some stiff wire to pull the light wires thru the frame from front to back. The entire process took about 2 hours. I also put a trailer plug at the rear of my Tacoma connected to the wires from the MH. I built a bike rack for the receiver hitch and put lights on the rack as well. When I have the bike rack on the toad I just plug it in and have lights on the toad as well as the bike rack.
2003 HR Endeavor 38PST
2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
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JerryofWV
Charleston, WV
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Joined: 11/17/2005
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We installed diodes in my friend's Tracker about three years ago. They are still working fine.
We got the Diodes at Radio Shack for $.89 each.
Jerry & Dee Dee Pauley
1998 Pace Arrow 36S, 1 Slide, 1 Tag, 1 Triton V10, 2012 KIA Soul Toad
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything they have.
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