R69RAG1
HILLSBORO MO.
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Joined: 10/12/2009
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I have working lights on my tow dollie,do i need lights on the dinghy as well working,while being towed?
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LarrynBarb
NE Kansas
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Joined: 01/15/2005
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We towed with the same set up as you described, for three years and nearly 20K miles. We never had any functional lights on the dingy and never had any problems what so ever. You will hear some people say that you must have seperate lighting on the dingy and that some states actually require it. Can't speak about every state but we ask in several states and in each the authorities said that it was not required.
As long as your dolly lights are visible and operational I would not worry about anything more than that.
Larry
05 Fleetwood Discovery, 39J
07 Ford Explorer, Sport Trac, 4 x 4
Blue Ox baseplate, Ready Brute Towbar w/built
in supplemental surge brake system
FMCA, Good Sam's, Golden Age Passport
Served Proudly US Army 1959 - 2006
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Bumpyroad
Virginia
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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in many states tail lights are required within X ft of the rear of the tow and must be visible from the sides. your lights on dolly don't qualify. Can you get by without them, yes. just don't run across a cop that needs one more ticket for that months quota. 
bumpy
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nelson
Clio,Mi USA
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Joined: 07/01/2002
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Might not be needed but I always used a light bar on the back of toad when using dolly.
2002 Damon Challenger 348 Ford V10
Blue Ox Auto Stop and Aventa II Tow Bar
2001 Ford Sport Trac with Remco Driveshaft Disconnect
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TXiceman
(Near) Houston,TX
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Joined: 11/17/2000
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When we were dolly towing a dingy, I wired the lights to the rear of the vehicle. In my opinion, it is much safer than the dolly lights. Also ran the clearance light son the dinghy.
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with two miniature Schnauzers and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
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texasbaskets
Frisco, TX
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Joined: 10/06/2003
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In Texas:
Towed vehicle lighting requirements. (I used magnetic lights, but define a towed vehicle as you wish).
Michael, Kay, and Prissy (The vicious Malti-Poo)
'05 Coachmen SportsCoach SE 372DS a.k.a.  "Mana's Cabana"
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BarneyS
S.E. Lower Michigan
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Moved to Dinghy Towing forum from Towing.
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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Joined: 06/28/2003
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In Montana, IIRC, the requirement is that if the load extends more than 2 feet behind the lights, a red flag or lights or reflectors are required on the END of the load. Keep in mind that such laws are NOT covered by Reciprocity Agreements, and you MUST comply with the laws regarding lights in every state you enter.
Come to think of it, if the dolly lights are adequate for the loaded vehicle, why are lights needed on a four down towed? Shouldn't the lights of the motorhome be adequate?
CM1, USN (RET)
'94 Dodge 3500 4X2 CTD, 5 speed, 4.10 LS diff., Jacobs Rambrake, 274,000 Miles
'99 Monaco McKenzie 32' triple slide
'95 Tioga 29H Ford-based Class C
Daily driver: '08 Subaru Outback
Towed: '06 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited/Load Trail 16' flatbed
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dbates
Marion, Indiana
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Joined: 02/05/2006
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Indiana does not require them on the toad if the dolly is properly lit, but for my own peace of mind I purchased a set of magnetic tail light, wired in a license plate light and attach them if I'm forced into pulling after dusk. In 5 years & 32,000 miles I've only needed them once (just don't drive RV after dusk).
As you can see from the below map I've been in quite a few states & none have pulled me over for not having brake lights in the toad.
Dave
Plus New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island & Nova Scotia
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Foggy
Kalamazoo Mi. U.S.A.
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You may not need lights but the idiot behind you who is half asleep with his brain in his cell phone might. I always use lights on whatever I'm towing.
Happy-Trails
Foggy
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