When you hit the road driving in your trailer, you should take every measure for safety. One very important aspect in this regard is visibility. You need to be sure that your trailer is clearly visible to the other drivers on the road. Lighting has a big role to play in this. No matter if you only need to change just one light bulb or a complete set of them, you want to be sure that you get the job done correctly.
How to determine which lights to install in your trailer?
Every trailer must have proper tail lighting, side lighting, turn signals, and reflectors. To determine which lights your trailer will require, you will have to measure its overall length and width. Apart from this, you will also have to determine whether or not your trailer’s GVWR is more than 10,000 lbs.
Measurement of the trailer’s length. To find out the exact length of your trailer, you must measure starting from the rearmost point on your trailer up to the point that is closest to the vehicle. Make sure you include the coupler and other overhangs in this.
Measurement of the trailer’s width. To find out the width, you will have to measure the widest points of the trailer. This should also include the protruding fenders and other overhangs.
Locating GVWR. You can find the GVWR of the trailer on a label that is either on the frame or tongue of the trailer.
Light requirement
For trailers narrower than 80” and shorter than 30’ in length. These require 2 stoplights, 2 tail lights, 2 rear reflectors, 2 turn signals, 1 license plate light, 2 rear side lighting, 2 rear side reflectors, 2 front side lighting, and 2 front side marker reflectors. If the trailer happens to be less than 6’ in length, you can do away with front side marker reflectors or front side marker lights. Also, if the trailer is narrower than 30”, you will only need 1 tail light, 1 stoplight, and 1 rear reflector. Typically, all of these single lights should be installed in the centre instead of the outer edge.
For trailers wider than or equal to 80”, shorter than 30’ in length, and having GVWR less than or equal to 10,000 lbs. These require 2 stoplights, 2 tail lights, 2 turn signals, 2 rear reflectors, 1 license plate light, 2 rear side lighting, 2 rear side reflectors, 2 front side lighting, 2 front side marker reflectors, 2 front clearance lights, 2 rear clearance lights, and rear identification lights. For trailers that are shorter than 6’ in length, you can do away with front side marker lights or front side marker reflectors.
For trailers wider than or equal to 80”, shorter than 30’ in length, and having GVWR more than 10,000 lbs. These require 2 stoplights, 2 tail lights, 2 turn signals, 2 rear reflectors, 1 license plate light, 2 rear side lighting, 2 rear side reflectors, 2 front side lighting, 2 front side marker reflectors, 2 rear clearance lights, 2 front clearance lights, and rear identification lights.
For trailers longer than or equal to 30’ in length (no matter what the width or GVWR is). These require 2 stoplights, 2 tail lights, 2 turn signals, 2 rear reflectors, 1 license plate light, 2 rear side lighting, 2 rear side reflectors, 2 front side lighting, 2 front side marker reflectors, rear identification lights, 2 intermediate side marker lights, and 2 intermediate side marker reflectors.
These are all the light requirements that you should necessarily keep in mind when buying trailer lights. Following these guidelines is very important to ensure complete safety while driving on the road.
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julia williams Joined: October 14th, 2019 Articles Posted: 4
