Reflectors

[eLink]

It looks as though a lot of teardrops, commercial and homemade, may have tail and side lights, but do not have any reflectors (or very few). As far as I know, they are required by various government agencies.
So what's the story? Are they usually stuck on as an afterthought during registration?
I'm trying to decide if I should just add some reflectors, or replace my current lights with reflector/light combo types (for a cleaner look).

[tony.latham]

I find the federal trailer marking requirements confusing at best (I used two wear a badge). And yes, those federal rules shift over to the states as part of federal highway grant monies.)

Here's what Camp-Inn does:



Vistabule:





Me? We don't tow after dark, and thus its's not an issue--and there's no safety inspection in Idaho.



I have marker lights on the chassis. They're tiny.

Tony

[halfdome, Danny]

I have 3 reflectors at the rear, 2 on the rear of the roof fan, and one on each side of the tongue.
The ones on the fan is for hilly terrain and large trucks.
I also have LED marker lights forward and aft on the fenders and body.
I also have an eye level turn signal on the front of the body to warn others of my intentions.
That light, lights up when I apply the brakes so I can check them while driving.
With all the impaired and cell phone distracted drivers out there the extra effort is well worth it for peace of mind and safety.
Once at a rest stop a trucker thanked me for my 3rd taillight.
Danny

[Tom&Shelly]

We have a different quality of driver here in New Mexico, and we decided they needed all the help we can give them spotting our tear



We put conspicuity tape all along the trailer!

Besides that though, when I realized some marker lights have built in reflectors and some don't, I rejected the ones I'd bought and bought the type with the reflectors. (As you know, they reflect headlights and flashlights even when they aren't on themselves.)

Tom

[twisted lines]

Department of Transportation (DOT), requires all semi-trucks and big rigs to be fitted with retro-reflective tape.
My Dump Trailer Has it.

[S. Heisley]

"Tail" lights have reflectors built into them. Still, I have thought about adding reflectors...haven't done it yet.

[eLink]

Thanks for the responses!

The Camp Inn is a good case in point. I don't see any reflectors on it at all, unless those marker lights have built-in reflex reflective elements.

But in any case, I am reminded by your comments that I should be thinking more about safety and visibility from a realistic viewpoint. My mantra while riding my motorcycle is "see and be seen". Applying that logic to my camper I'm going to go ahead and install side and tail reflectors in addition to the lights. I might even add one to the roof vent (good idea Danny!).

[tony.latham]

Nothing beats a third brake light for visibility.



Tony

[twisted lines]

All light go out with the Fusible link
I have been on that ride, good thing My boss was driving;
and I Was on OT.
Told him the trailer was to heavy I wouldn't do it, Link went with the transmission

[philpom]

My lights have built in reflectors but I have considered adding reflectors on the rear at the top left and right corners. I'm 99% sold on a 3rd break light, I just don't like the idea of more holes in the box (all trailering lights created zero holes to this point) but safety man!

[steve cowan]

Side marker light is in the "wing" at bottom.Added a 2 in. round reflector with a jewel type reflector used on tag mounts in the center of it.