Anyone have a good source for Scotchlite conspicuity reflective tape? There's some on eBay priced around $.95 a foot (30 ft rolls) shipped. Just wondering if that's the best place to get a good deal.
Also, I notice they make it in two pattern ratios: a 6"/6" white-red, and a 7"/11" white-red. Is one preferred over the other for certain sized trailers? My GN trailer is 18 feet long not counting the 6 foot nose.
Posted 2008-01-27 10:54 AM (#75373 - in reply to #75334) Subject: RE: Conspicuity tape source?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I can't say which one is better. Both of my trailers came with the tape installed. Both are slightly different but work equally well, with no peeling or fading issues. Try the least expensive and see if it fits your needs.
Posted 2008-01-27 12:42 PM (#75379 - in reply to #75375) Subject: RE: Conspicuity tape source?
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by Towfoo on 2008-01-27 10:13 AM
Yeah, looks like eBay has best prices. Still don't know what the reason is different red-white ratios. Anyone have any clues?
The key about the different tapes is the life span of the reflectivity performance. Some will last longer than others. I've heard the 3M brands are better, but I can't say from where. The red/white ratio is governed by DOT
NHTSA Trailer Requirements at a Glance* (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DOT)
Effective 12/1/93, all new trailers 10,000 lb. GVWR, 80" wide and more, must comply with specific conspicuity regulations:
Retroreflective Sheeting: Alternating red/white with each color at a minimum 2" high and 6" to 18" long. One color cannot exceed 2/3 of the total segment.
Side Markings: Red/white 15" to 60" above road or as close as practicable. 3" from any required amber side lamp. Can be broken segments, but evenly distributed to cover 50% of side.
Rear Markings: Red/white full width at 4' above road, and full width on horizontal underride protector. 12" long white sheeting "L" shaped in upper corners. White sheeting must be 3" from any required red lamp
Posted 2008-01-27 1:08 PM (#75382 - in reply to #75379) Subject: RE: Conspicuity tape source?
Veteran
Posts: 296 Location: Tennessee
Weeeelllll.... that source didn't really say anything about the 6"/6" vs. 7"/11". Just said one color can't take up more than 2/3rds of the total segment. I guess it isn't really critical for me as my trailer is under 10,000 GVWR (it's 9,950 to be exact) and isn't required to have the tape. I just wanted to put some on it for added safety, but I don't want to violate some obscure DOT rule by using the wrong kind or something. From what I've read, some of those DOT officers can get kinda persnickety.
Conspicuity tape source?
Alternating red/white with each color at a minimum 2" high and 6"
to 18" long.