Posted 2013-08-27 8:12 PM (#154351) Subject: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
New User
Posts: 3
I am looking for info on installing some type of automotive light on the side fenders of the trailer that will illuminate (steady not blink) when the blinker lights are activated so you can see the area around the trailer tires when turning. Surely something like this exists. The little lights that are installed to light up the license plate aren't quite bright enough and they can't be wired correctly to just stay on while the blinkers are on. Any input greatly appreciated!
Posted 2013-08-27 8:24 PM (#154352 - in reply to #154351) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
They do make side marker lights for trailer fenders They are typically yellow and red you can find them at auto parts stores. I do not believe white lights would be legal. White lights could easily be confused for headlights, which could cause HUGE problems for you and other drivers.
Posted 2013-08-27 8:38 PM (#154355 - in reply to #154352) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
I don't think it would be illegal since it wouldn't be illuminate all the time. Much the same some cars have side illuminators that are activated by turn signals.
That being said, I doubt you'll find something off the shelf ready to do this. If you have a grasp on electronics or know someone who does, you could build a delayed relay circuit that would be kept active by the turn signal pulses. Then connect the relay to a standard tractor flood light or back up light. But you'd also want to incorporate a circuit that would keep the tire lights from coming on when the brake lights are on.
You've got an interesting idea here, it could be very handy, I've never thought of it before. I may have to think on this.
Posted 2013-08-27 8:53 PM (#154358 - in reply to #154351) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
New User
Posts: 3
Thanks for the input. Yes we have the side marker lights but they really don't light up anything. Yes, pulling with the white lights on is out of the question- that's why regular white lights wired into the running lights won't work. I don't know much about electrical stuff - other than what I'd like to happen LOL- but the electricians and technicians at work do so I bring all my issues to them most of the time but this is a tough one.
Posted 2013-08-27 9:01 PM (#154359 - in reply to #154355) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
Originally written by hornet on 2013-08-27 8:38 PM
I don't think it would be illegal since it wouldn't be illuminate all the time. Much the same some cars have side illuminators that are activated by turn signals. That being said, I doubt you'll find something off the shelf ready to do this. If you have a grasp on electronics or know someone who does, you could build a delayed relay circuit that would be kept active by the turn signal pulses. Then connect the relay to a standard tractor flood light or back up light. But you'd also want to incorporate a circuit that would keep the tire lights from coming on when the brake lights are on.You've got an interesting idea here, it could be very handy, I've never thought of it before. I may have to think on this.
I hope I dont see a bright flood light any time soon on the side of a trailer changing lanes or turnign against traffic
Posted 2013-08-27 9:21 PM (#154361 - in reply to #154351) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by akategary on 2013-08-27 8:12 PM
I am looking for info on installing some type of automotive light on the side fenders of the trailer that will illuminate (steady not blink) when the blinker lights are activated so you can see the area around the trailer tires when turning. Surely something like this exists. The little lights that are installed to light up the license plate aren't quite bright enough and they can't be wired correctly to just stay on while the blinkers are on. Any input greatly appreciated!
WHY?...you know that your trailer wheels on a GN will track slightly inside your truck's drive wheels...and since you and the truck just started the turn you already saw that area as you drove by...:)
Posted 2013-08-27 9:31 PM (#154362 - in reply to #154351) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by akategary on 2013-08-27 8:12 PM
I am looking for info on installing some type of automotive light on the side fenders of the trailer that will illuminate (steady not blink) when the blinker lights are activated so you can see the area around the trailer tires when turning. Surely something like this exists. The little lights that are installed to light up the license plate aren't quite bright enough and they can't be wired correctly to just stay on while the blinkers are on. Any input greatly appreciated!
Posted 2013-08-27 9:34 PM (#154363 - in reply to #154351) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Electrically, this is a simple problem. Hornet has the basis of the answer. Use two 12 volt DV "Off delay" triggered by the respective side turn signal. The off delay needs to be a bit longer than the turn signal pulses. You'll want to power the lights from your aux power circuit since the lights to be effective will draw more power than a signal lamp.
If you set it to 2 seconds, it will keep your light on 2 seconds after your last flasher blink.
A bigger problem is when you're going to be using this. You'll have the light aimed at the trailer tire from the front (I guess). Anybody behind or to the side of you will have the light suddenly turned on into their sight. This may be illegal. ... And a distraction to you at highway speed. You'll be watching your tires instead of where you're going.
A better solution is to have a simple switch to turn on the lights (both sides) when your at camp trying to park the rig.
Posted 2013-08-27 9:50 PM (#154365 - in reply to #154361) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
......WHY?...you know that your trailer wheels on a GN will track slightly inside your truck's drive wheels...and since you and the truck just started the turn you already saw that area as you drove by...:)
Posted 2013-08-28 12:27 AM (#154370 - in reply to #154367) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
Originally written by hosspuller on 2013-08-27 10:25 PM
Originally written by Bhill on 2013-08-27 6:56 PM
......A better solution is to have a simple switch to turn on the lights (both sides) when your at camp trying to park the rig.
Most trailers have exterior flood lights .....I dont believe the OP had parking at camp in mind
I think the only use for this set-up IS parking at camp. (for the reasons in my original post on this)
OP = orginal poster ( the person who started this post) I agree with you on camp or parking use only. I believe the OP had other intended uses like general driving and manevering .
Posted 2013-08-28 12:48 AM (#154371 - in reply to #154355) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
Originally written by hornet on 2013-08-27 8:38 PM
I don't think it would be illegal since it wouldn't be illuminate all the time.......
USDOT has specfic colors and allowable locations for lighting on commeical vehicles. If you are non commerical who would want the unnessecary attention of the authorites?http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=393.11
Posted 2013-08-28 10:32 AM (#154380 - in reply to #154351) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
New User
Posts: 3
Great discussion. Thanks all. The original intent of the thread is to help a 15 year old who is very nervous learn how to pull her 3H slant BP trailer and be less worried about making sharp turns at night down one lane very dark gravel roads or through the pasture gates. Bright lights/flood lights were never a consideration. Not going to consider anything that puts out more light that a typical "night light" you would have in a baby's room. Not considering a spot lignt- just soft illumination directed at ground at range of about 2-3 feet from tires only. Would never be used while hauling- only turning/parking.
Posted 2013-08-28 2:30 PM (#154392 - in reply to #154351) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
I think having said 15 year old practice making turns, corners, backing etc. in the daylight, out in the pasture, with some soft cones set up might be a good plan. Learn the feel of how much room is needed, and how the trailer tracks behind the truck, then at night, less worries.
Posted 2013-08-28 2:41 PM (#154394 - in reply to #154380) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by akategary on 2013-08-28 10:32 AM
Great discussion. Thanks all. The original intent of the thread is to help a 15 year old who is very nervous learn how to pull her 3H slant BP trailer and be less worried about making sharp turns at night down one lane very dark gravel roads or through the pasture gates. Bright lights/flood lights were never a consideration. Not going to consider anything that puts out more light that a typical "night light" you would have in a baby's room. Not considering a spot lignt- just soft illumination directed at ground at range of about 2-3 feet from tires only. Would never be used while hauling- only turning/parking.
Instead of crutch, teach the kid how to drive with a trailer...:( Ground effect lighting is illegal in most states when the vehicle is moving... Set up the cones and teach the kid to pass the CDL driving exercises...:)
Posted 2013-08-28 5:00 PM (#154402 - in reply to #154380) Subject: RE: Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by akategary on 2013-08-28 10:32 AM
Great discussion. Thanks all. The original intent of the thread is to help a 15 year old who is very nervous learn how to pull her 3H slant BP trailer and be less worried about making sharp turns at night down one lane very dark gravel roads or through the pasture gates. Bright lights/flood lights were never a consideration. Not going to consider anything that puts out more light that a typical "night light" you would have in a baby's room. Not considering a spot lignt- just soft illumination directed at ground at range of about 2-3 feet from tires only. Would never be used while hauling- only turning/parking.
Turning light that illuminates ground near trailer tires
