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WVbassmistress's avatar
WVbassmistress
Explorer
May 06, 2014

marker light question

OK..forgive if this is stupid.

My husband totally rebuilt the roof on our little baby Bronco pop up truck camper. So..it is time to replace the marker lights - of course upgrading to LED.
Question #1..is there a specific number of lights required? There were 5 across the back and I would like to eliminate 3 so I can put my awning mount there (VERY limited space back there) That would make 2 red across the back towards the corners, 2 red at the back sidecorners, 2 amber at the front sidecorners and 4 amber across the front. That sound OK?

Question #2..where have you found the best prices for LED lights? And what should I look for. Seems to be a vast assortment. Some are 4 inches wide...some are 2 inches.

Expect more stupid questions. And I will make sure we get pictures. I think he has done a great job.
Truck Campers
  • silversand's avatar
    silversand
    Explorer
    May 06, 2014
    ...never had a single marker light on our pop-up manufactured in 2005.5 (none of the high-end pop-up manufacturers that I know of (costing $22,000+) have them on their units either). Our roof-line is at 8-foot 2-inches (roof closed, of course). Camper width: 87.5 inches (I don't think that there are any truck campers made, pop-up or hard-side, that fit half ton to 1 ton trucks narrower than about 84~87 inches; with jacks off, ~81 inches).

    I had to put reflector tape markers on front of cabover (and, on the 4 jacks) myself. My reasoning is: walkers and cyclists can see the camper jacks as they (and we) drive by them (and us)...I guess I'm just going a step further (ie. being proactive).

    I, too, would like to see the DOT regs on this (both State DOT, and Federal DOT).
  • WVbassmistress's avatar
    WVbassmistress
    Explorer
    May 06, 2014
    Thanks, everyone. I'll have to measure but it would be pushing it to be 80 inches wide. I looked at the new Palomino pop-up TCs and they only have 2 on the corners in the front, but still have a 3 light cluster (excluding the 2 on the corners) along the back *** the ones I was hoping to ditch***. Then again....looking at the charts above, I take it to mean I only need the 2 red lights at the back corners to indicate width. That's my plan and I am sticking to it!!

    Great info!
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    May 06, 2014
    This topic gives me cause to ask an equally stupid question about clearance lights. I've never understood their purpose on truck cabs or camper noses. The fact that they are the primary reason for camper leaks makes it that much harder for me to understand their purpose. From the inside of my truck, they have never illuminated anything that helped me as a driver. If it is supposed to help the "other guy" from hitting me, I'm unclear why they be pointed at the roof of my cab or the nose of my camper.
  • AnEv942's avatar
    AnEv942
    Nomad
    May 06, 2014
    Yes as noted there are DOT requirements. Specifically address and related to physical dimensions, has nothing to do with weights, capacities or commercial-
    http://www.nhtsa.gov/Cars/rules/standards/conspicuity/TBMpstr.html
    If its over 80" & over wide the 3 center ID lights (visualy state presence of wide vehicle 80"+) and corner clearance lights ( visualy show width) are required on both the front and rear. However If truck cab has ID lights not required also on front of box though rear & corner marker lights still are.
    As I read the requirements if under 80" the 3 ID (and outer top corner clearance/marker lights) are not required. Though Id still run the clearance lights just for visibility. Pop up not so much maybe but makes ensuring not hitting something a bit easier.
  • Butch50's avatar
    Butch50
    Explorer
    May 06, 2014
    johnhealey1776 I believe has the answer. I don't believe that it makes any difference whether it is a camper or a semi. If they were not required do you think the manufacturers would install them. Not for a second would they install them. They are all about getting the biggest return on each unit so if they could save the cost of the lights on them they would do it.

    This is IMO.
  • mikeh449's avatar
    mikeh449
    Explorer
    May 06, 2014
    check with dot I think that it is 5 red rear 5 amber front maybe just commercial units
  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    May 06, 2014
    I'm not sure there IS a "requirement" for truckcampers since they're not "vehicles", but I think the same standards for trailer sidemarkers are applied: Amber for front, red for back. (Sides only- taillights fulfill the purpose at the rear.)

    I replaced the (four) sidemarkers on my trailer with LED's I bought at a truck stop. Bought a four pack each of red and amber thinking it smart to have a couple of spares. Cost was about fifteen dollars a pack as I recall.

    Seven years later, I STILL haven't had to swap them out!

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