docking lights activated when backing and signaling turn,?

[Kiethco]

I bought Atwood docking lights and wanted to use them for backing and also for lighting the area next to the coach while signaling for a lane change. The American Eagles that use the Cadillac headlights had this feature built into them.
Has anyone done this or is it feasible?

[Kiethco]

I didn't have the idea to flood the entire aft area. In mounting them in the wheel skirt to raw the back of the tire. There's a running light/turn indicator light in front of the tire. I thought it'd be useful for late night turns and to give a little more warning to someone sneaking into the lane at the last second like they do. But now that I think about it, I think I'll just use em with back up lights on.

[RoyB]

If you have STATE DOT SAFETY INSPECTIONs this may not fly... All kinds of DOT rules for mounting lights on the rear of the trailer... You can mount all you want on the rear sides of the trailer but not on the rear wall or bumper unless they are DOT type approved lights and lense and only come ON when you go into reverse.

I have no idea what the rules are for lighting up the TURN LANE with external lights... If it is going to blind on-coming traffic I suspect it will not be approved...

I had to remove my BUMPER REAR LIGHTS on the spot during my yearly Safety Inspection or fail inspection. DOT Inspection did not say mounting lights was not allowed just that I was not using DOT approved types.

Install was similar to these shown in this GOOGLE Image.


Mine were wired to come ON from a switch instead of going to REVERSE using the tow vehicle. I also did not have an DOT number etched into the lense.

I am NOT an armchair attorney - Just a poor corn field hick from Horse Creek Country in Illinois.

Just saying... Check with your local DOT State Inspection Station before spending a bunch of monies...

Roy Ken

[wing_zealot]

Lighting the lane next to you is probably illegal; if not it should be. Yes it is feasible, you would have to use relays. Not knowing anything about what you trying to put lights on, what the specifics of the lights are, where you're mounting them, etc. I would recommend if you had to ask the question, you probably need more personal advice from a qualified tech.

[GordonThree]

I'm sure the armchair attorneys will give you advice on how terribly illegal this solution is, and you'll probably end up on the FBI's TOP 10 terrorist watch list for it, but...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12v-4-channels-on-off-relay-remote-control-switch-wireless-key-fob-RM104-/40...

This is what I used to control my landing lights, two flood lights behind my trailer, one in the front, and the clearance lights themselves.

You need to tap into your 12v system, and wire one or more lights to each relay. Keep the key fob up in the cab with you. When it's time to land, push a button and let there be light.

Wired into the backup switch on your transmission is perhaps more proper, but the lights turn off each time you shift out of reverse. I guess everyone else can land with a single backup maneuver but it takes me 2-3 back and forth pulls to get lined up just right.