No Backup Lights? Seriously? On a new Voltage?

VCToyhauler · 07-11-2015, 02:37 PM

I can't believe it could even be legal that these things don't come with white backup lights on the back bumper with the brake and turn signal lights! Doesn't EVERY vehicle on the road have these to even be legal?

I spent yesterday upgrading my new 2015 3800 to safe and legal status. I will post pics and instructions on the mods thread when I have a chance.

**wahoonc** · 07-11-2015, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VCToyhauler

I can't believe it could even be legal that these things don't come with white backup lights on the back bumper with the brake and turn signal lights! Doesn't EVERY vehicle on the road have these to even be legal?

I spent yesterday upgrading my new 2015 3800 to safe and legal status. I will post pics and instructions on the mods thread when I have a chance.

No. Back up lights are not required on trailers. For the longest time the only ones that came with them were Airstreams or other "premium" trailers.

Aaron

bennett · 07-11-2015, 09:22 PM

Our old Next Level had them and they were fantastic. Now I have to go into the coach and turn on the back lights if backing up in the dark.

VCToyhauler · 07-12-2015, 12:06 AM

It took a day but is not hard to do. You will find the yellow reverse/backup wire in the wire box behind the pin, where all the wires from the plug coming from the truck are wire nutted to the wires going back to the coach. That wire was in a wire nut by itself, not going to anything.

I ran a wire from there to the back bumper, which of course was half the job. Got some good USA made DOT approved white light bars from Amazon for about $30. Works great!

donzinger · 07-12-2015, 09:44 AM

My father in laws Suites throws on all the scare lights when I he throws it in reverse. I have 4 cube style LEDs I plan to install for reverse lights. I have the wire ran from the yellow pigtail connector into the generator comprtment. Plan to finsh this one soon. Two of the cubes going on the rear and the other two just ahead of the tires angled out slightly so I can see where the tires are as well.

ewacowboy · 07-12-2015, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donzinger

My father in laws Suites throws on all the scare lights when I he throws it in reverse. I have 4 cube style LEDs I plan to install for reverse lights. I have the wire ran from the yellow pigtail connector into the generator comprtment. Plan to finsh this one soon. Two of the cubes going on the rear and the other two just ahead of the tires angled out slightly so I can see where the tires are as well.

Don,
Please share in the show off your mods thread when you get it done please

Pirate · 07-13-2015, 01:57 AM

You know, of all the camp trailers, equipment trailers, utility trailers, dump trailers...I've owned...not a single one had back-up lights.

Hmmm....

Pirate

donzinger · 07-13-2015, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewacowboy

Don,
Please share in the show off your mods thread when you get it done please

Sure will. Not sure when that might be as we are in full swing with camping each weekend...

sundancer 87 · 07-13-2015, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirate

You know, of all the camp trailers, equipment trailers, utility trailers, dump trailers...I've owned...not a single one had back-up lights.

Hmmm....

Pirate

Reverse lamps simply are not required on trailers. Won't see 'em on boat trailers or semi trailers either.

You can bet that if it's not a requirement it won't be there.

Trailer Poster Table for Website

VCToyhauler · 07-14-2015, 04:37 AM

Thanks for the feedback! This is my 5th trailer, the longest, yet in my case, the first one without backup lights, so I was surprised, especially for a rig this length.. Even more surprised to find it is not a requirement. Too late to tone down the title of the thread, but will be happy to show how it's done if anyone needs.

Pirate · 07-14-2015, 02:57 PM

Well, another thought...

Back up lights on a car or pick up are there to provide the driver with more illumination when backing in the dark. In that case they can be very helpful!!

As an indicator to other drivers that you are backing up....mmmm...helpful, but watching everything as you drive will provide better information.

So put a set of backup lights on a trailer, what does that gain you? Really can't see anything behind the trailer, even with light, as you back.

Backup camera? Now there is some useful information, but only if the camera has a "low light" capability.

The best solutions...

Have someone back at the end of the trailer that provides you with information as you back. We use 2-way radios.

Get out and survey the situation carefully. Then set small reflective cones where you must stop.

And perhaps best...as we do...don't back the big Voltage at night. Get there early enough to set up in daylight.

Just my thoughts...

Pirate

RVNevada · 07-14-2015, 04:54 PM

Pirate, I'm with you, I was so worried about the trailer when I backed up and had my wife watching for me, I turned and my Truck hit a Light pole right in the drivers door, The light pole was in the stall in front of ours......Night time is not the time to do any moving.....

donzinger · 07-14-2015, 04:56 PM

Agreed that daytime is best. But for the miniscule cost, I'll add my lights. Use it once and it will be worth it. I don't always have the luxury of arriving during the day.

Pirate · 07-15-2015, 03:02 AM

Don,

What kind of light are you going to add?

I have some LED lights on my RZR that light up the night and then some.

You could mount a pair, about $135, at the top corners of the back, see everything.

Here's where I got mine for the RZR:

LED Off-Road Light Kit for Polaris Ranger XP, HD, HO, Deluxe, RZR, Crew, Diesel, Can-Am Commander, Maverick, Max, Yamaha Rhino, Viking, Kawasaki Teryx, Mule, Arctic Cat Prowler, Wildcat, Honda Big Red MUV, Pioneer

Pirate

donzinger · 07-15-2015, 07:28 AM

I have a 30" light bar for the rear and a pair of cubes for near the tires. It'll light up the night. Sometimes when we camp we leave from work to get there that night so the lights will be handy. Plus I'm just that way - can't leave well enough alone. If you seen my truck or my RZR, you'd understand...maybe

Pirate · 07-15-2015, 10:28 AM

Don, so you're like me. My RZR is about, oh, 5% original...maybe????

Voltage is beginning to become the same....

As my wife says...."you Engineers just can't leave anything alone". Yeah, well what's the big deal????

Pirate

donzinger · 07-15-2015, 10:31 AM

Improvements we call it! LOL

VCToyhauler · 07-16-2015, 07:58 PM

Also I wanted to make sure that anyone behind me knew if I was coming backwards, at service stations, parking lots, general traffic situations. They were only $28 at Amazon, U.S. Made, dot approved, bright!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o04_s00

**wahoonc** · 07-16-2015, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VCToyhauler

Also I wanted to make sure that anyone behind me knew if I was coming backwards, at service stations, parking lots, general traffic situations. They were only $28 at Amazon, U.S. Made, dot approved, bright!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o04_s00

I would add a back up alarm that can be switched off too. I put one off a D-9 Cat dozer on my Ford F-350 dually, I happened to be in town and met my wife at Lowe's, she puts the truck in reverse and people were scrambling to get out of the way.

Aaron

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