What is the Difference Between Over 80 inch and Under 80 inch Trailer Tail Lights

Updated 12/18/2012 | Published 12/15/2012

Question:

I know over 80inch wide trailers require side markers on there fenders or widest points. I would like to know what the difference is in just the lights themselves? I have a small foldup trailer that want to upgrade the lights to ALL LEDs. I like the looks of many of the over 80inch inch tails lights over the under 80inch units. Can I use the over 80inch inch lights on my 4x8 foldup? BTW: I purchased the Hidden Hitch for my Focus Wagon over 5 years ago from E-trailer. Looks really good with the Euopean ball mount installed.

asked by: Jim S

Expert Reply:

A trailer that is over 80 inches wide is required by DOT regulations to have rear clearance lights. An over 80 inch taillight kit, like part # TL16RK, will have the side clearance light built into it. An under 80 inch taillight does not have the clearance light built in and an additional red, rear side marker light would be required if you used an under 80 inch rated light on a trailer that is over 80 inches wide.

Using an over 80 inch taillight on a trailer like yours that is under 80 inches is not a problem and gives you the added safety feature of the side marker light at the rear of the trailer for other drivers to see when the taillights are on.

expert reply by: Robert G

Jim S.

12/17/2012

Fantastik ! I now have more choices to pick from.This information about the side marker light should be in the more information of all the rear tail lights.