Lighting Requirements for an 8-1/2-Foot Wide Trailer for Use in California

Updated 01/28/2015 | Published 01/27/2015

Question:

I have a 25 ft long trailer that is 8.5 ft wide. Do I need to have the center 3 lights on the rear, and side markers? or do I just need the rear tail lights on each side? I live in CA and dont know the laws?

asked by: Andy

Helpful Expert Reply:

You came to the right place.

There are very specific requirements for trailer lighting that depend on the dimensions and gross weight of the trailer. Trailers over 80-inches wide - including yours - have very specific minimum requirements for clearance and marker lights. The linked article explains these requirements in complete detail, with diagrams, and it even includes links to get you to the right items.

I have also provided a link to the main product page for trailer lights. You can use the filters on the page to select the particular lights you need for your trailer.

Keep in mind that LED lights, although more costly than standard incandescent lights, will draw only about 1/10th the power that incandescent bulbs use, and this means that if your trailer requires (or if you prefer) multiple clearance and marker lights their lower power demand will help avoid overloading your Tundra's wiring harness. I have also linked you to our page showing two wiring harness options for your truck.

expert reply by: Adam R