Required DOT Lights for a Pop-Up Camper

Updated 04/07/2016 | Published 04/06/2016

Question:

I have recently purchased a 1987 Coleman Sequoia with which I need to repair both of the tail lights. When I was comparing it to my previous 1978 Venture, I noticed that the Venture had significantly more lights than the Coleman. The venture has marker lights on each corner, a set of 5 amber lights along the top in the front and 5 red lights along the top in the back. The Coleman does not have any of these. What is required by the DOT for a pop up camper to have the proper light configuration for highway use?

asked by: Ken R

Expert Reply:

For light requirements you have to look at the total length and width of the trailer along with its gross capacity. The 1987 Coleman Sequoia is 14 feet, 11 inches long and 6 feet, 8 inches wide. That makes the trailer right at 80 inches wide, but less than 30 feet long and the gross weight will be less than 10,000 pounds.

If you go with the under 80 regulations, which is likely how Coleman manufactured this trailer because that is how it is set up then the trailer will need to have:

Back
2 brake lights, 2 tail lights, 2 turn signals (brake and turn signals are on the same circuit on most trailers), 2 rear reflectors, 1 license plate light, 2 rear side marker lights, and 2 rear side reflectors.

Side
2 front side marker lights and 2 front side maker reflectors.

If you go by the over 80 inch regulations (see picture) then the trailer will need to have:

Back
2 brake lights, 2 tail lights, 2 turn signals (brake and turn signals are on the same circuit on most trailers), 2 rear reflectors, 1 license plate light, 2 rear side marker lights, and 2 rear side reflectors.

Side
2 front side marker lights and 2 front side maker reflectors.

Front/Rear Clearance
2 front clearance lights and 2 rear clearance lights

ID Lights
Rear identification lights, usually grouped into a single light bar