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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Optronics Trailer Light Kit for Trailers over 80" Wide - Submersible - 25' Wiring Harness
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- Brake/Tail/Turn
- License Plate
- Marker
- Rectangle
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- Incandescent Light
- 8L x 3W Inch
- Amber
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Shop: Optronics Trailer Light Kit for Trailers over 80" Wide - Submersible - 25' Wiring Harness
- Search Results: trailer lights
- Search Results: boat guide
- Shop: LED Combination Trailer Tail Lights - Submersible - Driver and Passenger Side - 25' Wire Harness
- Search Results: bow roller
- Shop: CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 2" Square Trailer Axles - 4-1/2" Long U-Bolts - Zinc
- Search Results: hitch coupler pin
- Search Results: grease packer
- Search Results: coupler pin
- Search Results: 1/2 pin
- Shop: CE Smith Shackle Bolts with Lock Nuts - 3-1/2" Long - Qty 2
- Shop: etrailer Rust-Resistant 4-Leaf Slipper Spring for 4,300-lb Trailer Axles - 26-1/4" - Dacromet
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: LED Combination Tail Light Kit for Trailers under 80" Wide - Submersible - Driver and Passenger
- Video: Breaking Down the Optronics Trailer Light Kit for Trailers over 80" Wide
- Q&A: Recommended Wood for Bunk Boards on Boat Trailer
- Video: Checking Out the Optronics Trailer Light Kit for Trailers over 80" Wide
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Jacketed 2 Wire (Brake Wire)
- Q&A: Lighting Requirements for Trailer that is over 80 inches in Width
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Review of the Snap-on Reflector Ring for Flange or Surface Mount Trailer Lights
- Video: LED Combination Tail Light for Trailers over 80" Wide Review
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Yates Y-Style Bow Stop for Boat Trailers
- Video: All About the etrailer Spare Tire Mount for Trailer with Angle-Iron Railing
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire Do The Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes 23-47-48 Use?
- Q&A: Wire Gauge for the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Assembly
- Q&A: Is Junction Box Recommended When Installing New Trailer Wiring 7-Way
on Trailer Lights
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.