What Reflector and Clearance Lights do I Need for My 6 x 12 Dump Trailer?

Updated 01/27/2025 | Published 01/23/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Optronics Thinline LED Trailer Fender Light w/ Bracket - Submersible - 10 Diodes - Amber/Red Lens

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Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 16-14 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 10

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LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light w/ Reflex Reflector- 3 Diodes - White Base - Amber Lens

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LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light w/ Reflex Reflector - 3 Diodes - White Base - Red Lens

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Trailer Reflector - Adhesive Backing - Rectangle - Red - 3-1/8" x 1-3/8"

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Optronics 6" Long Silver/ 6" Long Red Conspicuity Reflective Tape - 150' - Perforated

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Question:

Hello, I need to add clearance lights and side marker lights to a 6 x 12 dump trailer. Please send part recommendations.

asked by: Kurt K

Expert Reply:

Hello Kurt,

I can definitely help you out with the right clearance and side markers for your 6 x 12 dump trailer.

I attached an image to reference for the lights/reflectors, these are the DOT requirements:

- Rear reflector (#4 on diagram) 2 of the # PE72ER

- Rear-side marker light/reflector (#6a/6b) 2 of the # MCL32RB

- Front Side marker light/reflector (#7a/7b) 2 of the # MCL32AB

You will want to use at least 16 gauge wire and some butt connectors like # DW05744-10. Don't forget to grab some # FAS59FR to seal it all up. I attached an install video as well to use as reference for the install. You said you just needed the clearance and side markers so I didn't suggest the other lights. If you need those as well please let me know so I can get you some more part numbers.

One last thing, the reflector tape is not required for your dump trailer due to the size but if you wanted a roll anyway # RTR15066PB. It is only required for dump trailers that weigh more than 10,000 pounds and are wider than 80 inches must have reflective tape. I included an image that a customer shared with us to check out.

If you have any questions about the install, please let me know. Let me know how everything turns out once the project is finished.

expert reply by: Kate F

DOT requirements for lights/reflectors for trailers less than 80" wide and less than 30' long.
(click to enlarge)

Reflector tape on dump trailer.
(click to enlarge)

Kurt

1/23/2025

Hi Kate, Thank you for the suggestions. However, my trailer doesn't have good locations to mount those style of lights. The first picture of the dump trailer shows a combination side marker clearance light on a bracket. Do sell a similar light and bracket which with 180 degree visibility so only 4 lights need to be mounted instead of 8?

Kate F.

1/24/2025

@Kurt Hey Kurt, we do have light boxes but we do not have one like in the picture. That is an angled light bracket and usually comes with the trailer when you purchase. I was able to do a Google search and find a couple. Do you currently have brake lights on there? We have combo brake lights like # TLL9RK that would at least give you the side reflector. Our clearance light are going to require making the holes to put them in. If you do get a side angle bracket it will most likely need to be welded on. So it's really just figuring out what route to go. Do you currently have any wiring on the trailer, or are you starting from scratch?

Kurt

1/24/2025

@KateF Hi Kate, the trailer has rear lights for brakes and turn signals. It does not have any front side marker or clearance lights. I was thinking about using lights with either bracket BK55BB or BK45BB. Do you have any lights that have a wide of angle where it would function as front clearance and side marker lights? I'd prefer to only have to mount 2 brackets for the front clearance and side marker lights instead of 4.

Kate F.

1/27/2025

@Kurt Hey Kurt, out of the 2 brackets you mentioned I would go with the # BK55BB and then you will need to add the grommet # A56GB, and then for clearance/side marker lights you want # MCL157RB for red and # MCL157AB for amber. For the wiring you would want # A46PB, this pigtail will plug-in directly into the back of the lights. This is definitely going to be your best option with brackets. The brackets do not come with the hardware, so you will need some self-tapping screws like # FA1131822. Please let me know what you end up going with and how it turns out when it's finished.