Safety Feature

LKicklight · 01-10-2014, 03:49 PM

We have noticed in our camping experiences, that there seems to be a problem with Travel Trailers and 5th Wheel Campers as well, there are not turn signal lights on the sides of these coach's, only clearance lights. With that said, I am having some LED's installed on both sides of out coach half way down both sides.
If you are driving along side one of these coach's when one is preparing to make left or right hand turn, you would never know it unless you were either behind the coach are right behind the tow truck!

**ependydad** · 01-10-2014, 04:01 PM

Interestingly- I do have a side coach light, but it doesn't flash with my turn signals.

Lloydg · 01-10-2014, 09:31 PM

Sounds like a good idea. How are you planning on doing your wiring? How do you reach the control wires without causing a bunch of damage?

LKicklight · 01-10-2014, 10:03 PM

This past year while at the FROG Rally in Goshen, just happen to take a plant tour of the Crusader's being built, saw how and where the wiring is run, pretty straight forward as most of the wiring in run under the coach along the frame rails. Taking a few pieces of bottom covering loose will reveal the wiring running back to the turn signals and brake lights, piece a cake, have worked on more difficult projects:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloydg

Sounds like a good idea. How are you planning on doing your wiring? How do you reach the control wires without causing a bunch of damage?

Oaklevel · 01-10-2014, 10:04 PM

It does sound like a good idea I have never seen or had a trailer that had them. Are you adding separate lights for this.

LKicklight · 01-10-2014, 10:17 PM

Having someone like Atlanta Specialty Vehicles is an answer to prayer, this is as easy fix as the wiring runs along the frame rails from front to rear:

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

Interestingly- I do have a side coach light, but it doesn't flash with my turn signals.

wrvond · 01-10-2014, 10:52 PM

My truck has turn signals in the mirrors, easily seen all the way from the back corner of the camper.

**dcheatwood** · 01-10-2014, 11:00 PM

Might check state laws on vehicle lighting. May need to be a certain color, height or flashing/nonflashing. Street side markers are a good idea. Good luck.

MOD Guy · 01-10-2014, 11:01 PM

I agree! I added this feature to out last Trailer (Starcraft Hybrid), and have also added it to our current camper. I really like having them, and do feel that they help.

LKicklight · 01-11-2014, 10:26 AM

Yep, could spend 40K for a new truck that has them, or twenty bucks and do it myself, let me think about that, 40K vs 20 bucks, think I will go with the 20 bucks, probably last longer as well: Thanks for the tip

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrvond

My truck has turn signals in the mirrors, easily seen all the way from the back corner of the camper.

**Platokidd** · 01-11-2014, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrvond

My truck has turn signals in the mirrors, easily seen all the way from the back corner of the camper.

X2 on turn light in mirrors!

wrvond · 01-11-2014, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LKicklight

We have noticed in our camping experiences, that there seems to be a problem with Travel Trailers and 5th Wheel Campers as well, there are not turn signal lights on the sides of these coach's, only clearance lights. <snip>
If you are driving along side one of these coach's when one is preparing to make left or right hand turn, you would never know it unless you were either behind the coach are right behind the tow truck!

Or, you could just notice it may not be quite the problem you think it is for everybody else.

bubbles · 01-11-2014, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LKicklight

We have noticed in our camping experiences, that there seems to be a problem with Travel Trailers and 5th Wheel Campers as well, there are not turn signal lights on the sides of these coach's, only clearance lights. With that said, I am having some LED's installed on both sides of out coach half way down both sides.
If you are driving along side one of these coach's when one is preparing to make left or right hand turn, you would never know it unless you were either behind the coach are right behind the tow truck!

Sorry, your rational makes no sense to me but to each his own and that running light as a flasher will probably not be seen in the daytime anyway. Seems it would have been a mandatory item if there was an issue. Maybe not.

Paul M · 01-11-2014, 02:45 PM

I like the idea and have thought about it myself. Question I have is : do they only come on when turn signals are on or both turn signals and brakes. Usually the brake / turn are one in the same. If you only have them blinking with turn signals how did you accomplish this.

ChooChooMan74 · 01-11-2014, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul M

I like the idea and have thought about it myself. Question I have is : do they only come on when turn signals are on or both turn signals and brakes. Usually the brake / turn are one in the same. If you only have them blinking with turn signals how did you accomplish this.

I was just going to point this out. The way that trailers are wired in the US, the four basic wires ares Ground, Running, Left Turn/Brake, Right turn/Brake. So, wiring these up, you would get brake lights coming on also. UNLESS, you get a 2 wire to 3 wire adapter. (Opposite of a 3 wire to 2 wire for cars with amber turn signals). I know eTrailer sells them. I will try and search.

Found it.

http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...dy/118158.html

wingriders · 01-11-2014, 03:06 PM

If you want turn signals only flashing on the sides then you will need another plug as 6 of the 7 wires are already used in the 7-pin plug.

JTHale13 · 01-11-2014, 06:03 PM

It's a interesting idea though I don't see a need for it. With that being said adding them shouldn't be as hard as some are making it out to be. I looked at my camper and if anyone has questions on how to fairly easily do this mod I'd be happy to help but I'm not going to write it up in this post. I could even provide some pictures and diagrams but I don't know how to post that sorta thing on the forum.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Forest River Forums mobile app

LKicklight · 01-11-2014, 09:19 PM

Recently while exiting from the expressway, a fifth wheel coach driver did not see the corvette in the lane next to him. The corvette did not know either that the camper and truck had his turn signals on indicating he was changing lanes, yes it was raining and visibility was terrible, the Corvette continued on, right next to the coach, when the coach and tow truck changed lanes, well you know the rest, and yes both occupants of the corvette were killed.
If making this small investment to my coach, just maybe this kind of accident will not happen to me or someone else.
Do what you like, just an idea in the name of safety:

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrvond

Or, you could just notice it may not be quite the problem you think it is for everybody else.

LKicklight · 01-11-2014, 09:27 PM

Very sorry others do not see the benefit of this, as I have seen some tractor trailers that have the benefit of these already. I think its worth the trouble, and running the wiring from existing tail lights on the coach is not a problem. Have recently spoken to a local RV Mechanic, think's is a great idea as he has performed this mod on some Class A's already.

OldCoot · 01-11-2014, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platokidd

X2 on turn light in mirrors!

X3 on the mirror turn signal lights and I sure didn't pay 40K for my broken down Silverado. Did pay $250 for the power extend mirrors with the turn signals in them tho'.

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