Commercial Truck and Trailer

Factors of LED Truck and Trailer Lights

• Lumens: Standardized unit of measurement of the total amount of light that is produced from a light emitting source. The higher the lumen count, the more intense the light. The lighting for commercial truck and trailers should emit enough lumens that the driver can see properly, and that other drivers can see the vehicle. 

• IP Rating (Ingress Protection): Measures how protected the light is from dust and moisture. Fixtures with a higher rating will have a greater protection. Fixtures with at least an IP65 rating are guaranteed to be weatherproof, but higher IP ratings may be needed if the truck or trailer will experience harsher environmental elements. 

• Environmentally Friendly: LEDs are much better for the environment compared to traditional lighting technologies, meaning they output less heat, reducing carbon footprint, and aren't made of mercury, gases, or harmful chemicals or toxins. 

LED Instant-On = Increased Safety 

LEDs offer many advantages over incandescent lamps in terms of safety and economy. A major safety factor is “turn-on” time. An incandescent bulb filament must heat up to achieve maximum brightness, which can take 200-300 milliseconds, while an LED achieves full brightness in 100 nanoseconds.

Turn-on times for incandescent bulbs are increased when they operate at lower voltages due to the voltage drop in the wiring harness. NHTSA studied 546 large trucks and found that some trucks experienced voltage drops so large that the signal lamp was reduced to 5.5-8.8 volts. This can also decrease light output by 5%. By comparison, the turn-on time of LED lamps is relatively insensitive to low voltage. 

For the trailing vehicle, the 200 milliseconds faster illumination of LEDs over incandescent bulbs, means a braking distance response increase of an additional 19.1 feet, which is equal to a full car length of extra stopping distance at 65 MPH.

LED Shock Resistance = Durability

Every element of an incandescent bulb is fragile, from the thin glass housing to the wire filament. A small amount of shock or vibration can compromise the filament and break the glass, exposing the internal components to environmental conditions and causing failure.

LEDs aren’t affected by changes in pressure, vibration, shock, or power surges the same way incandescent bulbs are. LED lamps are filled with an epoxy compound that encapsulates the internal components, keeping them from moving and providing stability during sudden shock or impact. The sonically sealed polycarbonate lens and housings protect the LEDs from road and weather conditions while providing increased impact resistance over glass or acrylics.

Fully Potted Components Provide Ultimate Protection

LED Efficiency = Fuel Savings

Incandescent vehicle lighting is very inefficient. It draws a lot of power from the engine’s electrical system, requiring it to work harder and increasing fuel consumption. A vehicle with all LED lighting uses 65% less power than one equipped with incandescent bulbs. The lower amp draw improves fuel efficiency and extends the life of the battery and charging system.

Less Maintenance = Big Savings

Faced with rising operating costs and shrinking profit margins, commercial vehicle owners, along with fleet managers, are looking for ways to reduce expenses. One of the leading problems concerning fleet maintenance is compliance infractions due to lighting. Budgets take a big hit when you add the infraction penalties to downtime losses, maintenance, and replacement costs due to the simple failure of an incandescent bulb. LED light technology in commercial vehicles provides fleets with the benefit of an added element of safety, durability, and productivity, plus higher profitability due to decreased downtime caused by lighting failures. Regularly inspect and replace any bulbs or fixtures that are damaged or not functioning correctly.

What Kind of Lights are Required on Commercial Trucks and Trailers?

The specific lighting requirements may vary depending on your location and the type of vehicle. Commercial trucks and trailers generally require headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, clearance lights, and reflective tape.

Among other requirements, commercial trucks at least 80 inches wide must have front and rear clearance and Identification (ID) lamps. Clearance lights indicate the vehicle's width. ID lamps indicate the presence of a wide vehicle. Rear lamps should not be combined with tail lights and are not required for truck tractors. These lights help prevent accidents and protect the lives of truck drivers and other motorists.

How Can I Improve the Visibility of My Commercial Truck or Trailer on the Road?

In addition to maintaining your lights, you can also use reflective tape or markings on your vehicle to improve visibility. Elso ensure that your headlights are correctly aimed and that your windshield and mirrors are clean and free from obstructions.

How Do I Troubleshoot Issues With My Truck or Trailer Lights?

Check the fuses, wiring, and connections for any damage or issues. Ensure the diodes have not burnt out and the ground connection is secure. If you still need help, consult a professional mechanic or electrician.

How Many Marker Lights Are Required on a Commercial Truck?

Marker lights indicate the presence and length of trucks and trailers to the drivers of other vehicles. The number varies depending on the size of your vehicle. Six marker lights are needed for tractor-trailers under 30 ft in length for FMVSS requirements. Two front and two rear side marker lights that are at least 15” from the ground, and another two between 15 and 60” above the ground for the trailer only. Over 30 ft long, and you will need two intermediate side markers near the center on each side.