Replacing belt line with reflective tape

[Lumatic]

The belt line on my 93 is showing it's age. What do you think about replacing the belt line with blue reflective tape?

Thanks,
Marshall

[PaulnGina]

Now that's an idea! Our Avion might be a good candidate for that. Any particular tape in mind?

[Lumatic]

There are several on line sources for outdoor or vehicle reflective tape. I am hoping someone will have a recommendation for a particular brand.

[PaulnGina]

Maybe some of this: https://www.tapecase.com/pd/cn/tapes...-sheeting.aspx

Our Avion would need 1 1/2" wide.

[SeeMore]

There are different types of tape; plain colored, reflective, and retro-reflective. The plain stuff comes in a variety of colors and widths but is NOT reflective, more like wide pin striping and decoration. Reflective tapes scatter the light beams and seem to glow but are not the best for safety applications as the light bounces off it more like a mirror bounces light. Retroreflective tape uses small grains of clear material which cause the light beam to bounce off two internal surfaces and return directly toward the original light source which results in the more intense glow you see on commercial trailers (alternating red/white). Retro-reflective tape is designed for drivers to see better as they are behind the light source and the beam is directed towards their eyes.

If you want decoration in the daylight and added awareness of your trailer from side or rear traffic at night, use the Retro-reflective tape. 3M makes a great Retro product, some of which is identified as Prismatic reflective tape (suggested above) but it has a slight pattern rather than solid appearance. Mareflex is another manufacturer with an outstanding product for marine use (SOLAS reflective) which adheres well to aluminum and can take both continual weather and UV abuse without failing. There are other lesser brands selling a cheaper tape but the lifespan may ultimately be shorter.

I have used a variety and like the two above. I applied Black retro-reflective tape to the exposed truck frame rails (in the wheel wells) which glows 'gold' when vehicle lights hit the side of my truck at night (as well as the trailer tongue). I hope those drivers who might think they can scoot behind my truck when crossing at intersections know there is more behind me. So far, no one has ever commented on my extra black tape which I'm sure is due to its lack of distinction in daylight. I used Blue on the trailer horizontal seam and on the propane tank cover.

[slowmover]

Conspicuity tape.

Excellent post, SeeMore, thanks.

I'd caution that the quality stuff is not meant to be removed. Ever. Choose application sites carefully.

I use it (red/white) on hitch receiver, and may use the "black" on the lowest portion of my Silver Streak. But I wouldn't expect to ever have to remove it as it is that tough.

[m.hony]

That sounds like a cool idea for my 2013 with the fake (already peeling) chrome belt line and belly pan trim. The guys at a Blue Beacon truck wash in Shreveport hit it too hard with the pressure washer.
I always liked the blue belly pan trim and the wide blue stripe on the 80's and 90's Airstreams.

[StreamDog]

Gorilla tape. Been on there going on two years now.

[JCWDCW]

I don't like the decal tape on the 90's it peels like crazy and leaves a base that is hard to remove.

Comments about eventual removal are true and timely
JCW

[cwf]

Reflective tape and reflective pinstripe rolls for sfety

[SeeMore]

Just a hint for application - be sure the same edge of the tape is pointing up. The color can look different at night if you mistakenly reverse the direction at seams. I mark the removable backing with a Sharpie so I don't make a mistake.

[cwf]

Originally Posted by SeeMore

Just a hint for application - be sure the same edge of the tape is pointing up. The color can look different at night if you mistakenly reverse the direction at seams. I mark the removable backing with a Sharpie so I don't make a mistake.

Well, if you do install 'wrong', at least you will know which side of the trailer you are approaching, should you have had too much 'shine' ... of Aluminum, of course.. no one would over imbibe...ever..

[Bluto]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

The belt line on my 93 is showing it's age. What do you think about replacing the belt line with blue reflective tape?

Thanks,
Marshall

If you do this project please add some nice photos for us to see the finished job.

[John&Vicki]

I just ordered this: Reflective Tape - 3" x 10 yds, Blue S-17176 - Uline

I'm going to use two 3" blue rows (they didn't have blue in 6") and one 2" white row in the center to cover the seam and as an accent. I'm hoping it's thick enough to put right over the original tape as it looks like removing it would be a difficult process. I'll report back with pictures when I'm done.

Cheers,
John