Why Don't Airstream Trailers Have Backup Lights?

[kscherzi]

Had this trailer for several years but recently got caught in a situation where I needed to back up in a commercial parking lot in order to position the trailer for an especially sharp turn. The car behind me didn't understand what was happening as I backed up. Then I noticed the trailer lacks white backup lights. Why not? We cannot always see what is behind the trailer. They provide information to those behind the trailer. Backup lights are universal on automobiles, and my old Coleman popup. Why are these lacking on Airstream Trailers?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by kscherzi

Backup lights are universal on automobiles, and my old Coleman popup. Why are these lacking on Airstream Trailers?

Because backup lights are not legally required on trailers, according to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108. Trailers having backup lights are the oddity, not trailers lacking them. In fact, your 7-pin connector (or 4-pin connector for other trailers) doesn't even include a power pin for backup lights.

You can see a summary of the FMVSS 108 trailer lighting requirements here: https://one.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle-Safety...n-requirements

[Jhiner1978]

I have them on my 67

[Vantair]

Totally agree with OP "why missing backup lights". Regardless of a missing in this case a lack Gov rule.....

No gov regulations mandate a dual/triple holding tanks, toilet, heater, rain sending fans, stereo or sub. But absolutely must agree backup lights should make equal sense as running and brake lights.

All the rational why we wired and added our own.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Jhiner1978

I have them on my 67

That dates back to before FMVSS 108 was adopted. The very first FMVSS (#209) was adopted in 1967; FMVSS 108 was adopted later.

Any trailer made before FMVS 108 was adopted will not have standardized lighting, and is grandfathered, meaning it doesn't have to comply with standards written after the trailer was made.

By the way, a correction to my previous post on this thread: 7-pin connectors that uses blades do not have a pin dedicated to backup lights. But 7-pin connectors that use round pins do have a pin dedicated to backup lights. I had forgotten about the different 7-pin connectors when I wrote my first reply.

[Glenritas]

The 7 flat blade has a backup light blade .

[rmkrum]

And I'm working on installing a set of boat docking lights aimed rearward as backup lights. Just have to decide where to mount them ...

I'll power them from house batteries with a relay fired by the backup light pin in the 7-pin umbilical.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Glenritas

The 7 flat blade has a backup light blade .

Which one is the backup light blade again?

[Bluto]

kscherzi,
My 2010 Classic trailer came with back up lights. My guess is that AS cut back on other models to keep mgf. costs low and increase profits.

[ROBERT CROSS]

We got 'em.....brite!

Bob

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Bluto

kscherzi,
My 2010 Classic trailer came with back up lights. My guess is that AS cut back on other models to keep mgf. costs low and increase profits.

Yup!



Thor profits AS owner safety!

Our old 25' had back up lights.

[Jhiner1978]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Which one is the backup light blade again?

Look at the 7 way rv standard. It's the middle one

[kdickinson]

my trailer has back up lights. I don't know when they stopped including them but I agree they are important for others around you to know your TV is in reverse and about to back up

[m.hony]

The Excellas and Classics have always had backup/reverse lights.

[streamintrip]

We've had an '93 Excella 500 and '00 and '05 Classics, and all had OEM back up lights.

[Glenritas]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Which one is the backup light blade again?

Number 7 the center lug is the RV standard for backup lights .

OR for whatever else one would like to use it for thus the term AUX .

Now for the reason Airstream not installing backup lights , think how much they saved per unit .

[Lil Bear]

Our 2017 26U also does not have back-up lights. When I back the trailer in public areas I do activate my 4-way flashers as a signal to other drivers that "something is up"...

I'm hoping that the combination of flashing lights and a giant silver Twinkie headed their way offers a clue as to my intentions 🤓

[cazual6]

guys, KISS.

Send the wife to go to the back and tell people.

[Mrsjpvan2]

Our Sovereign came with backup lights so maybe they were added after a certain year?

[4mer Paddler]

Originally Posted by m.hony

The Excellas and Classics have always had backup/reverse lights.

For everyone's information;
My 1993 29' Excella has back up lights using a standard 7-pin connector.