Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-05-2017, 01:49 PM   #1
3 Rivet Member
 
Ponyfvr's Avatar
 
2015 25' International
Scottsdale , Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 130
Adding emergency (strobes) lights

Has anyone added emergency (flashing strobes) to the back of their trailer? I am thinking about adding some emergency strobes to my truck (nothing fancy) to make it a little safer on the highway if we have to pull over and thought about adding a couple to the back of the Airstream.

If you have added emergency lights how did you hook them up?

Thanks
__________________
Bob

2017 Ford F-250 Diesel
2015 25' International
WBCCI # 5462 4CU
Ponyfvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 01:58 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
SSquared's Avatar
 
2013 25' FB Flying Cloud
Longmont , Colorado
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,105
Strobes may not be as effective as you would like. Back in the 80's I was an EMT and read some of the trade journals. A study on strobes had been done in California: they made a large purchase of ambulances, and outfitted half of them with strobes on the back. The other half were equipped with just four amber flashers on the corners, going on/off in unison. The idea was to make it look like you'd expect a maintenance truck to look like.

The ones with strobes suffered significantly more rear-end collisions. I think people get mesmerized/distracted by strobes, and also excited so they want to look at the incident.
SSquared is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 03:24 PM   #3
3 Rivet Member
 
Ponyfvr's Avatar
 
2015 25' International
Scottsdale , Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 130
Quote:
Originally Posted by SSquared View Post
Strobes may not be as effective as you would like. Back in the 80's I was an EMT and read some of the trade journals. A study on strobes had been done in California: they made a large purchase of ambulances, and outfitted half of them with strobes on the back. The other half were equipped with just four amber flashers on the corners, going on/off in unison. The idea was to make it look like you'd expect a maintenance truck to look like.

The ones with strobes suffered significantly more rear-end collisions. I think people get mesmerized/distracted by strobes, and also excited so they want to look at the incident.
Thanks thats good information maybe some amber flashing lights would work better
__________________
Bob

2017 Ford F-250 Diesel
2015 25' International
WBCCI # 5462 4CU
Ponyfvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 03:26 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
2018 27' International
Southeastern MI , Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,344
Just use the four way flashers (if you have an emergency, that is). Strobes are for emergency vehicles at an emergency scene.
Countryboy59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 03:33 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
AWCHIEF's Avatar
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi , Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
Images: 33
I find the already installed flashers to be adequate especially with nice brite LEDs. I do not want to blind on coming drivers just get their attention. If you do not have them get a set of portable triangles and use them if needed.
__________________
MICHAEL

Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
AWCHIEF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 03:45 PM   #6
PKI
Rivet Master
 
PKI's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek , California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
Quote:
Originally Posted by AWCHIEF View Post
I find the already installed flashers to be adequate especially with nice brite LEDs. -- snip -- get a set of portable triangles and use them if needed.
Agree - a set of battery powered flashers, battery powered flares, or similar emergency lighting/reflective devices should be in your tow vehicle emergency bag for events that need more than the std flashers.
PKI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 03:56 PM   #7
3 Rivet Member
 
Ponyfvr's Avatar
 
2015 25' International
Scottsdale , Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 130
Quote:
Originally Posted by PKI View Post
Agree - a set of battery powered flashers, battery powered flares, or similar emergency lighting/reflective devices should be in your tow vehicle emergency bag for events that need more than the std flashers.
Thanks this is great advice, I have the triangle reflectors and may add the battery flares. This option is a lot easier and cheaper than adding hazard lights. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Thanks everyone for your ideas
__________________
Bob

2017 Ford F-250 Diesel
2015 25' International
WBCCI # 5462 4CU
Ponyfvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 04:03 PM   #8
Overland Adventurer
 
AtomicNo13's Avatar
 
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride , Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
Google turbo flare
AtomicNo13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 04:33 PM   #9
PKI
Rivet Master
 
PKI's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek , California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ponyfvr View Post
-- snip -- Thanks everyone for your ideas
Yep, AW usually has good no nonsense advice. Now there is another point. As Slow would say, you have to test to get it right. The battery ones do tend to die after a while. The reflectors just keep going and going and going.

Turbo flare does look a trick. Good recomendation. Pat
PKI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 05:12 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
A W Warn's Avatar
 
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County , NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
Maybe a few of these
https://www.harborfreight.com/emerge...ght-62158.html
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
A W Warn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2017, 04:11 AM   #11
Reads a lot
 
2017 30' Classic
Titusville , Florida
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,209
Images: 1
I completely agree with SSquard. Many studies have been done to enhance the safety of First Responders. As SS point out, too many lights have actually caused more harm than helped. People, often intoxicated, will drive right into the lights. The most dangerous place to be standing is behind an ambulance or squad car.
Get the triangles and get as far off the road as you can, limp to the nearest ramp or parking lot if at all possible.
__________________
Lauri

She Believed She Could so She Did.
kendrick.l.j is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2017, 08:26 AM   #12
Rivet Master
 
Hittenstiehl's Avatar
 
1962 28' Ambassador
1961 19' Globetrotter
1962 26' Overlander
Mesa , Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,996
Images: 9
In a roadside emergency when your vehicle, trailer, motorcycle is off to the side.

Wait away and to the rear
of your vehicle as far off the road as possible. (NOT to the front)

You want to be back and AWAY from your right rear corner. Up the berm if necessary.

When a distracted or under the influence driver hits your disabled vehicle it will not push it into you.

If it is freezing out and you have to wait inside your disabled vehicle face forward in your seat with your seatbelt on.
__________________

Hittenstiehl
Hittenstiehl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2017, 11:44 AM   #13
dst
2 Rivet Member
 
2019 27' Globetrotter
The Woodlands , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 58
Quote:
Originally Posted by kendrick.l.j View Post
I completely agree with SSquard. Many studies have been done to enhance the safety of First Responders. As SS point out, too many lights have actually caused more harm than helped. People, often intoxicated, will drive right into the lights. The most dangerous place to be standing is behind an ambulance or squad car.
Get the triangles and get as far off the road as you can, limp to the nearest ramp or parking lot if at all possible.
Unfortunately I have first hand experience with this. I was about to get in an ambulance to drive (volunteer EMT at local 911 agency) and a drunk driver slammed into the back of the ambulance. I went tumbling down the highway and by the grace of God was not hit as his vehicle continued past me. My two patients were pretty rattled but were belted in.

But I am also a fan of early warning devices to get driver attention. I would suggest the small led assemblies. You can even get a bracket that goes around your license plate that will hold a couple. Amber should be legal in all states, you just need to figure out where to get power. Ideally a small switch near the door of the camper (by the use/store switch) would allow you to turn them on when needed, but prevent accidental activation.
dst is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2017, 03:26 PM   #14
3 Rivet Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 136
Just to piggy-back on this thread. In addition to lights, a safety jacket with reflective markings is also a must, day and night, anytime you pull over the road. I keep mine in the pocket behind the driver's seat.
comprose is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2017, 04:53 PM   #15
2 Rivet Member
 
2007 25' Safari
Attleboro , Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 71
Well I have strobes on the back of my enclosed car trailer and did have them on my Sunline Camper. I was probably less concerned with emergencies but I live on a busy street and have a hard time getting folk to let me back into my driveway. I had them wired to the backup lights. Your seven way plug has one terminal for back up. I did not put them on my Airstream since it looked like running a wire the length of the Airstream with that underbelly was too much trouble. I do have the red and white DOT conspicuity tape down the sides and across the back of all my trailers. I have one inch wide tape on the Airstream which fits perfectly inside the moulding that goes around the bottom so it doesn't look too garish.
romeb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2017, 05:07 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
2018 27' International
Southeastern MI , Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,344
Quote:
Originally Posted by comprose View Post
Just to piggy-back on this thread. In addition to lights, a safety jacket with reflective markings is also a must, day and night, anytime you pull over the road. I keep mine in the pocket behind the driver's seat.
And please go to an exit if you have a flat. Don't change a tire on the highway. The rim is not worth your (or the tow operator's) life.
Countryboy59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-07-2017, 03:06 PM   #17
2 Rivet Member
 
Lil Bear's Avatar
 
2019 30' Classic
Cary , North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 33
Images: 1
I purchased a magnetic base amber strobe some time ago (eTrailer) that I carry on the AS just in case. I also have the collapsible reflective triangles that I would place well down the road for early warning. The amber flasher is LED and battery operated so it would last awhile, but the only place to put it is on the top of the back bumper or on the road.

Both the trailer and my 2017 Ford F250 are all aluminum body so no good for magnets!
Lil Bear is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-07-2017, 06:00 PM   #18
3 Rivet Member
 
Ponyfvr's Avatar
 
2015 25' International
Scottsdale , Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 130
Thank you everyone for your input. I have ordered LED safety flares. They seem like a good solution and a lot cheaper and easier than emergency lights.

Thanks again
__________________
Bob

2017 Ford F-250 Diesel
2015 25' International
WBCCI # 5462 4CU
Ponyfvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2017, 05:28 AM   #19
"Cloudsplitter"

 
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas , Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
Images: 1
Thumbs up

Keep these in the TV Spaced down the road with the B/U lights,(if towing) & flashers on the TV/AS.

Switched all lights on the Burb & B/U on the AS to led's.


Bob
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2017, 08:35 AM   #20
Rivet Master
 
Mollysdad's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,638
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by kendrick.l.j View Post
I completely agree with SSquard. Many studies have been done to enhance the safety of First Responders. As SS point out, too many lights have actually caused more harm than helped.
Someone should tell police departments.
I've been so blinded by the red/blue strobelights flashing in my eyes at construction sites that I almost drove off the road.
Mollysdad is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
All exterior lights, brakes,tail lights, position lights. Lkjdude 2009-2015 Flying Cloud 12 10-04-2016 10:05 AM
Clipper, Emergency Exit, Land Yacht, Emergency Ladder masseyfarm Flat-Front (Cutter, Clipper, XC, XL & Skydeck) Motorhomes 9 03-05-2015 10:34 PM
Emergency lights on your A/S trailer with no tow vehicle safari57 Lights - Interior & Exterior 10 11-19-2014 05:18 PM
Emergency help! No trailer lights, can't drive at night. Libo Electrical - Systems, Generators, Batteries & Solar 6 01-14-2014 07:27 PM
Should I? (adding exterior lights) bredlo Lights - Interior & Exterior 20 03-12-2004 06:48 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:34 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.