reflective tape

[ihuntbear]

I see a lot of trailers with red and silver reflective tape on the side of them.I think its a good idea for visibility and looks really good.I want to know if it has to be red and silver? Can it be orange and silver? Reason is I have a hole roll of orange and silver collecting dust in my garage.What do you guys use? I called DOT today they said the only law they have is for commercial vehicles only and I would have to call back later

 

[jayste]

I'd say use it. I've only used the DOT variety only because that's all I could find. If you're not commercial then who's going to care.:thumbsup:

 

[DIRTROAD]

USE IT!!!! This is one of those times when it is better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Don't worry about it!!

 

[Diamondpilot]

I agree, use what you have. Just make sure the surface is clean and prep it with rubbing alcohol.

By they way anyone wanting to buy some Harbor Freight has it in rolls and strips for the best price I have seen.

Chris

 

[kebo]

Thanks for the tip Chris. I've been wanting to get some reflective tape to add to my 16' trailer after I get it painted. Will stop by there soon and see what they have.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I am a firm believer in conspicuity tape. Back in the 70's, I knew a couple who hit a flatbed trailer in the dark that had no lights on. The driver was broadside on a three lane highway backing into a parking lot. She was decapitated. He spent many months wearing a neck brace.

Do a search on conspicuity tape. You will find sources along with guidelines for installing the tape. 3M is my preferred brand.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Thanks for the tip Chris. I've been wanting to get some reflective tape to add to my 16' trailer after I get it painted. Will stop by there soon and see what they have.

At my store its located in the isle with gloves, dusk mask, ect. They also have it back by the hitch stuff. Not sure why the two locations but they have it in 2' strips and rolls.

Chris

 

[QRTRHRS]

At my store its located in the isle with gloves, dusk mask, ect. They also have it back by the hitch stuff. Not sure why the two locations but they have it in 2' strips and rolls.

Chris

Re: 2' strips/rolls. You may notice that some trailers will have the 2' strips then a space and then more tape while some will run a continuous roll. Economics 101. Thought I would add that.

 

[rpirkle1]

Hi...

Red/white(silver) are the two most common because they're the ones specifically required by Federal Code for Commercial trailers starting at 10,001 lbs.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/consp.pdf

Haven't spotted the code section for school buses but see a lot of the new ones using a lot of reflective tape in school bus yellow.

Didn't hunt for it but know the federal code also has a section tied to FRA for railroad use that is similar (and sticks to the Red/white scheme).

While color in smaller trailers can be a personal preference... If you stick with Red/White in the regulated pattern it makes it easier for folks to recognize what they're seeing. If you pick another color, drivers approaching may get confused as to what they're seeing leading to slower reaction times.

 

[Egon]

In Nova Scotia I believe that fifty percent of the trailer side must red/white reflective tape installed.

 

[Wis Bang]

In Nova Scotia I believe that fifty percent of the trailer side must red/white reflective tape installed.

US DOT requires 50% coverage along the length of each side, the full width across the rear and silver right angles at the upper corners retrofitted to all commercial trailers still in service.

After 1997 they require the same silver right angles on the top back of a tractor cab and a strip across either the back of the cab -or- across the top of each mud flap...Now that most used tractors are in this age period, the mudflap red/silver is usually missing unless the tractor is in use w/ a large carrier.

The DOT allowed carriers who had retro reflective sheeting in their logo designs to use them to retirement while adding red/silver to the new purchases.

 

[Egon]

Thanks for all the information Wis Bang. The trailer sides are covered but the backside may be a little exposed.

 

[Wis Bang]

Retro Reflective Tape is designed to give a larger reflection from an angle, I think 30degrees, than from directly @ 90 degrees and was designed to help a motorist see a trailer without it's lights parked on the shoulder of the highway.

If you watch you will notice trailers parked inside construction sites reflecting your headlights even when well off the road.

I take a section of red and place small sections on car/truck door edges so they light up as you open the door at night. I have some on my hitch haul too!

 

[FlaDon]

I added it to the rear and sides of our trailer even though it met DOT requirements and them forgot about it. Didn't see what it looked like at night until the bearing failure last trip north. Then saw it in my trucks headlights on the wrecker. The tape at eye level is a bit bright if kept clean.

 

[PILOON]

If you note standard lighting practices, red is never in front, and yellow is very often on sides with red always at the rear.

That being noted, it would seem that yellow would be an appropriate tape on sides.
I seem to recall yellow and black stripes used on sides of some equipment.

My tractor looks like a Xmas tree under the glare of high beams.

Loader arms have the super white on sides, bucket the yellow/black on sides and my snowblower bank cutter bars are red/white.
Back of my tractor sports strips of red 3M DOT tape as well as the triangle SMV!

I also have a yellow strobe on the roof.

As you can gather I have had a few close calls cleaning my driveway.

Just too many idiots out there.

I'd be backing out blowing snow, and idiots would step on the gas to pass before I completely closed the gap.
In other words a race for a 4-5 ft space. (in a snow storm yet)

To make matters worse, there are a mere 10 people that live past me on a dead end country hilly twisty road.
Since they always get up too late, they need to step on the gas to make it on time.
Wost yet, they are putting on lipstick, on the cell phone or adjusting a tie.