Trailer light check

[Bob lincs]

My new truck has a button in the boot to test trailer lights , press it once and it flashes all of the lights repeatedly so you can walk around the trailer and check everything is working . It’s a brilliant idea and would be a really nice feature to have on ag machines, a simple button on the rear mudgaurd that you can press when you have plugged in any rear mounted machines or trailers. If it’s easy to use people are more likely to use it , if you have to keep climbing in the cab and then walking around the back to check lights many wouldn’t/ don’t bother .

 

[Lincs Lass]

My new truck has a button in the boot to test trailer lights , press it once and it flashes all of the lights repeatedly so you can walk around the trailer and check everything is working . It’s a brilliant idea and would be a really nice feature to have on ag machines, a simple button on the rear mudgaurd that you can press when you have plugged in any rear mounted machines or trailers. If it’s easy to use people are more likely to use it , if you have to keep climbing in the cab and then walking around the back to check lights many wouldn’t/ don’t bother .

The amount of lights Ive seen on ag trailers and private trailers that dont work or things flash that shouldnt is unreal .
I still remember many years ago ,local farmworker indicated to pull into the yard with a trailer ,,had to stop for oncoming traffic ,next thing theres a bloody great bang and the trailer jumps in the air .
Car buried under it and driver dead ,,police investigation found the trailer plug was completley knacked ,all the wires were rusted up .nothing worked but because he saw the repeater light on the dash flashing ,he carried on .
That was a massive wake up call to everybody in the area ,ag dealers ran out of light fittings and 7 core cable in days

 

[Bob lincs]

The amount of lights Ive seen on ag trailers and private trailers that dont work or things flash that shouldnt is unreal .
I still remember many years ago ,local farmworker indicated to pull into the yard with a trailer ,,had to stop for oncoming traffic ,next thing theres a bloody great bang and the trailer jumps in the air .
Car buried under it and driver dead ,,police investigation found the trailer plug was completley knacked ,all the wires were rusted up .nothing worked but because he saw the repeater light on the dash flashing ,he carried on .
That was a massive wake up call to everybody in the area ,ag dealers ran out of light fittings and 7 core cable in days

I think a test button should be fitted as standard to every vehicle equipped for towing.

 

[melted welly]

I can check 2/3 of the lights without a fancy button. Brake lights are a challenge though, they’ve normally gone out by the time I’ve run to the back.

 

[Lincs Lass]

Brake lights are a challenge though, they’ve normally gone out by the time I’ve run to the back.

Well you need to run faster then

 

[quattro]

Our Daf unit has a button on key fob for testing all lights

 

[melted welly]

Well you need to run faster then

It’s the leds that are the killer…..

 

[primmiemoo]

Great idea to have a tester. After the umpteenth year, "Yes! No! Yes! No!.. ", for the indicators becomes slightly predictable.

 

[Jimmy T]

A simple thing like a well placed mirror somewhere in the yard can be very useful for checking trailer lights. Just reverse up towards it, and check everything in the mirrors.....

 

[BuskhillFarm]

The best I’ve ever seen and I wish I took a picture was a farm trailer with no turn signals written in red paint on the tail door

 

[Steevo]

I can check 2/3 of the lights without a fancy button. Brake lights are a challenge though, they’ve normally gone out by the time I’ve run to the back.

Reverse up to a building, concrete wall, or ideally a galvanised steel door at night and you can usually check the brake lights pretty well based on the reflection of the light.

 

[JeepJeep]

Either the 93 Astra Van or the 98 Trooper had a test button... Can't remember which

 

[Tony1989]

Our Daf unit has a button on key fob for testing all lights

So does scania

 

[Paddington]

I have a piece of wood just the right length to wedge the brake pedal down from the edge of the seat, lights on, hazards on, walk around, job done (apart from when the lights don't work ).

 

[puppet]

The best I’ve ever seen and I wish I took a picture was a farm trailer with no turn signals written in red paint on the tail door

We had 2 Weeks silage trailers with 'No Signals' written on the back. Mainly because the Dexta pulling them had lost the indicators 15 years earlier.

 

[alomy75]

My new truck has a button in the boot to test trailer lights , press it once and it flashes all of the lights repeatedly so you can walk around the trailer and check everything is working . It’s a brilliant idea and would be a really nice feature to have on ag machines, a simple button on the rear mudgaurd that you can press when you have plugged in any rear mounted machines or trailers. If it’s easy to use people are more likely to use it , if you have to keep climbing in the cab and then walking around the back to check lights many wouldn’t/ don’t bother .

I thought that’s why you had kids

 

[Dave W]

Iveco daily tells you on dash of something isn’t working.
Is it canbus system or something like that?

 

[Frodo]

Given that no one pays the slightest attention to them, you have to drive on the assumption they are knackered anyway.

I have had police motor cyclists overtake me when signalling right. (I stopped and checked lights were working).

 

[e3120]

I have a piece of wood just the right length to wedge the brake pedal down from the edge of the seat, lights on, hazards on, walk around, job done (apart from when the lights don't work ).

Usually pressing one pedal down and engaging the latch will do the trick.

For those born after 1985 or driving fendts: independent brakes are those things that skilled drivers use to enhance manoeuvrability and traction.

 

[ColinV6]

The best I’ve ever seen and I wish I took a picture was a farm trailer with no turn signals written in red paint on the tail door

Back in the 90’s we used to do similar but had a proper plate made up saying caution no signals. Wouldn’t dare dream of such practice now though. I’m very sure that all my lights work on everything. It really bugs me if something doesn’t.
Not worth risking anything, we are on the road and road rules should Definately apply.