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Brake lights need be on headache rack?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by MechyTechy, Dec 17, 2015.

  1. Dec 17, 2015 #1
    MechyTechy

    MechyTechy Bobtail Member

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    Dec 17, 2015
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    Hey guys N gals, my names Nathan, first post but been a lurker for a few years. I'm a shop mech/tech in the Montana/ND oilfields. My main job is electrical- Complete wiring overhauls down to the frame, dash, fusebox. I know KW's like back of my hand, if anyone needs help, I'd be glad to assist, just PM me or PM me link to thread. Yes I have diagrams.

    Anyway, my question. Working on an 07' 378 Pete winch truck. I'm having trouble deciding on how headache rack lights should be wired (two on each side). Originally the sloppy wiring was spliced off the trailer connector, without the brake wire. Trailer brake and turn signals separated, truck is combined, like pickup trucks. So it's had turn signals but no brake lights. I've always spliced off the tailights so headache rack has brake and turns. But this Pete doesn't seem to have a main connector along the frame so I cant make a t-harness. I'm about to just wire it up turns only.

    Basically imagine driving behind it. When driver switches lanes, you'll see trailer rear signals, trailer side signal, truck headache rack signal. When he brakes, youll only see trailer brake signals. But if you're on the side, towards middle, you'll only see truck rear signals.

    Has anyone an opinion? It appears FMSCA reg doesn't even require headache markers/turn/brake anything, just reflect tape, so I'm good there (let me know otherwise)
     
    MechyTechy, Dec 17, 2015
    MechyTechy, Dec 17, 2015
    #1
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  3. Dec 17, 2015 #2
    GrapeApe

    GrapeApe Road Train Member

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    Jan 7, 2013
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    My opinion, if you can't see both lights when loaded, brake lights aren't much help, so I'd just do turn signals. The only things I've ever seen high mount brake lights on are busses and garbage trucks on the rear.

    We have high mount signals on the rear of our car haulers, no brake lights on top. When it's loaded, unless you're directly behind them you can only see 1 light. This might make someone along side think you're changing lanes if you do a quick on/off the brakes, since they can only see 1 of the brake lights.
     
    GrapeApe, Dec 17, 2015
    GrapeApe, Dec 17, 2015
    #2
    MechyTechy Thanks this.
  4. Dec 17, 2015 #3
    MechyTechy

    MechyTechy Bobtail Member

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    Dec 17, 2015
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    Hey GrapeApe good point, they do primarily haul big skid shacks- so lights are useless being blocked..

    I ended up using the spare turn signals connector along the frame.

    Thanks
     
    MechyTechy, Dec 17, 2015
    MechyTechy, Dec 17, 2015
    #3
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