DOT tape on trailers?

Discussion in 'The Choo-Choo shop' started by Shayne Dillinge, Sep 30, 2004.

  1. Shayne Dillinge

    Shayne Dillinge Well-Known Member

    Hello all,

    Last week I took delivery of a Vintage 28' enclosed trailer. I think the GVW for the trailer is 9900 lbs. My question is that I see a lot of enclosed trailers with the red and white reflective DOT tape on the back door and some have it down the sides also. Mine did not come with any and I forgot to ask at the dealers. Of course I can call and ask them but I thought I would ask here first and see what you folks thought. BTW I'm in Ohio if it matters.

    thanks
     
  2. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    It is called "Conspicuity Tape" for more info....I don't know if that will help or not.:Do No:
     
  3. David G

    David G de-modded....

    We sell that stuff here, for use on Ag equipment and trailers. It's a 3M product, in cut lengths and rolls. I can give you a good deal, but you might have it cheap there too, plus not have to pay shipping.
     
  4. Brad Conley

    Brad Conley RIP Staff Member

    One little thing to remember when using Conspicuity Tape, it is only required on trailers with a GVWR of over 10,000 lbs. That is why your trailer with a GVWR of 9900 lbs does not have it. I was told by a OHP (Ohio Highway Patrol) friend of mine, that is one thing they look for to determine if you should be stopping at weigh stations. No tape..no reason to stop and be weighed as you are under the 10,000 minimum for weight checks. You got tape? You better stop or they WILL chase you down and do a full inspection on your rig and may even write a ticket for failure to stop at the weigh station. At the least you may be stopped and your trip delayed...at the worst you may end up with a ticket for something and/or have to unhitch until the "safety" violations are corrected.

    I do not have the tape on my trailer for the above reasons, but do agree with the visability aspect of having it.
     
  5. Roberta

    Roberta Buick Berta

    Wow

    Brad, thanks for sharing that info and to Shane for asking! Just fixed all the lights on my trailer, now for some new tires! RV
     
  6. Shayne Dillinge

    Shayne Dillinge Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the comments Brad (and everyone). One of the things I was worried about was the issue that Brad spoke on. Now that I think on it, I believe that some time ago, trailers with two 5200 lb axels where rated over 10000 lbs. I guess the 9900 lb rating is just to get through loop hole so to speak. One thing I guess you could do to be more visibal would be to add more lights or you could switch them out with LED's. Currently my tail lights are LED and they are very bright.

    Thanks
     
  7. opeltwinturbo

    opeltwinturbo Well-Known Member

    If you pull it with a motorhome you don't have to stop at the "chicken coop". Note the reflective tape. 18,000 GVW. Motorhomes get away with everything. Some 85 year old woman could go to the RV dealer, buy something like this and drive off without ever having one minute seat time. No CDL required. That has to change.
     

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