5 Things to Know When Buying Work Truck Lighting

There are so many sizes, types, and colors of work truck lighting and some lights serve a different purpose than others. So, when it is time to shop for or upgrade your trucks’ lighting, what do you need to know?

“Number one, it’s about safety,” said Dustin Smith, vice president of sales for Optronics. “It is notifying the general public that you're on the road, whether that's while you're moving or while you're not moving and off to the side of the road.”

There are a variety of lights needed for any work truck – DOT lights, brake lights, turn signals, marker clearance lights, and more. But Smith stresses the need in particular to have good lighting anytime a worker is stopped on the side of the road. He even suggested it should be required by law.

“It’s just making sure that motorists see you there and avoid you at all costs,” he added.

However, lighting is not simply a concern after the sun goes down. Lighting is important any time a vehicle is operating under any conditions.

“It doesn’t matter what time of day or where you are, you’ve got to be visible,” Smith explained.

A lot of the workers in the work truck market, Smith said, are putting their lives at risk working around moving traffic. Lighting, he said, can help keep them safer.

The DOT-mandated lighting for trucks and trailers is important, but the supplemental lighting, such as warning lights and emergency lights, have different standards for visibility. From a warning light perspective when a vehicle is parked, there are different codes that must be met than for the standard DOT lighting.

He suggests all lighting should be checked daily, such as when a driver performs a check of the truck at the start of a work shift. Most times that is not a daily task, but Smith said it should be.

Smith, who is in his 18^th year at Optronics, has seen the automotive lighting industry change during his tenure.

“A lot of what's changed is you're doing more with less,” Smith said. “We’ve been able to consolidate functions into single lights. With the implementation of LEDs and then into the SMDs (surface mount devices) on the LEDs, we've been able to not only provide stop, turn, tail, in a 6-inch oval or 4-inch round.”

The work truck industry has done what Smith calls “a really good job” incorporating warning and safety lights into truck bodies and beds. Plus, the industry has excelled at using white lighting, LED work lights, and searchlights, to illuminate work areas at night.

“I think the consumers have required it. The hardest thing to do is work at night when you can’t see,” Smith said.

One good thing Smith points out about truck lighting is the standardization.

“The great thing about what we see in the work truck market now, or even into heavy-duty with your trucking and trailering, is a 4-inch round is a 4-inch round is a 4-inch round, or a 6-inch oval is a 6-inch oval. They all fit in the same hole, in the same footprint. So, if you do have an issue, whether you're remote or wherever you are, you can find a replacement.”

When it comes time to buy or spec work truck lighting, what should a fleet manager keep in mind? Smith has recommendations, five considerations, which are:

1. DOT Lighting

You can do more with less by using combination lights. Stop, turn, taillights are now available with built-in back-up and warning lights. Marker lights can have auxiliary stop or turn functions, or even an auxiliary white scene light function for use when a vehicle is parked. But, while all these bells and whistles are terrific, ensure all lighting meets FMVSS requirements and that the supplier can provide documentation to prove it.

2. Work Lights

More is generally more when it comes to work lights. Look for the right lumen output for your application, with the beam pattern that is appropriate. Use both scene lights and positionable work lights for even coverage around the vehicle and in the work area. Consider using heated white or amber work lights where inclement weather is common. White LED lights aren’t cheap – reliability is important, so find lights with a no hassle warranty. Optronics offers a Lifetime LED warranty.

3. Warning Lights

Again, more is more. Directional warning lights and beacons increase visibility and safety. Options are plentiful - choose single color, color combinations, and flash pattern options. Warning light requirements vary by state and municipality, so check local regulations. It’s a pain to replace these, so pay a little more for long-term reliability.

4. Interior Lights

Interior lighting is equally important for work trucks, contributing to efficiency and productivity. LED lighting drives down power consumption and can be used liberally. Consider the format (size/shape/mounting method) and lumen output needed for each interior, as well options such as built in motion sensors and low voltage cut-off.

5. Harnessing

The best lighting is of no avail if power delivery fails. Assure uptime and avoid damage caused by corrosion by choosing a fully sealed, plug-and-play wiring harness. USA-Plus system has integrated molded O-rings to prevent water intrusion and corrosion. Use the harness with Optronics LED lighting for full lifetime warranty on the entire system.

Final thoughts

Smith said don’t skimp on power delivery and lighting. Ensure that lighting meets federal/state/municipal requirements, fulfills all necessary functions, provides reliable performance, and is backed by a solid warranty and support.

“Choose carefully, and it’s one less thing to worry about,” he said.