Guide to Installing Mirror Mount Strobe Lights on Your Truck for Safety

An Introduction to Mirror Mount Strobe Lights for Trucks

Installing quality mirror mount strobe lights on your truck can make a big difference in safety and visibility when operating large commercial vehicles. Strobe lights allow other drivers to see your truck from further away, giving them more time to react. They also make your truck stand out in bad weather or dark conditions. For truckers frequently hauling heavy equipment or oversized loads, strobe lights are practically a necessity.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll look at some of the benefits of adding mirror mount strobe lights, the different types of kits available, how to choose the right one for your truck, as well as installation tips and recommendations.

Benefits of Mirror Mount Strobe Lights

There are several key advantages to installing strobe lights on your truck mirrors:

• Increased visibility - Strobes make your truck much more visible to other drivers compared to standard lights alone.
• 360° warning - Properly placed strobes provide visibility and warning from all angles around the truck.
• Weather resistance - Strobe kits are designed to withstand rain, snow, and other harsh conditions.
• Easy to install - Most quality strobe light kits can be installed using basic tools without major modifications.
• Long lifespan - LED strobe lights will last for thousands of hours with little maintenance.
• Attention grabbing - The flashing strobe effect grabs attention much better than static lights.

For truckers hauling oversized loads, wide equipment, construction materials, and other large cargos, the added visibility and safety benefit of strobe lights can be invaluable.

Types of Mirror Mount Strobe Kits

There are a few main types of mirror mount strobe lights to consider:

Single Strobe Kits

Single strobe kits include just one light unit designed to mount on either the driver or passenger side mirror. They provide a cost-effective strobe lighting option. However, visibility from the front or rear of the truck is limited compared to other options.

Dual Strobe Kits

Dual strobe kits include a strobe light for both the driver and passenger side mirrors. This improves visibility around the truck. Dual kits often allow you to toggle between full 360° warning and front/rear only warning modes.

Quad Strobe Kits

Quad kits feature two strobe lights for each mirror, providing maximum visibility. The four synchronized strobes flash in an alternating pattern for the hardest to miss warning from all angles. Quad strobe kits deliver superior 360° coverage.

LED Strobe Bars

For maximum impact, some kits include LED strobe light bars that mount above the mirrors, in addition to the mirror-mounted strobes. This adds bright warning visibility from above the truck.

Choosing the Right Strobe Kit for Your Truck

With various mirror mount strobe lights options available, how do you choose the right kit? Here are some tips:

• Consider visibility needs - More strobes provide wider warning coverage around the truck. Evaluate your cargo and driving routes.
• Assess mirror space - Measure your mirrors to ensure the strobe lights will fit without obstructing vision.
• Match electrical system - Choose LED strobes that match your truck's voltage to avoid adding extra load.
• Buy quality - Don't skimp on strobe lights - invest in a reliable, durable kit from a reputable brand.
• Select features - Look for adjustable angles, sync modes, and control options to customize visibility.
• Check local regulations - Make sure any strobe lighting complies with regulations for commercial trucks in your operating area.

Professional heavy haul truckers advise investing in the highest quality strobe lights your budget allows. Your safety is worth the investment.

Top Brands for Strobe Kits

When shopping for sturdy, bright LED strobe lights, these leading brands produce top performing kits purpose-built for trucks:

• Whelen - The innovative pioneer of emergency LED strobe lighting since the 1970s.
• Code 3 - Trusted by fire and rescue fleets with reliable, rugged strobes.
• ECCO - Affordable kits perfect for owner-operators watching their budgets.
• Optronics - Inventor of the first flashing LED center high mount stop lamp.
• Havis - Heavy-duty designs tested to withstand harsh transportation industry conditions.

Look for reputable manufacturers that back their strobe kits with at least a 2-3 year warranty. Paying a little more upfront is worth it for the longevity and performance of professional quality mirror mount strobe lighting.

Installing Your Strobe Lights

Installing a mirror mount strobe kit is a project truck owners can generally tackle themselves with some mechanical know-how. Here are some installation tips:

• Carefully read the instructions - Follow all steps and wiring diagrams.
• Disconnect battery - Shut off power before wiring strobes to avoid shorts.
• Clean mounting surfaces - Remove dirt and debris for solid adhesion.
• Use included hardware - Don't improvise; use all provided mounting brackets and parts.
• Seal connections - Seal wire connections and mounting holes to prevent moisture damage.
• Seek professional help if needed - If you're unsure of any steps, have an experienced mechanic assist.

Take your time and double check all connections. Improper installation can lead to lighting failures, shorts, and other potentially hazardous electrical issues.

Strobe Lighting Regulations

While strobe lights boost visibility and safety, be aware they are subject to regulations regarding their use on commercial motor vehicles on public roads. Important guidelines include:

• Color - Most states restrict strobes to white or amber lighting only.
• Placement - Strobes must be mounted at least 42 inches from the ground.
• Use - Regulations often dictate strobe usage only when operating oversized or slow-moving vehicles.
• Intensity - Strobe brightness and flash frequency may be limited for certain roads.
• Permit - Oversize load permits may specify allowable warning light usage.

Before installing strobes, check your state and local regulations thoroughly. Using improperly equipped warning lighting on public roads can result in fines and penalties.

Operating Safely With Strobe Lights

Once you've installed your mirror mount strobe kit, keep these tips in mind for safe operation:

• Activate strobes whenever visibility is limited by weather, darkness, road conditions, or your cargo size.
• Adjust angles for maximum visibility from all sides.
• Sync modes allow you to enable 360° warning or front/rear only when appropriate.
• Turn strobes off when stopped. The flashing effect is meant to show a moving hazard.
• Conduct regular inspections to check for burnt out bulbs, loose connections, or damage.
• Keep lenses clean. Dirt buildup will reduce brightness and visibility.

Use your professional judgment on when strobes are warranted based on your truck operation. But err on the side of using them whenever conditions might limit your visibility to others on the road.

The Importance of Truck Safety Lighting

While regulations dictate required minimum lighting for commercial trucks, supplemental safety lighting like strobe kits helps large vehicles stand out and gives other motorists crucial extra reaction time. For owner-operators hauling hefty loads day and night across long miles, that added protection is invaluable.

Investing in a quality LED strobe lighting system and using it diligently whenever conditions warrant is one of the smartest things truckers committed to safety can do. Professional drivers know that spending money upfront to properly outfit your rig can pay off exponentially when it helps avoid an accident down the road.

We hope this overview has provided helpful guidance on choosing and installing mirror mount strobe lights for your truck. Drive safe out there and let your lighting lead the way.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of installing strobe lights?

The key benefits are increased visibility and safety warning for other drivers, 360 degree coverage around the truck, weather resistance, easy installation, long LED lifespan, and attention-grabbing flashing lights.

How many strobe lights should I install for best visibility?

For maximum 360 degree warning visibility, a quad strobe kit with 4 lights (2 on each mirror) is recommended. Dual kits also provide good coverage.

Can I install strobe lights myself?

Most strobe light kits are designed for self-installation. But it helps to have some mechanical experience. Always follow the directions closely.

When should I operate my strobe lights?

Strobes should be used whenever visibility is limited by weather, darkness, cargo size, or road conditions. Use your best judgment for your driving situation.

Do I need a permit for strobe lights on my truck?

You generally don't need a permit, but strobe lights must comply with state regulations regarding color, placement, and usage. Check your local laws.