Operating a tractor-trailer in low-light conditions brings an inherent set of risks. Backing maneuvers in the dark around loading docks, forklifts and other workers increases the chance of costly accidents.
“All commercial vehicles are required to have reverse lighting, but trailers are not,” said Matt Mrakovich, vice president of engineering for Truck-Lite. “The 7-pin connector that connects the tractor and trailer does not contain a backup circuit. Drivers don’t have a way to activate comparable lighting on the trailers as they would when they back up in a cab.”
Truck-Lite is developing a trailer backup safety system to enhance driver visibility and increase awareness of those working around the trailer. The new system uses a sensor that reads the directional rotation of the trailer axle at the tone ring. The system’s control module uses power from the ABS line and powers two independent outputs for auxiliary reverse lights and audible alarm.
Truck-Lite’s trailer backup safety system is optimized for OEM manufacturing and fleet integration, with availability beginning with 2027 trailer builds.
