Caravan Reversing Lights

[MAM]

This may be the norm but - my caravan doesn't have any reversing lights. Brake Lights, Indicators, fog lights and std lights all function but there are no reversing lights.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Its the norm for some caravans

The 12S grey socket should be wired to the car reversing lights and the yellow wire from pin 1 is the one for the reversing lights

You can fit surface mounted reversing lights by extending the yellow wire and using a suitable earth such as the one to the rear lights on the white wire

Hope that helps

 

[MAM]

Thanks John,

I'm just amazed that it's not a standard feature. Usually large vehicles have revering lights and an audible signal so for a caravan and car (24ft and 15ft) not to have lights at all, sounds a little strange.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Totally agree and for that reason I have always fitted them to my vans that haven't been so equipped.

Nice glasses in the cocktail cabinet do not warn people behind that you wish to reverse!!

 

[RogerL]

Warning traffic behind is a minor function of reversing lights, their main function is to see where you're going!

An old trick, from the days when few cars had reversing lights, is to use indicators (or hazard flashers nowadays) which are bright enough to see obstructions in the mirrors during the "on" flashes.

 

[MikeP]

I tend to use hazard lights when reversing, as they are more visible. And if there is any risk of cars, people or lamp posts getting in my way then Mrs P stands at the back to (a) warn others and (b) tell me if there's a problem.

Personally, I don't think caravans should reverse on the highway without someone standing at the back. I know loads of people (esp those with a camera at the back of the van) will disagree, and I would be one of the first to say that I am a competent reverser. Trouble is, that is one huge blind spot - and it is difficult to judge distance when the back of the caravan is 10 metres away from you.

I would never say that some people shouldn't reverse at all, as it is fun to watch them on sites.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Hi Roger its difficult to see behind a caravan when reversing in daylight so although I would agree that the reversing lights on a car are to see with I would not agree that its adviseable to reverse a caravan with a large blind spot in the centre relying on what you can see by reversing light without the seeing being done by an assistant on the road.

Regards

 

[RogerL]

JohnG - I take your point but to go one step further, reversing lights serve little useful purpose on a caravan if an "assistant" is also needed at the back.

There are many other vehicles which have blind spots directly behind - trucks, buses, vans even loaded estate cars. That's why proper "wing" mirrors projecting beyond the width of the rear bodywork are vital to keep the blind spot to a narrowing cone instead of a widening wedge.