Let’s Talk About Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex
As a gear specialist, I’ve seen countless lights promising brilliance and reliability. The Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex caught my eye because it seemed to offer robust performance in a compact, affordable package. Manufactured by Peterson Manufacturing, this little light boasts a 2-diode LED setup, reflex optics, and a broad 9-16 volt operating range, all features that suggest it could be a worthy upgrade or replacement for incandescent marker lights.
I needed a reliable, bright, and energy-efficient side marker light for my utility trailer, which I often haul at night. The old incandescent lights were constantly burning out and draining the battery. I was looking for something durable and visible that wouldn’t require constant maintenance.
Out of the box, the Peterson light felt solid and well-constructed, despite its small size. The lens had a satisfyingly smooth finish, and the integrated reflex reflector appeared to be of good quality. Its compact form factor also impressed me.
I considered other LED marker lights from brands like Optronics and Grote. But the Peterson light stood out because of its integrated reflex reflector, which eliminates the need for a separate reflector, saving space and simplifying installation. Also, its price point made it an easy choice.
My first impression was positive; it felt like a well-engineered product that could handle the rigors of trailer life. I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test involved installing the Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex on the side of my utility trailer. Installation was straightforward thanks to the two mounting options: a center stud or two mounting screws. The 2-wire, hard-wired design, with the included #10 ring terminal for the ground wire, made the electrical connection simple and secure.
I tested the light during a late-night haul in moderately rainy conditions. The light cut through the darkness and the rain with impressive intensity. The reflex optics seemed to amplify the light output, making the trailer highly visible to other drivers.
I did not encounter any issues during the initial use, which gave me the confidence that this would be a great product. Installation was fast and the product worked right away.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a few long-distance hauls across different states, the Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of fading, cracking, or any reduction in brightness.
The housing material appears to be highly resistant to the elements. It has endured rain, mud, and even a few scrapes without any noticeable damage. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually all it takes.
Compared to the incandescent lights I previously used, the Peterson LED light is a significant upgrade. The increased brightness, energy efficiency, and long-lasting durability have made it a worthwhile investment. It outperforms the incandescent lights in every way.
Breaking Down the Features of Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex
Specifications
The Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex boasts several key specifications. It features a 2-diode LED configuration, operating within a 9-16 volt range. It utilizes a 2-wire, hard-wired design, and the ground wire is terminated with a #10 ring terminal. The light’s primary function is as a clearance or side marker light, and it includes an integrated reflex reflector.
These specifications translate directly into real-world benefits. The LED configuration offers superior brightness and longevity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. The wide voltage range ensures compatibility with various vehicle electrical systems. The 2-wire design simplifies installation, and the ground terminal ensures a secure electrical connection. The reflex reflector enhances visibility, increasing safety on the road.
Performance & Functionality
The Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex performs its job exceptionally well. The light output is bright and consistent, providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The integrated reflex reflector further enhances visibility, making the trailer highly noticeable to other drivers.
The light’s strengths lie in its brightness, durability, and ease of installation. One potential area for improvement could be offering different lens colors to suit various applications and personal preferences. Overall, the light meets and exceeds expectations for a clearance/side marker light in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex features a compact and functional design. The materials used in the housing feel durable and resistant to the elements. The light is lightweight, which simplifies installation and minimizes the risk of damage to the mounting surface.
The light is very user-friendly, requiring no specialized knowledge or tools for installation. The two mounting options provide flexibility, and the wiring is straightforward. There’s virtually no learning curve involved in using this light.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and quality materials, the Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex is expected to last for many years. The LED technology significantly extends the lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep the lens clear and the light functioning optimally. Due to the simplicity in design and the solid-state LED technology, repairs are typically not needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex doesn’t come with a plethora of accessories. Its inherent design is focused on simplicity and ease of integration. However, its standard mounting points and wiring configuration make it highly compatible with a wide range of existing trailer wiring systems and mounting hardware.
Although there aren’t specific customization options offered directly by Peterson, users can easily adapt the light to various mounting configurations using aftermarket brackets or adapters. The straightforward wiring also allows for integration with existing lighting control systems.
Pros and Cons of Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex
Pros
- Exceptional Brightness: The 2-diode LED delivers outstanding visibility, enhancing safety on the road.
- Durable Construction: High-quality materials ensure resistance to weather and wear, extending the lifespan of the product.
- Easy Installation: The 2-wire design and multiple mounting options simplify the setup process.
- Integrated Reflex Reflector: Eliminates the need for a separate reflector, saving space and enhancing visibility.
- Energy Efficient: LED technology consumes less power than incandescent bulbs, reducing battery drain.
Cons
- Limited Color Options: The availability of lens colors might be restricted.
- Basic Design: It is made for functionality, so aesthetics might not be for everyone.
Who Should Buy Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex?
The Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex is perfect for trailer owners, truck drivers, and anyone needing reliable and highly visible clearance or side marker lights. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade from incandescent bulbs to more energy-efficient and durable LED lighting. It’s also great for DIYers who appreciate easy installation.
This product might not be the best choice for those seeking highly customized lighting solutions or specific lens colors that are not readily available. Also, if aesthetics is a top priority, there may be more stylish options on the market.
A must-have accessory would be high-quality butt connectors or solder and heat shrink tubing for making secure and weather-resistant wire connections.
Conclusion on Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex
In summary, the Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex offers exceptional performance, durability, and ease of installation at an affordable price. Its bright LED light output and integrated reflex reflector significantly enhance visibility, making it a valuable safety addition to any trailer or vehicle.
At $10.49, the price is more than justified by the product’s quality and performance. I would absolutely recommend the Peterson light to anyone needing a reliable and efficient clearance or side marker light.
Upgrade your lighting today and experience the difference the Peterson The 170 Series Piranha LED Clearance/Side Marker Light With Reflex can make!