When you work on roads, it’s important for you to pick the right arrow board. Both vehicle-mounted arrow boards & arrow boards trailers help you to stay safe and follow the right path.
However, the difference between vehicle-mounted arrow boards and arrow board trailers helps you to understand which one fits your project better. Because they are different in their size, setup, and use, that’s exactly what we will explain to you in today’s guide.
What is a Vehicle-Mounted Arrow Board
Vehicle-mounted arrow boards are special signs that have bright and flashing arrows. You can place them on the back of your work vehicles. Its shiny arrow and LED lights help drivers to maintain traffic flow on roads. For example, they will guide you where to go and where you need to change lanes or slow down your vehicle. Moreover, they make it easy for road workers to keep you safe and give you clear directions.
What Are Arrow Board Trailers
Arrow board trailers are signs with blinking arrows that you can only place on your trailer, not on a vehicle. You can easily install them behind your truck and also park them where they are needed. Since they are installed on a trailer, you can leave them in one place for a long time. However, you have to set them up, turn them on, and they will start showing arrows on their display to tell drivers about the right path.
Comparison of Vehicle-Mounted Arrow Boards vs Arrow Board Trailers
Vehicle-mounted arrow boards and arrow board trailers have some key differences in how they are set up and used. Each one has its own strengths, which basically depend on what you need for your road project. Here are the main differences:
| Features | Vehicle-Mounted Arrow Board | Arrow Board Trailers |
| Control System | Control by a small remote, & wired or wireless options available. | Operated with a box on the trailer and a GPS / smart system installed inside. |
| Power Source | Directly powered by your truck’s system. | Functional with batteries and solar power/panels. |
| Set-Up | Already attached to your vehicle. | You need to set it up manually. |
| Visibility | Easy to spot in clear areas, but can be less visible if something blocks its view. | Provides you with maximum visibility from a far distance because it is set at a higher position. |
| Size | Available in small sizes, which is why it’s hard to see for drivers. | Larger in size & has big displays for better visibility on highways. |
| Mobility & Deployment | You can easily change its location – you can move it with your truck. | Made for stationary projects, so they are always fixed once you place them. |
| Efficiency on site | Easy to use, and you can set them quickly in a short time. | Also works well but needs extra time to install & adjust. |
| Height | Generally has medium height (48″x24″ to 72″x36″). | About 7 feet tall, up to 48″x 96″ in size. |
| Maintenance | Only normal checking is required for its proper operation. | You have to pay attention to all of its separate units to maintain its quality. |
| Cost | Affordable & cheaper. | More expensive due to size. |
| Durability | It is durable, but it depends on your careful driving. | More durable because of its high quality and heavy-duty materials. |
| Custom Settings | Provide only basic settings/features. | Offer you more advanced settings with pattern control & much more. |
Control System
Vehicle-mounted arrow boards are controlled by a small remote. Some of them need wires to connect, while others can operate wirelessly. You can easily change the arrow direction on your vehicles.
Arrow board trailers are managed with the help of a small box on the trailer. Hence, you have to get out of your truck to set it up & adjust accordingly. They also have a GPS/smart systems connection that enhances their performance.
Power Source
You don’t need a separate battery or any power setup for vehicle-mounted arrow boards. Because they take power from your truck. When your vehicle is on, the battery gets the required energy, which is enough to work properly.
In contrast, arrow board trailers run on batteries or solar power. Therefore, these boards are ideal when you need to operate them for a long time, when there is no truck around you.
Set-Up
Vehicle-mounted arrow boards are already fixed to your truck/work vehicle, so you don’t have to set them manually. You just need to drive to the location, park, and start the board from inside your truck.
In case of arrow board trailers, you should take them to the right spot. Then, you have to set up the board and turn it on with the help of a control box. Its overall setting takes more time than a vehicle-mounted arrow board setting.
Visibility
You can easily spot vehicle-mounted arrow boards when your truck is parked in a clear location. However, if something blocks your truck, it may be harder for drivers to notice.
For high visibility, you should install arrow board trailers where nothing can block them. For this purpose, you can also raise the board higher, so your drivers can see it from far away.
Size
Vehicle-mounted arrow boards are generally smaller because they need to fit on the back of your truck. But, they can still work well or may be harder to see from a distance.
Arrow board trailers are bigger in size than mounted arrow boards. They can hold larger boards, which makes the arrows easier to spot on highways / big roads.
Mobility and Deployment
You can move vehicle-mounted arrow boards wherever your vehicle goes. For example, if you want to change your location, then you just drive, and the board moves with you easily.
On the other hand, arrow board trailers are different. They are permanently fixed at the place where you once set them. These boards are ideal options for your big jobs that don’t move around.
Efficiency on Site
With vehicle-mounted arrow boards, you can perform your task faster. The reason is that they are ready to use, and you don’t need to set them manually. Hence, it also saves time at your workplace.
Arrow board trailers also perform fast operations and can stay for a long time. But, you have to carefully install and set them up in place.
Cost
If we talk about the cost difference between the two arrow boards, they vary based on size, features, and how you plan to use them. Generally, vehicle-mounted arrow boards are affordable and cheaper because they are smaller and part of your truck.
However, arrow board trailers are expensive. They are bigger, stand on their own, and have extra features such as solar panels / remote controls. Plus, you need strong frames & wheels to move them around, which increases the overall price.
Maintenance
As you know, vehicle-mounted arrow boards are part of your truck. Therefore, you don’t need to pay lots of attention to their maintenance. You can check them when you check your vehicle, which is enough.
Arrow boards have attached equipment such as wheels, lights, and a power system. That’s why you have to check them separately. Plus, you need to charge the battery, clean the solar panels & fix parts if they get damaged.
Height
Vehicle-mounted arrow boards are taller so that the driver can see them clearly and follow safety rules. They are available in small or medium sizes, such as 48 by 24 inches & 72 by 36 inches.
Well, arrow board trailers are mostly 7 feet high from the ground. Also, the base of the trailer is wider, approximately 75 inches. You can get these boards in a size range from 30 by 60 inches up to 48 by 96 inches.
Durability
Vehicle-mounted arrow boards are manufactured from strong materials that protect them from damage. But remember, you have to drive carefully to make it last long.
In contrast, arrow board trailers are made to handle tough jobs and bad weather. These boards have strong and heavy-duty frames/wheels. So we can say that arrow board trailers are more durable than mounted arrow boards.
Custom Settings
Vehicle-mounted arrow boards offer you limited options. You can only change arrow directions, such as left/right, straight, and flash different patterns. But these are all basic settings.
However, with arrow board trailers, you will have more choices. You can use the remote and control panels to change its patterns, speed, and brightness as required. Some smart trailers also offer the option to use GPS for automatic updates.
Rules and Regulations – Vehicle-Mounted Arrow Boards vs Arrow Board Trailers
In many countries, strict standards are designed by the Department of Transportation, MUTCD, and local and State Traffic Authorities for vehicle-mounted and trailer boards. It is compulsory for you to follow them for the safety of people and road equipment.
Government Standards & Compliance
For the security of highways, vehicles, and workers around roads, the government has special rules for the use of arrow boards. These laws all aim to protect you in your work zones.
MUTCD: For mounted arrow boards,the lights should blink between 25 and 40 times every minute. Also, when lights blink, they should stay on for at least half of each blink. The light’s color should be yellow, and its display shows a different arrow style, and it can be controlled remotely.
MUTCD regulates arrow board trailers so that the billing speed of lights is neither too fast nor too slow. The yellow color should be preferred so that drivers can spot them easily. Plus, the board should be at least 7 feet above the road.
Local Transport Authority Guidelines: You have to consider the height limits and placement angles for mounted boards. As it is used for a short period, you can use small boards and adjust them so that the driver can spot them easily. However, Local guidelines may require bigger board sizes for arrow boards trailers because they are installed in stationary work zones and for long-term operations.
Permit and Licensing Requirements
If you have registered a truck, then you don’t need a special permit for mounted arrow boards. The reason is that it follows the same license and insurance rules as your truck/vehicles. On the other side, separate trailer licenses are required for arrow board trailers. Furthermore, you also need proper registration if your trailer is large in size.
Legal Restrictions Based on Region / Project Type
Well, you have to obey different rules for different places and locations. So, you should check the local rules for your site and type of your jobs.
When You Should Use Arrow Board Trailers
You can install an arrow board trailer in your fixed work zone for long-term durations. For example, road construction or lane closures are the most commonly used sites. You should place them where you want high visibility and need to leave the board in one place.
When Vehicle-Mounted Arrow Boards are Allowed
Vehicle-mounted arrow boards are allowed for short-term and for your moving work zones, such as road repairs & painting lines. They also perform best when you need to move quickly and change locations from one site to another in emergency situations.
Pros and Cons of Vehicle-Mounted Arrow Boards
Vehicle-mounted arrow boards have several helpful features, but they also have a few downsides that you should consider. The following are some pros and cons:
Quick to Set Up: It does not require any extra tools for its installation or operations.
Occupy Minimum Space: As it is already fixed at your vehicles, you don’t need to provide more space, which is great for busy areas.
Best for Short Jobs: For your short-term projects, this board is perfect. Because you don’t have to put much effort into its settings.
Easy to Move: If you want to change the board locations, you just have to move your truck wherever you want to set your mounted arrow boards.
However, with these types of boards, you may also face some difficulties, such as:
- It has a low height and a small size.
- When you drive your truck, the board moves too.
- Not having a suitable size for bigger and brighter boards.
- These boards have limited customization options, features, and functions.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Arrow Board Trailers
There are lots of things that arrow boards trailers have which make them stand out among other arrow boards. But they also have some limitations at the same time. Below, we list out the major benefits and disadvantages.
Big in Size: These arrow boards are larger than traditional arrow boards. Hence, their big, bright arrows can grab people’s attention.
High visibility: Drivers can see them from a far distance due to their good visibility and shiny lights.
Durable: Arrow board trailers are made of tough materials that can handle long-term use without getting damaged/broken.
Remote Controlled: You can control its operation ( change arrows & turn board on / off) with a remote.
Doesn’t Tie Up Truck: Your truck is free to do other jobs because it doesn’t move with your truck. So, you can leave it in place and use your truck for other tasks.
The following are some drawbacks of arrow board trailers:
- In any case, if you want to change its spot, it may be difficult for you because you have to hook it up and drag it again.
- As it has a large size, it needs extra space to park it and for safe applications.
- All its parts are separated, therefore you need to check tires, lights and other units regularly.
- It costs more if you want to buy it, and you may also need extra permits and licenses.
Which Industries Use These Arrow Boards?
Traffic Management Services.
- Vehicle-Mounted Arrow Boards: These are used by road repair crews, utility workers, and any group that needs to move quickly from place to place. They help people stay safe while working on short & moving jobs.
- Arrow Board Trailers: Used by big construction companies and highway maintenance teams for long-term road work projects. They can stay in one spot for a long time and provide warnings to drivers.
Maintenance Companies
- Vehicle-Mounted Arrow Boards: Helpful for road maintenance crews, electricians, and utility teams who are responsible for fixing signs, lights, or wires. They are also great when the work is quick and requires a change in location.
- Arrow Board Trailers: Maintenance organizations use it for tough jobs, such as fixing highways, bridges, and cleaning areas after storms. Because these trailers don’t block trucks from doing other work.
Emergency Response Teams
- Vehicle-Mounted Arrow Boards: Generally, police, fire, and rescue teams use them for quick traffic control. They are also helpful in tackling situations during accidents/emergencies.
- Arrow Board Trailers: These arrow boards are installed when there are dangerous emergency scenes such as major crashes, floods & road closures. It helps drivers to keep away from danger.
Event & Crowd Control Planners
- Vehicle-Mounted Arrow Boards: Event planners and managers use these boards when they arrange events like parades or marathons. They guide traffic and crowds about where they can move.
- Arrow Board Trailers: You can install them if you need protection for big events such as concerts, fairs, and sports games. Plus, you should place them at entry points/roadblocks to direct people and vehicles.
Conclusion
Vehicle-mounted or trailer arrow board? It depends on how long your project is, how frequently you change locations, and how much visibility you need at your work sites. For short distances and when you need to move jobs, you should go with vehicle-mounted boards.
But, for long-term and fixed work zones, trailers are a better option for you. We also advise you to check your project requirements, location, and budget first and then choose the right arrow board according to your setup.
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