On the front fenders of German trucks and armored cars there are two metal rods with a white painted ball on the end. Can anyone please tell me what they were called and what was their function?

This rods are called „Peilstangen“, showing the driver the width of his vehicle.


Michael

Many thanks for the answer. I really appreciate it.

Yep, width markers (today called bumper guides) are for the purpose of allowing the driver to better tell where the front corners of his/her truck are.

Not so common these days on big trucks. (Did not say they were not still a good idea.) But if you look long and hard enough on the highways you will find some out there.

. . .

The angled off-set is to give a little extra "safety" clearance beyond the limits of the actual vehicle corners.

Thank you, that was very informative.