Train horns began as ways for locomotive or diesel trains to give warnings to people or animals on the tracks, or to simply announce the approach of a train, especially along railway crossings or switchovers. Train horns were also used on travel trains to alert passengers that a train was about to leave the depot. Train horns replaced train whistles when trains became diesel powered instead of stream powered, making the old steam whistles obsolete. Diesel trains were equipped with truck horns, but the unique sound that train horns produce now became necessary when accidents occurred when motorists mistook the sound of truck horns for train horns. Train horns actually have two horns that create a chord when sounded. Train horns are a part of Americana, a ubiquitous sound that represents a form of travel of bygone days, or as symbol of one of the strongest, loudest engines around – a locomotive train.

Given the association of the sound of a train horn with the mighty engine and a form of travel that harks back to our grandparents, it is not surprising that train horns have become a popular modification for cars, trucks and SUVs. These smaller-scale train horns for cars are similar to the horns used on trains. In a culture where big cars are revered, big horns – train horns – seem only too natural. Additionally, some people collect train horns for their visual, audio and historical appeal. What better way to show a love for the sound of a train horn than to mount one on your own car? Commonly known as truck train horns, collectors and people who just like big sounds can now easily emulate the sound of real trains.

Truck train horns that are used for cars, trucks and SUVs are air horns, just like the horns used on trains. Both are air horns, horns attached to a pressurized air valve that sends air through to the horn. Truck train horns, in addition to the visual and audio appeal, also boost the sound that car alarms make. In a time when car alarms are so common that people often ignore them when they go off, a truck train horn will ensure that no car alarm goes unnoticed, making your vehicle not only more unique but more secure as well.

For the real aficionado of truck train horns, some now are even louder than actual train horns. However, given that truck train horns can easily sound like the horns used on actual trains, semi rigs, and emergency vehicles, those who purchase and install truck train horns should be careful with their use.