1999 National SeaView LED Headlights

[Honey_Hole]

I have the Ford Chassis

Anyone upgrade there headlights?

Can anyone help be find some LED or upgraded replacements?

I don't even know how to figure out what head lights are in my motorhome so I don't know how to find replacements.

I do a lot of night driving on long desert roads with no street lights.

[T-Steve]

HH,
What type of headlight does your Ford chassis use? Sealed beams or bulbs in aerodynamic housings? Please advise and I might be able to help.
Steve

[surgesound]

I can't speak for Honey_Hole, but my '98 F53 Sea Breeze has the bulb & plastic lens arrangement, and they are really weak. I too am looking to improve my night driving visibility, so any suggestions and experiences doing this would be greatly appreciated!

---Jim

[Gerryl]

The lights they used on then back then were from an 1985 to 2005 Chev Astrovan. And maybe you can find some brighter bulbs for them. The standard ones were only about 2 candlepower.
There was a post on this back in about May 2015. Found it

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f105/2000...ts-248126.html

Hope this helps.

[T-Steve]

HH,
It sounds like you probably have those Astro headlights (thanks Gerryl) using 9006 bulbs. I'd first make sure your lenses are good and clean and polished (and clear). New lamp housings are pretty cheap so that's an option.

Then try good quality bulbs such as Sylvania Xtravision. I don't recommend any of those "blue" or "silver" bulbs.

Be careful about LED or HID upgrades. Some can be bright, but most are not legal and may have too much glare. Good luck.

Steve

[John Wayne]

You can also check and make sure your bulbs are getting a full 12 volts if not there are ways to rewire with relays so you get 12 volts and more for the headlights.

[George Schweikle]

X2 for relays. Before buying headlights claimed to be brighter, be sure there is adequate voltage to the lights.

Many motorhome manufacturers route the headlight wires all over the place so there is significant voltage drop at the headlights. I just installed a headlight relay kit on our 1999 Safari Trek (with original 1999 headlights). This uses relays to provide engine battery voltage directly to the headlights and the difference in brightness was really significant. I bought a kit designed for Chevy pickups so had to splice additional wire to reach the headlights, but it wasn't a big deal. Truck Parts & Truck Accessories for Chevy, GMC, Ford & Dodge Trucks | LMCTruck.com

Here's a good article on headlight relays: Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

Originally Posted by John Wayne

You can also check and make sure your bulbs are getting a full 12 volts if not there are ways to rewire with relays so you get 12 volts and more for the headlights.

[Honey_Hole]

Originally Posted by Gerryl

The lights they used on then back then were from an 1985 to 2005 Chev Astrovan. And maybe you can find some brighter bulbs for them. The standard ones were only about 2 candlepower.
There was a post on this back in about May 2015. Found it

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f105/2000...ts-248126.html

Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by T-Steve

HH,
It sounds like you probably have those Astro headlights (thanks Gerryl) using 9006 bulbs. I'd first make sure your lenses are good and clean and polished (and clear). New lamp housings are pretty cheap so that's an option.

Then try good quality bulbs such as Sylvania Xtravision. I don't recommend any of those "blue" or "silver" bulbs.

Be careful about LED or HID upgrades. Some can be bright, but most are not legal and may have too much glare. Good luck.

Steve

I do not have the Astro van headlights mine look slightly different. I Only have on lens too.

Originally Posted by John Wayne

You can also check and make sure your bulbs are getting a full 12 volts if not there are ways to rewire with relays so you get 12 volts and more for the headlights.

Originally Posted by George Schweikle

X2 for relays. Before buying headlights claimed to be brighter, be sure there is adequate voltage to the lights.

Many motorhome manufacturers route the headlight wires all over the place so there is significant voltage drop at the headlights. I just installed a headlight relay kit on our 1999 Safari Trek (with original 1999 headlights). This uses relays to provide engine battery voltage directly to the headlights and the difference in brightness was really significant. I bought a kit designed for Chevy pickups so had to splice additional wire to reach the headlights, but it wasn't a big deal. Truck Parts & Truck Accessories for Chevy, GMC, Ford & Dodge Trucks | LMCTruck.com

Here's a good article on headlight relays: Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

I am going to check this first. If I have 12v where should I got from there.



I had a friend suggest this website

https://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/D...ast-35W-or-55W

[tderonne]

Originally Posted by Honey_Hole

I am going to check this first. If I have 12v where should I got from there.

It's an F53. You have low voltage at the lights. As wired by Ford you lose about 2 volts from the system voltage to the headlights. Any added inadequate wiring can only make it even worse. Your existing headlights, and any swap you might do, will benefit from better wiring. It's a great starting point. (After aiming of course.)

[Honey_Hole]

Originally Posted by tderonne

It's an F53. You have low voltage at the lights. As wired by Ford you lose about 2 volts from the system voltage to the headlights. Any added inadequate wiring can only make it even worse. Your existing headlights, and any swap you might do, will benefit from better wiring. It's a great starting point. (After aiming of course.)

Will report back this week

[Figaredo]

Originally Posted by T-Steve

HH,
What type of headlight does your Ford chassis use? Sealed beams or bulbs in aerodynamic housings? Please advise and I might be able to help.
Steve

Hey T-Steve! I would really appreciate your advise! I have a 2000 Tropical with squared sealed beams. I barely see at night! I'm considering buying this long led auxiliary lamps to help me a little. I do remember, back in the day, Sylvania sealed beams and bulbs were really the best option. What's your advise?

Thanks!

[Barbara S.]

I have a 2001 Sea View and have been replacing headlights since I bought the motorhome and they are still dim to me.