Coach head lights not bright enough

[Excursion04]

The headlights on our 2004 Excursions were fogged up badly from inside. The only way to clean them I had to remove the complete assembly and the light bulbs to clean the lenses from inside. I though this would improve the brightness, didn't much. Now I am researching for replacement light bulbs. Like Led Headlight Conversion Kits or something similar to Kensun HID Xenon Conversion Kit "All Bulb Sizes and Colors" with Premium Ballasts - 9006 (HB4) - 6000k.
I know anyone of these options would make some improvements but before moving forward like to know if there are better options if not which one of these options is better choice.
My running lights are 9006-HB4 (low) and 9005-HB3 (hi)
As always thank you all for your help.

[jleamo1]

I had the same problem with both of our coaches. I figured out what auto manufacture they bought them from, and ordered aftermarket lights. I opted for a blacked out look since the original lights were big and clumsy looking. Much better now in the dark. In my case these were from a Ford Econoline van 1997-2006. CARID.com was where they were purchased from.

[Lt Dan]

Look closely on the headlight assembly for a DOT number. Plug this number into Amazon or E-bay and you can find replacement aftermarket assemblies. Most all manufacturers use off the shelf headlights and just build around them. For example, our '06 Itasca used the headlights from a 97 Ford Windstar van and our current Tiffin uses headlights from a 2006-2012 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. I replaced the ones in our Itasca for about $60 on Amazon.

[Excursion04]

Lt DAn, did you replace the whole assembly not just the bulbs? The headlights on mine are the same as 1989 BMW 325i are are in pretty good shape after cleaning, except not bright enough. I found replacements on ebay. But I am concerned that I would have the same issues with the replacements as well

[Lt Dan]

Originally Posted by Excursion04

Lt DAn, did you replace the whole assembly not just the bulbs? The headlights on mine are the same as 1989 BMW 325i are are in pretty good shape after cleaning, except not bright enough. I found replacements on ebay. But I am concerned that I would have the same issues with the replacements as well

I replaced the whole assemblies since they were sun fogged. I found that they were brighter than the old ones, but not greatly so. One thing to check is your actual voltage at the headlights with the engine running. I found that with voltage drop through the wiring harness, I was only getting around 11.75 volts with the engine running. I added a couple of relays (one for high beam and one for low) with a direct feed from the fuse block and upped the working voltage at the lights to 13.2, which made the biggest difference. Weak headlights are a common issue with these motor homes and there have been many threads about different ways to help them work better.

[Gary RVRoamer]

On my '04 American Tradition, the problem was low voltage to the headlamps. Fleetwood (American Coach) rewired mine with shorter and larger wires and there was a noticeable improvement. Check the voltage that actually reaches the light bulb socket - mine was down around 12.1, even with the alternator pumping out 14.4v.

[TonySheri]

While at CC in OR they replaced our bulbs with the HID version and polished the lenses. A major improvement on low beam, not much of a change on high. I could not see on low, so this was a big benefit for us. Once you swap out the bulb, consider polishing the lenses. Good luck.

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

I replaced the whole assemblies since they were sun fogged. I found that they were brighter than the old ones, but not greatly so. One thing to check is your actual voltage at the headlights with the engine running. I found that with voltage drop through the wiring harness, I was only getting around 11.75 volts with the engine running. I added a couple of relays (one for high beam and one for low) with a direct feed from the fuse block and upped the working voltage at the lights to 13.2, which made the biggest difference. Weak headlights are a common issue with these motor homes and there have been many threads about different ways to help them work better.

This is the first thing I suggest when anyone has issues with headlight brightness issues. Once the proper voltage is either determined or corrected to, then you take the next step in goofing around purchasing other bulbs.
Scott

[sdennislee]

Take a look at this thread

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f65/dim-h...ys-306053.html

[montyhp]

Our 2005 Discovery uses 2000 Ford F250 headlights. I just ordered a set of aftermarket lights that should be significantly brighter.

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by montyhp

Our 2005 Discovery uses 2000 Ford F250 headlights. I just ordered a set of aftermarket lights that should be significantly brighter.

if, IF, your voltage at the headlights is sufficient or, up to par I should say.
Scott

[Excursion04]

well I think I screwed up! I tried to take a voltage reading with engine running, somehow blew a fuse or something. my headlights hi and low are out. The tail light and side lights are but no headlights. I checked all the fuses under the dashboard. They are all fine. Are there any type of inline fuses for the headlights? Can't figure this one out. This is on 2004 Fleetwood Excursion. HELP

[sdennislee]

My headlight fuse are in the outside compartment on the road side below the drivers window, you might check for another fuse panel outside.

[montyhp]

Originally Posted by FIRE UP

if, IF, your voltage at the headlights is sufficient or, up to par I should say.
Scott

I'll check when I install the new set.