2004 2005 2006 2007 Tropi-Cal Headlight Replacement

[NoSparkPlug]

The headlights on our 2004 Tropical T396 are yellowed, cloudy and produces bad light. So I would like to replace, but namely upgrade them.

Anyone have any recommendations?

Also does anyone know if these lights were pirated from another automobile manufacturer like many other coach builders do?

Thanks

[Starsekr]

You might look on the headlight lens for DOT numbers and then do an internet search for them. I replaced the lights on my 2005 Winnie with stock Chevy lights from a 2001 Caprice (I think). After replacing, I now go out and give them a wipe with some Nu-Shine car polish every one in a while, hoping it will protect them longer. Good luck.

[450Donn]

Yea, the DOT number on the lens will tell you all you neer to know. Now, before spending too much money go to an auto parts atore and buy a lens restore kit. Follow the instructions and they will turn out like new.

[CamJam1]

A lot of times those lens restore products only last a few weeks or months, but I did the headlights on my Dolphin earlier this year and they still look great.

My 2004 Dolphin uses 2001 Chevy truck headlights. I wouldn't swear to it, but those on your year TropiCal look similar.

https://www.vehiclehistory.com/evox_...6-0348-640.jpg

[NoSparkPlug]

Originally Posted by CamJam1

....
My 2004 Dolphin uses 2001 Chevy truck headlights. I wouldn't swear to it, but those on your year TropiCal look similar.

https://www.vehiclehistory.com/evox_...6-0348-640.jpg

I looked up the numbers as suggested above. The headlights had no numbers on the lenses that checked out. But the so called bumper lights had numbers related to 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado and 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban & GMC Tahoe. The headlights have the brand "Guide" and that's what brand GM uses for their factory stuff. So assume you are correct that both headlight and bumper lights Chevy/GMC truck lights. Thanks!

In searching for headlight specific to 2004 National RV Tropi-Cal, I found they are priced at a premium compared to searching for specific headlights for the Chevy Silverado. Crazy thing is I can find the same headlights marked up $150 more.

My current lights are too far gone. A yellowed interior is what is making me replace them. I found some aftermarket Projector for the Silverado/Suburban/Tahoe that I would like to try along with LED bumper lights. I'll report back on how they fit.

[CamJam1]

As you have likely already found, there are lots of places to buy them... Amazon, E-Bay etc. Of course, most are probably Chinese imports so it's a buyer beware situation.

The same is true for the tail lights, which are 1995-2007 Ford Van (E150-E350) on most NRV products during this time frame. I can't find gaskets anywhere to replace the crumbling ones on my Dolphin, but the entire taillight assemblies are only $38 a pair on Amazon, which includes the gaskets.

[NoSparkPlug]

That's good to know about the tail lights. I have crumbling gaskets also. But the light lenses are fogged also. Probably will be replacing those too.

[NoSparkPlug]

Just to update this thread.

The headlights and "bumper" lights are indeed 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado and 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban & Chevy Tahoe.

I went with a black background aftermarket set with LED light bars for an updated look. I did some rewiring to move the Day Light Running lamps to show on the light bars and LED corners. With that move, the center lamp on the bumper assembly are now not needed. I then wired in an additional turn signal and parking lights to use in that open space.

Previous set of lights




New vs Old headlight assembly


As installed with the new turn signal/parking lamp addition








.

[NoSparkPlug]

As installed.


Daylight pictures of the rewired assemblies in action.





Can't take a good night shot.






.

[NoSparkPlug]

Originally Posted by NoSparkPlug

..
. The headlights had no numbers on the lenses that checked out. But the so called bumper lights had numbers related to 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado and 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban & GMC Tahoe. The headlights have the brand "Guide" and that's what brand GM uses for their factory stuff. So assume you are correct that both headlight and bumper lights Chevy/GMC truck lights. Thanks!

I made a typo/mistake. GMC does not have any lights that fits the TropiCal. Also it's a Chevy Tahoe, not GMC.

[CamJam1]

Those look awesome! Make your MH look five or ten years newer! How well do they light up the road compared to the old ones?

[stinespool]

Looks Great! I've been wanting to upgrade.

[NoSparkPlug]

Thank for the complements! I do like the look. There seems like hundreds of styles I could of choose from, this could of gone bad easily. lol

[NoSparkPlug]

Originally Posted by CamJam1

.... How well do they light up the road compared to the old ones?

Truthfully my original headlights were so bad, I think a flashlight would have been better! Fortunately, we never really traveled at night.

With that said, I think the headlights now produce very nice light with a set of Beamtech 9006 LED bulbs.

I do however think the headlight reflectors could have been manufactured better to produce even more light. It's kind of hard to tell what you are getting from the online pictures. As you said earlier, it's a buyer beware situation.

In the end, I am pretty satisfied of the results.