Dim Headlights

[RV4Jesus]

We just purchased a 2002 Phaeton. During our initial trip I noted how dim the head lamps were (in fact low-beams were seemingly brighter than high-beams).
I'm planning on buying new lights just in case the existing ones are weak but are there recommendations on other options (i.e. regular incandescent vs. Halogen or will Xenon work?). The plastic lens covers also need to be polished which should help some.
Thanks in advance.

[skipwil]

WELCOME...
Be sure to check the ground wire connectors around the front area (if you can get in there). There should more amperage draw on Hi beams- that might account for the brighter low beams. Polishing the plastic lens may help a lot.
Post often and keep us informed.

[wagon217]

Congrats on your purchase! I also would be checking for a ground problem. I would recommend you contact Tiffin and discuss with them if your Phaeton can handle something other than the original headlights. There might be a wiring issue if you selected to replace them with something that draws more current. Just a thought.

You can find the phone number on their website.

Good Luck!

[rotts4u]

This is a common problem on older Tiffins and several other brands too. I had a 2003 and went through the same issue. I replaced bulbs polished lens and even replaced the whole housing light and all with little improvements. Those light fixtures are out of some production pickup truck and are just not very good at all. There is nothing tiffin can do now as the most they can offer is a free light just like it.

I simply added a set of aftermarket PIAA driving lights and after that I didnt care if the headlights were even on or not. They were model 3000 I think and were about $250 but included a nice wiring harness etc.

If you search on tiffinrvnetwork dot com you will find others that had the same issue as you did and never got anywhere with the stock set up either.

[RV4Jesus]

Rotts..
I thought about doing the add-on but was unsure about mounting to the fiberglass front cap.
How did you mount the PIAA 3000? (got a photo?)

I did call Tiffin and they said that the wiring would handle the xenon bulbs if I go that way but I need to find out how much heat they produce (I'd hate to melt the plastic lens).

Thanks again

[mfire1339]

Seems to me if they work in a pickup then they should work in a motorhome.

Mike

[rotts4u]

My coach was an Allegro bay which meant my front had a grill. Actually two grills, an upper one and a lower one. I simply made a small opening in the grill material and mounted them on a bracket I welded up and bolted to one of the cross members behind the grill.

On a Phaeton with no grill it will of course be tougher. On my newer 08 Phaeton I think the only thing I could do is to upgrade the round stock fog lights with new hid bulbs or completely new lights.