Community Forums

DoubleCK · 02-09-2016, 03:04 PM

Greetings,

We would like to upgrade the headlights on our coach.

Would like halogen with a cover that doesn't glaze over.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Craig & Karen

BFlinn181 · 02-09-2016, 04:06 PM

First I'd check the voltage present at the current headlights. Many dim or weak headlights are a result of loses due to long runs of the wiring. A bad ground can also make the lights dim.

docj · 02-09-2016, 04:11 PM

A lot of coaches of the vintage of yours have "headlight wiring modifications" commonly performed to increase the effective voltage at the light itself. I had such a mod on my Beaver; check with the CC owners group to see if there is something similar. Essentially it is just new wiring from the battery to the light and an appropriate relay.

We replaced our headlight assemblies last year and bought decent quality knockoffs since the Lincoln headlights spec'd for our coach were prohibitively expensive. Just having clear lenses and new bulbs made a world of difference. We rarely travel at night so my headlights primarily are used as daytime running lights so I had no incentive to invest in LEDs or xenons.

As for the lights hazing over, almost all light assemblies have UV blockers that prevent hazing for a while. As the lights age it is difficult to keep them clear especially if you spend a lot of your time in the southern states. You can get them "restored" but that often damages the remaining UV protection coating so the nice look doesn't always last all that long.

DoubleCK · 02-09-2016, 07:48 PM

Looks like maybe a late 90s Ford F150. What do you think?

CJ7365 · 02-09-2016, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleCK

Looks like maybe a late 90s Ford F150. What do you think?

In the mean time while you shop for new headlights, using some rubbing compound on the lens will clean them up a little, works real good if you have a electric buffer, just watch out you don't hit your paint.

tderonne · 02-09-2016, 07:58 PM

2003 Explorer:

I got some good, clean, OEM lights for my motorhome from https://autolightsusa.com/

They are local to me (Michigan location). I was able to go there and look at the lights they had in stock and pick the best ones. '03 Explorer lights are over 10 years old now, not too much demand for them, prices are good.

They have some listed on ebay for $45/$50. When I got mine, they had many more in stock than they had listed on ebay. If you're interested is some decent OEM replacements, I'd give them a buzz. In my case they knew exactly what I was after, replacing cheap Chinese copies with real headlights, and were very helpful.

DoubleCK · 02-09-2016, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJ7365

In the mean time while you shop for new headlights, using some rubbing compound on the lens will clean them up a little, works real good if you have a electric buffer, just watch out you don't hit your paint.

Those look great.

Thanks, we have had them shined up. Didn't last long.

Mr_D · 02-09-2016, 08:03 PM

Look at the lens, make a note of the numbers and do a search on the web. The numbers will give you the replacements you need. Did that with our Magna

DoubleCK · 02-09-2016, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tderonne

2003 Explorer:

Looks right to me.

Looks like a match to me.

hrw · 02-13-2016, 10:08 AM

We replaced our headlights last Spring at Premier RV in Junction City. Huge improvement. Have any of you had the tail lights pick up condensation? Our unit, driver side has a moisture problem. Don't like the look of moisture in there. I assume the entire assembley needs to be replaced?

BFlinn181 · 02-13-2016, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrw

We replaced our headlights last Spring at Premier RV in Junction City. Huge improvement. Have any of you had the tail lights pick up condensation? Our unit, driver side has a moisture problem. Don't like the look of moisture in there. I assume the entire assembley needs to be replaced?

It depends on if the lens is separate from the reflector and housing. If you remove the screws you might just need to reseal the gasket around the lens. If it's all one unit, you might be able to remove the bulb socket and blow air into the lens until dry, then seal it up again. If the moisture has damaged the reflector or corroded the electrical connections, it probably needs replacing.

Mr_D · 02-13-2016, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Look at the lens, make a note of the numbers and do a search on the web. The numbers will give you the replacements you need. Did that with our Magna.

I also bought a set of LED lights to replace the standard bulbs. But, due to the DW's cancer, I haven't been able to try them out.

smlranger · 02-14-2016, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I also bought a set of LED lights to replace the standard bulbs. But, due to the DW's cancer, I haven't been able to try them out.

I have considered doing that but when I read reviews (Amazon, etc) from others who have gotten the LED replacements, they are not that great.

Let us know how they do when you can. Keeping you and your DW in our thoughts and prayers.

Old Dinghy · 02-15-2016, 07:31 AM

A year ago I purchased and applied Meguiar's brand headlight restoration kit I bought for around $20 on Amazon. Just returned to NH last night after 3 days/nights of hard driving, and the OEM lights were excellent. That kit has everything I needed to polish and to seal the lens, with plenty left to do a friend's coach +. I mention it only as a very inexpensive (and from my experience, very effective) way to greatly increase the headlight performance immediately. Safe travels.