Community Forums

delhawk · 08-13-2020, 08:37 PM

I avoid driving at night because I like to be in an RV park before dinner, no matter the time of year. I generally avoid driving more than 250 mile a day when I can. What's the hurry?

George Weiss · 08-13-2020, 09:14 PM

The issue is not lights, it’s you! If you take AARP senior safe driving class you will learn! Just as you run slower now than you did when you were 25, your iris muscles are slower and weaker. When your eyes need to change between approaching headlights and darkness, they are weaker and slower. You CANNOT see as well at night (unless you’re the rare 30 year old RVer.). So TRY not to drive in the dark any more than you must. Headlights are not what’s making it harder!

Sugaree · 08-13-2020, 10:24 PM

I have a 2019 Newmar DS and I would never dream of driving this beast at night. It is also a recipe for disaster to arrive at a campground in the dark. I am always amazed at the number of rigs I see arriving at campgrounds late into the night. Beside the huge risk, who wants to set up in the dark?

Littlestinky · 08-13-2020, 10:46 PM

My headlight lens were old and had turned foggy. I found the headlights on my 2000 Safari Continental Panther were the same as a 92-95 Ford Taurus. Even with new headlights I shy away from driving at night. My driving lights are much brighter but if I raised them they would be blinding to oncoming traffic. What has anyone done to improve their lights. I would appreciate any info to brighten my life in the coach at night.

Blkbart · 08-13-2020, 10:48 PM

I have a 2003 Itasca Horizon 34HD. I try to avoid driving at night these days. My original headlights were terrible. After some research, I chose the Sylvania LED headlights. OMG, what a difference! H6024 7” headlights. I got them through Walmart. Extremely impressed! You will not be disappointed.

Blkbart · 08-13-2020, 11:00 PM

I have a 2003 Itasca Horizon 34HD. I try to avoid driving at night these days. My original headlights were terrible. After some research, I chose the Sylvania LED headlights. OMG, what a difference! H6024 7” headlights. I got them through Walmart. Extremely impressed! You will not be disappointed.

Mr_D · 08-13-2020, 11:02 PM

I drive less than 10% at night but it's not due to poor headlights so I can't vote.
I'm retired so no need to drive at night although I do if necessary.

LargeMarge · 08-14-2020, 01:11 AM

Zero.

We choose pretty routes from pretty places to pretty places.
Our routes are too pretty to travel at night.

tgproios · 08-14-2020, 06:10 AM

My 2006 Georgetown is another coach that uses older headlights from the big 3. The high beams are pathetic and low not much better. I've replaced my "fog" lights with Hella units that provide a wide light pattern that has a very sharp cutoff that doesn't bother oncoming drivers. Those in tandem with the stock headlights do well for normal nighttime in traffic conditions. The bigger problem was the reach of the stock high beams, Given the poor reflector design of the stock headlights, going to aftermarket bulbs won't solve the issue. Years ago I had purchased 2 Ciibie 5-3/4" round high beam lights to replace the existing high beams. These coupled with 100 watt halogen bulbs light up reflectors a mile away and are exceptional for when there's no oncoming traffic for illuminating the road ahead. I've wired them to work in tandem with the stock high beams. They're mounted in an old dual headlight bracket designed for 5-3/4" headlights behind the grill.

I recently purchased an after market 5-3/4" LED headlight for my '93 Harley and that lamp is incredible. Very sharp cutoff on low so not to offend oncoming traffic and a great high beam. We have a lot of deer out here and driving the bike at night is always of concern. This headlight give much better coverage to help allay the fears.

I've always gone for the aftermarket European design replacements for the old sealed beams in my vehicles and they were well worth it. Putting brighter bulbs in poorly designed headlights doesn't rally help anyone - and PLEASE be sure the headlights are properly aimed!

Kountry_star · 08-14-2020, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeoKayG

I find it almost impossible to drive safely at night due to the poor headlights on my motorhome. If it starts to rain I have no choice but to pull over and stop. Wondering what others do to improve theirs.

Adjust or have someone adjust your headlights first. Then after everything is in good alinement. Change out to a quality upgraded bulbs like Sylvania silverstones or even Quality LED if its in your budjet. Don't go cheap on the bulbs it is what really makes it after you have good alinement. ALWAYS aline first.

Nevermind Me · 08-14-2020, 07:07 AM

Early in my ownership (three summers) I replaced the headlights with expensive new bulbs. I have yet to drive at night to test their effectiveness. It isn't that I am reluctant to drive at night but that all of our trips have been during the long summer days and the fact that many campgrounds don't allow/like after dark arrivals. I think most of us also don't like arriving and backing into a site during the dark. That is probably more of the reason for not driving at night for most of us. STILL, better headlights should be installed. I'd like to hear from an OTR driver about how good their truck lights were in comparison to their coach. That will tell us something important: can they be better?

rogerray45 · 08-14-2020, 07:26 AM

I only drive in daylight hours because I enjoy the view out my window.

Zow · 08-14-2020, 08:27 AM

My rv looks like a ufo with all the lights I put on it .I put lights behind the grille, on the roof in back and on the sides not to drive at night but for camp sites when I pull in and back down if I have to, every inch around me is illuminated. I bought an RV to relax and enjoy the road , I generally pull in when it starts to get dark and make supper & enjoy.

Chucknord · 08-14-2020, 08:30 AM

The problem with my 2001 Tiffin allegro was not brightness , although i upgraded to HID , it was the aim . headlight shells blown in place with self drilling screws and never aimed .
I got new assembleys for a Fleetwood Disco and aimed them with much shimming and fiddling . I prefer 5000k white beam of HID modification cause i'm an auto tech and use the kits in my other vehicles . It illuminates reflectors 1500 feet + ahead