I have just purchased a 1997 36' U320 & will be importing it into Canada. Our regulations stipulate that it must have automatic day time running lights. I would like to know if anyone has done this conversion & if it is possible to do it myself? Does anyone have instructions or a wiring schematic? Any & all help would be greatly appreciated.
I use my auxiliary lights (fog lights) as daytime running lights. With a pretty simple change of wiring the auxiliary lights will come on any time the auxiliary switch and ignition switch are on. We leave the auxiliary light switch on most of the time. We sometimes turn it off at night, but never during the day.
The factory wiring connects the from the headlight circuit to the hot lead of the auxiliary light switch. The auxiliary lights, as wired from the factory, will only work when the headlights are on. If you supply the hot lead from a "hot when key is on" circuit, it will probably meet your requirements. You could bypass the auxiliary light switch altogether if that is required to comply with the law.
I made the modification with wire cutters, strippers, butt splices, and spade connectors. I put labels on the wires for the benefit of sometime inspecting the circuit in the future.
I have imported 2 motor homes here to Canada and as you will have to take it to Canadian Tire to get it passed for inspection (they are the main recognised shop in Canada by the govt) you may as well have them do it at the same time, It costs $200 for parts and Labour. Have you got the paperwork from Foretravel on possible recalls and sent a copy of title to USA customs as they need 72 hrs to check it out before you can then go to Canada Customs to pay the tax and do some paperwork. If you need any help give me a e-mail and I will explain the process for you
John
Thank you J. D. & John. John I have imported a car from the states so am familiar with the time lines, recalls & Canadian tire inspections. I did not know Canadian Tire would do the work to hook up the day time running lights, will check that out. J.d. your solution sounds workable for what is needed, I would be able to accomplish that task myself, I think.
I think if you use the aux lights as the day time ones Canada Gov will refuse that as they are too low and have if I am correct have to be the same height as headlights for on coming traffic. Check with the online tel # for RIV