Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Bill & Deanne Brown on February 23, 2015, 03:45:06 pm

Title: Docking Lights
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on February 23, 2015, 03:45:06 pm
My Driver's side Docking lights no longer work.  Of course, this was discovered as I was trying to back into a site in the black of night!  Passenger side work fine.  Haven't checked bulbs yet but surprised to have both driver's side bulbs to go simultaneously.  Wiring diagrams I have don't show power source or fuses for this circuit.  Any ideas if there is a fuse for the driver's side only docking lights?  Any thoughts would be appreciated... Bill
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: John Duld on February 23, 2015, 04:06:45 pm
Will the switch over the bed turn them on?
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Horace B. Cupp on February 23, 2015, 04:19:55 pm
Bill, check the connections on the back of the lights. Mine tend to get knocked loose by vibration, wind and other critter. Bulb easy to replace, they are ford tractor lights, I believe.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: toyman on February 23, 2015, 04:57:31 pm
On mine it's the pass. side, just haven't gotten around to it yet. This BRUTAL weather is gonna keep it on the back burner for a while !
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on February 23, 2015, 07:47:15 pm
My Driver's side Docking lights no longer work.  Of course, this was discovered as I was trying to back into a site in the black of night!  Passenger side work fine.  Haven't checked bulbs yet but surprised to have both driver's side bulbs to go simultaneously.  Wiring diagrams I have don't show power source or fuses for this circuit.  Any ideas if there is a fuse for the driver's side only docking lights?  Any thoughts would be appreciated... Bill

If I remember correctly, there is a circuit breaker under the dash top for our dock lights. On the right side lights, ours trips and resets along with a clicking noise. Going to replace with LEDs as the existing bulbs suck way too much juice.

Pierce
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Dick S on February 23, 2015, 09:47:42 pm
The passenger side is out on ours. Haven't looked at it yet. Glad for this thread. Will check connections. Also, glad to hear it is easy to replace.
Dick
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Barry Beam on February 23, 2015, 11:39:09 pm
My Driver's side Docking lights no longer work.  Of course, this was discovered as I was trying to back into a site in the black of night!  Passenger side work fine.  Haven't checked bulbs yet but surprised to have both driver's side bulbs to go simultaneously.  Wiring diagrams I have don't show power source or fuses for this circuit.  Any ideas if there is a fuse for the driver's side only docking lights?  Any thoughts would be appreciated... Bill
Bill,
Diagram B-2179 in the upper left corner shows your docking light relays which are located in the passenger side dash cover.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on February 24, 2015, 06:08:30 pm
Does anyone know an LED replacement for the tractor bulbs used in the docking lights?

Rance at Xtreme wired my two rear docking light s to come on when the backup lights are on.  Nice change.

Roger
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Hammer2100 on February 24, 2015, 06:35:14 pm
Roger
      Take a look at Grote #6381-5. This is a repacement for Par36 4411 tactor blub.
    Hammer
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Dave and Nancy Abel on February 24, 2015, 08:25:42 pm

Does anyone know an LED replacement for the tractor bulbs used in the docking lights?
Roger
Howdy Roger,  I've replaced all my Docking light with these: LED Weatherproof AR111 Spot Lamp - 13W CREE XB-D LEDs | LED Flood Light... (http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-spot-flood/led-weatherpr%20oof-ar111-spot-lamp/1146/)
Pricey, but very BRIGHT lites,
Good Luck, Dave A

Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: kb0zke on February 24, 2015, 09:39:58 pm
Hammer, I've checked O'Reilly's, Autozone, and Tractor Supply for Grote #6381-5 with no success. Where did you get them?
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on February 24, 2015, 10:26:02 pm
Think maybe the Grote 63821-5 would work, see attachment.
Grote does not have a listing for 6381-5
Not able to add the link, so google  grote.com and the 63821-5 will get you into it, not sure if it fits, need more digging.
Works for me.

Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Hammer2100 on February 25, 2015, 06:45:10 am
Hammer, I've checked O'Reilly's, Autozone, and Tractor Supply for Grote #6381-5 with no success. Where did you get them?

Sorry about that. Dave M, got it right.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on February 26, 2015, 10:31:47 pm
Will the switch over the bed turn them on?
I tried the bed flood light switch and only the passenger side lit.  I now suspect a bad driver's side relay that Barry identified for me.... Bill
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: mr bill on February 27, 2015, 08:49:15 pm
The front docking lights on driver/passenger sides work but both rear docking lights, located between the drive tires and the tag, do not work.  Any thoughts would help.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Barry Beam on February 27, 2015, 10:43:41 pm
The front docking lights on driver/passenger sides work but both rear docking lights, located between the drive tires and the tag, do not work.  Any thoughts would help.
2 separate issues since they are on different relays. Have you checked the bulbs or broken wires at the bulb.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: mr bill on February 28, 2015, 01:20:12 pm
Barry,

I checked your post above but the relays shown only show left side and right side.  My front ones work on both sides but not the rear ones. 

I checked the wires but did not see any that were off but will check them again.  Do you know the replacement bulb number?  Sorry to be such a newbie but appreciate the forums and all the help available.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Michelle on February 28, 2015, 01:34:14 pm
I checked your post above but the relays shown only show left side and right side.  My front ones work on both sides but not the rear ones. 

I checked the wires but did not see any that were off but will check them again.  Do you know the replacement bulb number? 

For those answering, note that this is a 2003 U320 which may have different docking lights than coaches built before 2002.  They are rectangular, not round.

ETA see this photo I copied from MOT's site of another coach
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: mr bill on February 28, 2015, 01:37:34 pm
Thanks, Michelle.  Am still learning that sometimes I need to add more information than I do.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Michelle on February 28, 2015, 01:39:55 pm
Thanks, Michelle.  Am still learning that sometimes I need to add more information than I do.

You're fine, Bill, you're coach is in your signature.  I just wanted to point that out in case someone missed it.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Brad & Christine Slaughter on February 28, 2015, 05:47:16 pm
My 2002 had a couple out.  They are sold as "Tractor Flood Lights" and are basically 3" by 5" rectangular.  55 watts, if I recall correctly.  I may have a box out there...if I can find it, I'll post the number.  I actually bought a pair on Ebay with extra, unneeded brackets to mount them.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Brad & Christine Slaughter on February 28, 2015, 05:58:30 pm
Amazon.com: Wagner Lighting H9406 Head Lamp Sealed Beam: Automotive (http://smile.amazon.com/Wagner-Lighting-H9406-Head-Sealed/dp/B000CR1RVW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425164224&sr=8-1&keywords=ge+h9406)

They are GE H9406 bulbs.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: mr bill on February 28, 2015, 06:39:41 pm
Brad,

Thanks for the help and going the extra mile to look for the box/number.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Brad & Christine Slaughter on February 28, 2015, 07:04:39 pm
Brad,

Thanks for the help and going the extra mile to look for the box/number.
No problem.  BTW, Amazon seems to be less than anyone on ebay!

Before you buy them, though, you might want to check and make sure the little wiring pins haven't just fallen off.  Not a good connection...just 2 round separate pins.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Tom Lang on February 28, 2015, 08:38:47 pm
Has anyone found an LED replacement for the rectangular docking lights?
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: rbark on February 28, 2015, 09:11:45 pm
Been waiting for you to find them Tom! :))
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Tom Lang on March 01, 2015, 12:10:09 am
Been waiting for you to find them Tom! :))

I've been toying with the idea of grinding off all but the lens portion, and the sticking COB LED strips behind the lens..

My coach in in the shop and unavailable, can anyone tell me how these lamps are accessed and how they are attached?
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Tom Lang on March 01, 2015, 12:23:49 am
Then again, I wonder if this might work?

Pair 4"x6" LED CREE Light Bulb Crystal Clear SEALED Beam Headlamp Headlight... (http://www.ebay.com/itm/291267749893?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)



Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Don & Tys on March 01, 2015, 12:33:44 am
I've been toying with the idea of grinding off all but the lens portion, and the sticking COB LED strips behind the lens..

My coach in in the shop and unavailable, can anyone tell me how these lamps are accessed and how they are attached?
If they are like the rectangular ones on our 99', just two screws through the trim ring and they will fall right out ::)
Don
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Don & Tys on March 01, 2015, 01:14:27 pm
These look interesting... if you wanted all the light you paid for however, you would have to run some wire and to some rewiring and possibly add some relays to get the Hi-beam & low-beam functionality...
Another possibility;
18W 6" rectangular LED spotlights (http://www.ebay.com/itm/4X-18W-6-Spot-Beam-LED-Work-Light-Boat-Tractor-Offroad-Jeep-SUV-UTE-4WD-10-30V-/171701766117)
Only drawback I see is that they are spots, not floods... not sure it would make much difference in this application, though I would rather have floods for better utility.
Don
Then again, I wonder if this might work?

Pair 4"x6" LED CREE Light Bulb Crystal Clear SEALED Beam Headlamp Headlight... (http://www.ebay.com/itm/291267749893?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)




Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on March 01, 2015, 01:32:28 pm
A flatter bulb that did not extend to the rear would enable an easier air cleaner modification to match the late U300 style like Kent Speers has on his. As it is, the piping has to relocated above the lamp and the horizontal tube must be angled upward slightly so the 90 degree turn has to be forced. A flat bulb could see the horizontal intake tube at the bottom of the radiator making a true 90 degree turn up to the new intake location easy. This applies only to certain year U280/U300 models.

Pierce
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on March 01, 2015, 01:57:04 pm
PIerce,
Woth the fiberglass body, there is nothing to limit any lighting mods desired, maybe I been around Rance @ Xtrene a bit too long, no lmits, if you can think it, do it.
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on March 01, 2015, 02:12:41 pm
Dave.

Yep, Andy's U300 at Q was a good example. He had new LED taillights doing away with the Isuzu lenses. Was thinking of a simple DIY LED mod for those not able to go to Extreme.

Pierce
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Rich Bowman on March 01, 2015, 05:26:29 pm
I have gotten the rectangular docking light bulbs at both NAPA and O'Reilly's.  Usually $20-$25 each.  They can order them in if not in stock in about 24 hrs.

Rich
Title: Re: Docking Lights
Post by: Don & Tys on March 01, 2015, 10:03:22 pm
Hey Tom! I guess we will find out if these will work because I just bought two pairs of them :o  I will have to enlarge the opening slightly, but I believe I can mount them flush to the surface of the fiberglass. I am hoping that I can do the job neatly enough not to have to fabricate any trim (or do any fiberglass repair!), but if need be, I will do what must be done to make them work. That project won't be as high on the list as my solar instal etc., but I am going to work it in there somewhere... just a note about the seller, I paid an hour ago and already have a Quantum view shipping notification from UPS! Wow!!! And these are from China...
Don
Then again, I wonder if this might work?

Pair 4"x6" LED CREE Light Bulb Crystal Clear SEALED Beam Headlamp Headlight... (http://www.ebay.com/itm/291267749893?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)