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Topic: Headlights  (Read 3120 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Headlights

Reply #21 –
So, which is better led or hid, just guessing that the LEDs can't be compact enough for existing reflectors and get alot of beam scatter. What wattage for hid to be superior?

Re: Headlights

Reply #22 –
Neither are optimal for retrofit into an Incadescant reflector assembly.  Both have the ability to produce more lumens but much is scattered. Typically not a legal retrofit.  Best to use proper assemblies purpose made for lighting element. 

Re: Headlights

Reply #23 –
Our Avalon has HID lights and every time you turn the lights on they self align,part of the process with HID.

Re: Headlights

Reply #24 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
Neither are optimal for retrofit into an Incadescant reflector assembly.  Both have the ability to produce more lumens but much is scattered. Typically not a legal retrofit.  Best to use proper assemblies purpose made for lighting element. 
such as ? All ears, I totally agree sometime you are going to HAVE to drive the coach at night, cause stuff happens.

Re: Headlights

Reply #26 –
Quote from: D.J. Osborn –
Hella makes HID and LED assemblies. One place to see their products is at Rally Lights, Hella, TerraTrip, Hans, WRC, ZAMP
I used those on my '81 FTX and my '96 Monaco Sig. The light sockets were high enough to take advantage of the brighter lights. Unfortunately on my current '99 U320 brighter would not have been enough, they had to be higher.

Re: Headlights

Reply #27 –
Quote from: John44 –
Our Avalon has HID lights and every time you turn the lights on they self align,part of the process with HID.

Yes,  I've noted that feature on my Avalon as well.  I considered this when installing HID lights but then realized automatic leveling was already in place courtesy of HWH. 

Re: Headlights

Reply #28 –
Quote from: craneman –
I used those on my '81 FTX and my '96 Monaco Sig. The light sockets were high enough to take advantage of the brighter lights. Unfortunately on my current '99 U320 brighter would not have been enough, they had to be higher.

Right.  I initially installed HID lights in the original light location and immediately knew they needed to be higher.  Pebbles in the road cast long shadows, very distracting.  Also with  so little angle between the road and the lights, adjustment was very finicky. 

Re: Headlights

Reply #30 –

If you want to try playing with LED or HID lights, then I say go for it.  Might be a fun project.  As noted above, the low mounting position of the OEM headlights, and the design of the plastic Ford lens and reflector, will compromise the effectiveness of any simple "light bulb" upgrade.

If you don't plan on doing a lot of after dark driving, and just want to make the standard headlights a little brighter, then you might try the Hella bulb linked below.  It is a direct plugin replacement for the 9004 bulbs in the Ford headlights.  It is a little brighter (to my eye, at least) and throws the light a little ways farther down the road.  The beam pattern remains the same as with the stock bulb.  I have been using these bulbs for the past 4 years, and been happy with them.  Had only one burn out in that time, so they are pretty reliable.  I carry a couple spares, just in case.

Amazon.com: HELLA 9004 100/80W High Wattage Bulb, 12V: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Headlights

Reply #31 –
I really wish Xtreme made their headlight retrofit kits with 90mm lights in the outer positions instead of the 120mm lights. Hella makes a variety of 90mm lights in HID and LED versions while the only Hella 120mm models I've been able to find are halogen models. At some point I will likely check with Xtreme to see if they will produce a different retrofit kit.

Re: Headlights

Reply #32 –
Will do the research but a while back one of our members had a conversion done using the JW Speaker lights and was very pleased.

Re: Headlights

Reply #33 –
Quote from: John44 –
Will do the research but a while back one of our members had a conversion done using the JW Speaker lights and was very pleased.
Yes. I remember that. The JWSpeaker headlights are great. I just personally didn't care for the final appearance of that setup on that coach.

Re: Headlights

Reply #34 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
If you want to try playing with LED or HID lights, then I say go for it.  Might be a fun project.  As noted above, the low mounting position of the OEM headlights, and the design of the plastic Ford lens and reflector, will compromise the effectiveness of any simple "light bulb" upgrade.

If you don't plan on doing a lot of after dark driving, and just want to make the standard headlights a little brighter, then you might try the Hella bulb linked below.  It is a direct plugin replacement for the 9004 bulbs in the Ford headlights.  It is a little brighter (to my eye, at least) and throws the light a little ways farther down the road.  The beam pattern remains the same as with the stock bulb.  I have been using these bulbs for the past 4 years, and been happy with them.  Had only one burn out in that time, so they are pretty reliable.  I carry a couple spares, just in case.

Amazon.com: HELLA 9004 100/80W High Wattage Bulb, 12V: Automotive
I bought some 3300 lumen 9004 HID conversion kit for my GV which has the lights up higher, lacking a round-tuit. maybe a good evening project. Ordered them when it was very cold outside, stuck them in my toodo cabinet where they got buried.
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.