Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

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Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

February 07, 2016, 06:27:08 pm

FWIW,
I like most have not been happy with the light output of the OEM ford headlights. When my headlight switch for whatever reason just quit working one night, I decided something had to be done. Well that night the switch worked on dim but not bright. So, I turned the auxiliary lights and they helped and we were able to continue a little farther to a safe place. Yes, I changed out the headlight switch and it is back to original less than optimal illumination. My solution (which had not been driven at night yet since I installed today) was to change the Hella lights to 27watt LED off road. They certainly seem a lot brighter. It wasn't that hard to do. Here is a photo of my installation.

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #1 – February 07, 2016, 07:34:02 pm

Quote from: drcscruggs – February 07, 2016, 06:27:08 pm

FWIW,
I like most have not been happy with the light output of the OEM ford headlights. When my headlight switch for whatever reason just quit working one night, I decided something had to be done. Well that night the switch worked on dim but not bright. So, I turned the auxiliary lights and they helped and we were able to continue a little farther to a safe place. Yes, I changed out the headlight switch and it is back to original less than optimal illumination. My solution (which had not been driven at night yet since I installed today) was to change the Hella lights to 27watt LED off road. They certainly seem a lot brighter. It wasn't that hard to do. Here is a photo of my installation.

Do you use these off road?

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #2 – February 07, 2016, 08:47:38 pm

Very nice looks like the same LEDs added to our U225. They work really good. Enjoy.

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #3 – February 07, 2016, 08:55:07 pm

Source?

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #4 – February 07, 2016, 09:16:47 pm

One of the OEM fog lamps on our coach failed. I considered changing to LED, but found that I could simply buy a new bulb for the Hella fog lamp at the local auto parts store.

I changed the wiring a bit for the fog lamps and use them primarily as daytime driving lights.

I've been very pleased with the J. W. Speaker LED 7" round headlights that we installed during a "headlight conversion." We no longer fear the prospect of driving in the dark. Installing good lights at a good height above the road provides a remarkably better experience compared to the moderate quality lights installed too close to the road.

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #5 – February 07, 2016, 09:23:43 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – February 07, 2016, 08:55:07 pm

Source?

Got them off eBay, they were a little less than $40.

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #6 – February 07, 2016, 10:52:09 pm

The reason I asked is that normal LEDs can be blinding to opposing traffic. Not made for highway use unfortunately

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #7 – February 08, 2016, 09:12:03 am

Quote from: J. D. Stevens – February 07, 2016, 09:16:47 pm

I changed the wiring a bit for the fog lamps and use them primarily as daytime driving lights.

Was a separate switch installed for the fog lights? Mine are connected to the main lights, making them worthless for fog/ daytime use.

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #8 – February 08, 2016, 09:42:25 am

When I installed our LED lights, I re-used the original AUX light rocker switch to control them. I moved the 12V power feed for the AUX light relay from the headlight switch to a "always hot" terminal. This lets me turn on the AUX lights independent of headlights.

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #9 – February 08, 2016, 10:22:10 am

I installed these Amazon.com: KAWELLÂ® Latest Off Road ATV 36W 6.6" 30 Degree 12LEDs Spot Beam... with a independent new switch. They don't blind the oncoming traffic but great addition to OEM headlights. Also I use them as day light running,nights.

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Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #10 – February 08, 2016, 12:15:09 pm

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – February 08, 2016, 09:42:25 am

When I installed our LED lights, I re-used the original AUX light rocker switch to control them. I moved the 12V power feed for the AUX light relay from the headlight switch to a "always hot" terminal. This lets me turn on the AUX lights independent of headlights.

I made a similar change to the wiring to the OEM Hella lights. I connected to a "hot when key is on" source of 12VDC. I labeled the wires for the benefit of me and those who may try to figure out what has been changed. The "Aux Light" switch stays in the "On" position almost all the time. The "fog/daytime driving lights" come on when the ignition switch goes to the "On" position.

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #11 – February 08, 2016, 01:11:33 pm

Great advice! We used to run I-5 through California when I was still working and had to drive in the early a.m. The Hellas and the spotlight worked perfect in the heavy fog around Sacramento. Too few folks use their spot, PO (you know who you are) removed ours and I miss it a lot. Handy for after-dark landings + "a quiet reminder" for noise after hours (not that I've ever done that)

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #12 – February 08, 2016, 01:29:05 pm

FWIW, Mine look exactly the same as the Amazon link. However, they are both flood lights (vs spot). The reason I picked these was because of the research I did on youtube. The folks that had the flood were happy (usually added to regular headlights). Since they were so inexpensive, I won't mind too much if I need to change them out. I did check them out in my driveway and they certainly do light up better parked. LOL. I hope they aren't offensive to oncoming traffic. I just tried to point them straight ahead. I just wanted a little more light and NO, I don't offroad with them . Best of travels.

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #13 – February 08, 2016, 01:50:21 pm

Long haulers sure appreciate lots of lights when they come blowing past us,especially in rain/snow/ice. Most of them reciprocate when we pass. The one's that don't. I stay WAAY away from them, they're scarry.

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #14 – June 17, 2021, 03:50:24 pm

Which always on breaker did you wire the led fog lights to? Does anyone who did this mod have pics of the wiring change required?
This is on my list to do but want ones that do not protrude from the original hella profile. Any brand names ?
Peter

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #15 – June 17, 2021, 04:28:17 pm

Peter,

Link below to a post describing my LED upgrade to the old Hella fog lights. Since we have a GV and you don't, might not be much help, but will perhaps give you ideas how to proceed.

As for the wiring change - pretty simple. First you locate the relay that controls your fog light circuit. Use your 12 volt wiring diagram to identify it. The relay will be powered by a wire coming from your ignition switch. That wire is only hot when the ignition switch is turned to ON. All you need to do is change the power source for the relay to another source that is hot all the time. Where you find the "always hot" source will depend on where your relay is located. Use a 12 volt test light or a multimeter to find a nearby "hot" terminal. Then relocate the relay power wire to the new source using a suitable wire connector.

What did you do to your coach today IV

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #16 – June 17, 2021, 05:13:51 pm

Auxiliary lights
Reply #12
Not DOT legal
Have wired to hi beam control so can only be on with hi beams on
Works great with daytime use and ICC Switch with hi beams and aux selected normally off
Used all the original c/bs for each function separately and uses less power.
All Five lights are in the hi position and although the outside projectors look like they are not, picture is taken above the plane of projected light for them
Scott

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #17 – June 17, 2021, 06:29:51 pm

Looks good. I assume the new headlights are replacements for original as they are sure clear.
I would like to order new- what brand did you use?

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #18 – June 17, 2021, 07:06:34 pm

We'll long story
Bronco headlight projection conversion
Reflectors without prisms are in one of the links

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #19 – June 17, 2021, 07:19:40 pm

Since my coach has the 4 headlights and polishing 21 year old lights to look like new doesn't interest me, has anyone replaced theirs with the OEM design? I never drive at night, but would like to make the front look better than the foggy ones currently on the coach. I checked Amazon, but did not see the grouping of 4. Thanks all

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #20 – June 17, 2021, 07:23:17 pm

I change them in my Monaco Dynasty and they had been changed in my
Foretravel. They are just 2 sets of Bronco head lights.

Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #21 – June 17, 2021, 11:26:37 pm

Quote from: erniee – June 17, 2021, 07:19:40 pm

Since my coach has the 4 headlights and polishing 21 year old lights to look like new doesn't interest me, has anyone replaced theirs with the OEM design? I never drive at night, but would like to make the front look better than the foggy ones currently on the coach. I checked Amazon, but did not see the grouping of 4. Thanks all

The inside lamps are the same as the outside with the turn signal lens cut off with the band saw. Amazon.com: Pair of Black Housing Amber Corner Headlights w/Signal Lamps...
Scott

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Re: Hella fog/auxiliary light changed

Reply #22 – June 18, 2021, 07:56:09 am

Thank you, SCOTT

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