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Topic: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade (Read 1155 times) previous topic - next topic

LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

I had mentioned before that my headlights were easily overrun at 50mph. I finally got around to calling Xtreme and asking about my options. They basically told me they're all the same hardware, except for a few years where they did HID, and that they don't really degrade or go bad.

So, they gave me manuals on adjusting them and that helped for sure but they also suggested LED H9 bulb replacements if I wanted brighter.

I purchased these and WOW, huge difference.

SEALIGHT 9005/HB3 H11/H9/H8 LED... Amazon.com: SEALIGHT 9005/HB3 H11/H9/H8 LED Bulbs Combo, Super Bright Cool...

I couldn't get a picture that did them justice but it's a definite improvement. They look cool too. Looking forward to giving them a go on the highway.

Note: these will only work for the xtreme conversion that uses H9 bulbs. I don't know what the FOT conversion uses for bulbs.

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1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #1 –
Is this two different sized bulbs for the Xtreme conversion that uses a bigger bulb outside and smaller inside bulb like ours?
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #2 –
I put in LED bulbs in the original Bronco headlights and they gave out great light
but they blinded the oncoming drivers. I installed LED semi truck lights and they
are great. It's nice having good lights.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Is this two different sized bulbs for the Xtreme conversion that uses a bigger bulb outside and smaller inside bulb like ours?
I was told by Xtreme that both the highs and lows are H9s but I haven't replaced the highs yet so I can't confirm.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Elliott –
I was told by Xtreme that both the highs and lows are H9s but I haven't replaced the highs yet so I can't confirm.

In my coach, an Extreme conversion, both bulbs are H9s. I'd like to get my hands on that adjustment manual...

J & K
Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #5 –
Thanks for doing this Elliot. I have the Extreme conversion on mine as well. On my initial trip, I left later than I normally do, which caused me to drive at night. The back roads of West Texas are very dark and I couldn't see well at all. Couple that with I could not find the brights or figure how to turn on the fogs. The learning curve of a new coach. I was able to get to a place to pull off and figured out the two. The brights are pretty good, but the low beams leave much to be desired. Does anyone else have this experience? I need to check the bulbs but am guessing the original are what I have. I'd also be interested in the adjusting manual.
Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Elliott –
I had mentioned before that my headlights were easily overrun at 50mph. I finally got around to calling Xtreme and asking about my options. They basically told me they're all the same hardware, except for a few years where they did HID, and that they don't really degrade or go bad.

So, they gave me manuals on adjusting them and that helped for sure but they also suggested LED H9 bulb replacements if I wanted brighter.

I purchased these and WOW, huge difference.

SEALIGHT 9005/HB3 H11/H9/H8 LED... Amazon.com: SEALIGHT 9005/HB3 H11/H9/H8 LED Bulbs Combo, Super Bright Cool...

I couldn't get a picture that did them justice but it's a definite improvement. They look cool too. Looking forward to giving them a go on the highway.

Note: these will only work for the xtreme conversion that uses H9 bulbs. I don't know what the FOT conversion uses for bulbs.
I must agree and i do like the light cut off line, BUT go out on a unused road and walk out if front of your coach and view the lights from the others drivers view. IMO its only you that can judge your lights. If there to bright you will know it. Also take into perspective that some cars are only 30 inches off the ground for driver eye position for on coming traffic. Good lights are a art and most/all LED replacement bulbs are not DOT compliant.
Scott
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #7 –
I uploaded the pdf from Xtreme here:
https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=4860#viewitem

It's an easy job that just requires a 7mm socket. I put the coach in ride height and did it from my back underneath.  I rolled a log under the front fiberglass JUST incase the coach dropped,. There's nothing structural there so it'd just be fiberglass and windshields that get wrecked, instead of your rib cage.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Elliott –
I uploaded the pdf from Xtreme here:
https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=4860#viewitem

It's an easy job that just requires a 7mm socket. I put the coach in ride height and did it from my back underneath.  I rolled a log under the front fiberglass JUST incase the coach dropped,. There's nothing structural there so it'd just be fiberglass and windshields that get wrecked, instead of your rib cage.
Make up some ride height -1/2"safety blocks. Use just like the others. Don't want to see no glass damaged.

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #9 –
Quote from: dsd –
Make up some ride height -1/2"safety blocks. Use just like the others. Don't want to see no glass damaged.
Ehhhh, I can't argue that's not a better idea but it's a lot of work for a 5 minute job. On the very very off chance that the coach dropped suddenly, I just wanted to survive.

That said, having a set of safety stands that keep you at ride height could be useful for more than just this I suppose.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #10 –
I drove in the dark last night, it reminded me how poorly my headlights were. Ordered the ones you linked and installed them a bit ago to replace the Osram that were there. Wow, just amazing. There was a 25% coupon too by clicking the checkbox.

My conversion does take 4 H9s. The kit is confusing on what it comes with as reviewers have noted, but it comes with 2 H9s and 2 9005s. I am going to contact them and see if they can replace the 2 9005s with 2 H9s. That would really help since brights on these are all 4 lights on.

I will also look at replacing my 2 Hella fogs with some flood or spot lights, but for now at least I can see at night. Thanks for the link/recommendation Elliot.
Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #11 –
Jason. Our stock headlights are without a doubt the poorest engineered reflector and lens ever produced. Ford 1991 F150/Bronco  Adding more light power will absolutely improve your view somewhat, but it ill come at a cost. Everyone you pass may want to hunt you down and hurt you for blinding them. Hi power LEDs in the stock reflectors is not the answer. You also my find yourself in front of a judge with your new attorney buddy. Turn on your headlights and walk out if front of your coach and look at it as if you were oncoming. Traffic. If they dont piss you off they may be fine. If you see spots when you look away they are too unfocused and too bright. These stock reflector are so bad that they added hundreds of prisms to help with the stock halogen bulb. There is ways to resolve but. It wont be cheap or from amazon.
Scott

Bronco headlight projection conversion

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #12 –
Those look nice Scott and you did it right, Retrofit and Morimotos, I have had other vehicles that also recommended the same shops, including my Ram which I am sure you are aware of. And yes, you are correct that putting LEDs into 20-30 YO reflectors is not the way to upgrade.

To clarify, I have an Xtreme conversion with 4 round lights, I don't have the stock square headlights. As a test, last night I drove with my brights on using the Osrams on I35 and not a single person brighted me, perhaps the aim was off?? I don't do that but 1) I needed to see a little further as there were many tire blow-out carcasses, including one in the road a few hours earlier that I had to swerve to avoid, and 2) I wanted to see if it bothered anyone. Conversely, there were plenty of 18 wheelers and newer vehicles, including a new Ram, that had LEDs and lit it up the road. I assume at least some were factory.

All that said, if there is a better option, I am open to that. It does appear that Xtreme support HIDs Xtreme Paint & Graphics Home
Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #13 –
Elliott
I actually installed the exact bulbs in my stock headlights. They installed easily. They are brighter yes, but I agree I am waiting for someone to have run off the road coming at me
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Jason –
To clarify, I have an Xtreme conversion with 4 round lights,

Please, a PIC of the 4 light layout.

Tim

Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #15 –
Here's the Extreme Conversion.

Jeff
Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #16 –
Maybe it's the angle but the outers look larger than the inner. My 4 headlights are the same.
Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #17 –
The outers on mine are bigger but take the same bulb. Which I switched to led's at the suggestion of Xtreme.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean
 

Re: LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade

Reply #18 –
This is the upgrade I did on ours back in 2020 and I'm really pleased with the performance during nighttime driving.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186