LED Headlights

Topic: LED Headlights (Read 2044 times) previous topic - next topic

LED Headlights

January 28, 2014, 12:18:33 pm

I'm considering headlight conversion/upgrade on the 1997 U295. I've corresponded with Daniel Stern regarding recommendations. He looked at the web site for Xtreme conversions and said it appeared they use Hella 90mm installations. For a 90 mm installation, he likes the Hella BiXenon (high/low beam in one module) 90mm unit. He also likes the Speaker 8700 headlamp, which is a 7" round LED unit. His quote, "If you particularly like American-made products with highest possible performance for lowest possible power consumption, go for the Speaker."

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply
Headlights - Products - J.W. Speaker Corporation

Stern does not sell LED headlights. He sells high quality headlamps, relays, and bulbs. Most of the bulbs are halogen bulbs. His answer to the question, "Are you a dealer for the Speaker lamps?" is "I'm not, but I have enough experience with them to recommend them heartily."

The LED option appeals to me for consistency of light output without having to bring additional power to the front of the coach. The lights are specified to run on 12-24 VDC. The 7" round configuration is not consistent with the appearance of most current upgrades. The configuration appears to be old, but the technology is most current.

Stern also recommended a maximum height for headlights of 36" from the ground. It appears from pictures that current conversions put the lights about 30-36" from the ground.

Please share your expertise, experience, facts, opinions, and recommendations. You are my "technical" and "life on the road" support staff.

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #1 – January 28, 2014, 03:55:29 pm

I can buy LED headlights for my 1999 Jeep Wrangler for around $200 each that, as far as I can tell, simply plug right in. If I could find something in that price range that would plug right into my U225 I'd jump all over it. But going through a $5,000 conversion just seems like overkill. The DW and I routinely swap driving shifts and have often traveled straight through using 3on/3off rotations; but not lately.

The LED universe is changing quickly and I suspect that something plug-adaptable might not be very long in coming; if it's not here (but hidden) now.

If there is not a plug-replacement for my coach in LED, maybe there is one in halogen.

Otherwise I might be tempted to install some quality LED "driving lights" on the stainless steel bumpers.

Craig

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #2 – January 28, 2014, 04:29:42 pm

I installed a HID bi-xenon kit HID Kit 55Watt Conversion 55W H4 H7 H11 H13 9003 9005 9006 6K 5K Hi Lo Bi Xenon the day before our trip to Quartzsite. This replaces the stock 9004 bulbs exactly and is for both high and low beam. They work great.

I went with 55 watts and 5000K for color. Is a bright white, no blue look. I brought a #8 wire down off the hot side of the ignition solenoid and drilled a hole next to where the other wires go through the floor. I drilled large enough to be able to use a split vinyl loom to protect the wire the entire length. Pulled each grill by removing the 4 screws on each. This gives great access. Pretty simple plug and play with just a bit of threading and tie wrapping the wires to the other side. Don't touch the glass bulb or use alcohol to remove skin oils if you do. Double sided sticky bonding tape is useless so use tie wraps to hold the high voltage supplies in place.

Was not blinked down in night driving. Works great and only $60 delivered for the kit for both sides/high and low beam.

Pierce

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #3 – January 28, 2014, 04:38:20 pm

On my 88 took off, perlux fog lights re placed with 28watt LED.
It's landing lights on a plane, they were a focused beem.

Fan of LED lighting

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #4 – January 28, 2014, 04:55:00 pm

Pierce,

Do you think my u280 is same headlight?

What model # did u get?

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #5 – January 28, 2014, 07:25:59 pm

John,

The GVs used a Ford F150/Bronco headlight assembly. You then have your choice of temperature in Kelvin and want to specify the bi-xenon piggy back bulb. You can message them with any questions and they will get back to you in a day. Mine also came with a note specifying it was for only low beam use but the paper was placed in the box my mistake. They answered my question quickly. If the bulb is fairly long, it is the correct one. The #8 wire supplies the main power with one of the existing headlight plugs serving as a trigger for the relay. The other stock 3 pin connector is no longer used. The difference in wiring depends if you have a 9004 bulb as stock (probably do) or a 9007. The kit fits either number bulb. They have slightly different wiring but explained in the very small directions. I pulled fasteners and put washers on both sides of the coach for a good ground. Had to use a fine file to open up one of the ground lugs on the new wiring so it would fit the ground connector. Bulbs have a foam protector to keep fingers off. After assembly, I took them off just before I installed the bulbs. The whole thing is slightly tricky when you first look at it but easy in the end.

The light on low is a bit to the right and covers a lot of area in front of the coach as it should. The high takes most of the light away from just in front and extends it out much further. Easier on the eyes if on a lonely road at night. Stock headlight adjustment worked fine. I did lightly sand the plastic lens and then hit it with a buffer and rubbing compound. Made it a lot clearer.

Pierce

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #6 – January 28, 2014, 08:32:41 pm

Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the specifics.

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #7 – January 28, 2014, 10:16:06 pm

Forgot to say the carpeted box that all the cables run down through has to be moved while you drill down through the the floor.

Pierce

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #8 – January 29, 2014, 10:50:36 am

Pierce's conversion sure sounds worth a try. I installed HID lights in my coach twice. The first time was in the same low location as the original lights (the original lights were no longer in place) and found them to be too focused and intense in this low location. A pebble on the road would cast a long and distracting shadow. Now this was using the 90MM fixtures as opposed to the original light housing and reflector as described. Using the original housing + HID bulbs and ballasts only would diffuse the light some which would help.

I then moved the HID fixtures up into the conventional retrofit location, building my own adjusting mounts etc., not a trivial job. I find them much better there though the light cuts off so sharply on low beam that it's difficult to read road signs. Long story short, I'd give the retrofit a shot first.

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #9 – January 29, 2014, 11:22:56 am

Chuck,

Know what you mean about the sharp cutoff and not being able to read road signs. Using the stock Ford housing, the low beam is very broad and covers from right in front of the coach to also excellent sign reading at a distance. Works well with oncoming traffic but high beam uses the piggy back bulb in a slightly different location so the Ford reflector focuses the light much further down the road without the annoying glare from in front of the coach, especially on concrete roads.

Pierce

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #10 – January 29, 2014, 02:27:11 pm

Quote from: Chuck Pearson – January 29, 2014, 10:50:36 am

Pierce's conversion sure sounds worth a try. I installed HID lights in my coach twice. The first time was in the same low location as the original lights (the original lights were no longer in place) and found them to be too focused and intense in this low location. A pebble on the road would cast a long and distracting shadow. Now this was using the 90MM fixtures as opposed to the original light housing and reflector as described. Using the original housing + HID bulbs and ballasts only would diffuse the light some which would help.

I then moved the HID fixtures up into the conventional retrofit location, building my own adjusting mounts etc., not a trivial job. I find them much better there though the light cuts off so sharply on low beam that it's difficult to read road signs. Long story short, I'd give the retrofit a shot first.

Chuck,

I think I remember your pictures of the HID fixtures mounted in the lower location. Do you have any detailed pictures of the second (higher) installation? (Particularly the mounts, etc..) If you could post them (or provide the link if you already have and I missed it) then that would be great!

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #11 – January 29, 2014, 03:38:51 pm

Which size bulb(s) for the 95' U320?

9004 LOW?
9007 High?

I've tried several Hi-Output bulbs and the Sylvania Ultra seems to be the best bang for the buck without having to be concerned with changing to ceramic plugs and upgraded wiring. Also, IMO the color of the light passes the "easy on the eye test" better than what's next.

Any thoughts?? pc

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #12 – January 29, 2014, 05:15:43 pm

Led bulbs have progressed a lot in the last couple of years.
Just bought some h4s for my scooter, they are as bright as hids,
and much brighter than halogen bulbs.
Side benefits include, very long life and reduced amp draw, and best
of all, not near as dependant on proper voltage for good light.
Downside in initial cost, about $25 per bulb.

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #13 – January 29, 2014, 05:28:54 pm

Quote from: D.J. Osborn – January 29, 2014, 02:27:11 pm

Chuck,

I think I remember your pictures of the HID fixtures mounted in the lower location. Do you have any detailed pictures of the second (higher) installation? (Particularly the mounts, etc..) If you could post them (or provide the link if you already have and I missed it) then that would be great!

D.J., I've avoided posting the details of my installation as I'm not fully confident in it as a final solution. They work great...but just haven't used them enough to judge durability, ability to stay aimed etc. and want to be confident in them prior to encouraging others to follow my path.

I am intrigued with some of the Speaker brand lights posted. To me, http://www.jwspeaker.com/products/headlights/model-6130-4-5-round.pdf looks to have a lot of potential, plus it is DOT approved which my lights are not. This fixture looks like it has the possibility of being simple to install as it appears to be self rimming. If this is the case, and they are rated for outdoor exposure without additional lenses I will probably give them a try. Need to do a bit more research but pretty excited in the possiblities.

The HID lights, contrary to advertised specs, pull a ton of current when all four are ignited at once....enough to make the Alison CPU throw snakeyes up on the shift indicator a couple of times when turned on while also lighting a toad due to voltage drop. I like the idea of LED lights, particularly if it makes for a simplified retrofit.

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #14 – January 29, 2014, 11:05:51 pm

Current plan is to install one pair of JW Speaker 8900 plus a pair LED turn signal lamps in an Xtreme conversion. I talked to Jennifier and Rance today about the possibilities. Rance is interested in trying it. We'll need to line up some appropriate mounts. Since it is a "standard" (H6054, 200mm, 5x7" appear to be some "standard" names for the same headlight), a mount/bucket should be available.

We are scheduled at FOT March 24 for fluild/filter changes. We are scheduled at Xtreme March 31 for headlight conversion and repairs to the belly wounds that were caused by a tumbling license plate and frame.

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #15 – January 30, 2014, 12:11:38 pm

Quote from: J. D. Stevens – January 29, 2014, 11:05:51 pm

Current plan is to install one pair of JW Speaker 8900

After a bit more study, I'm leaning to the JW Speaker 8700 Evolution 7" round headlight. It appears to be their strongest DOT H/L LED headlight. I compared the beam patterns published by JW Speaker for their lamps. The 8700 appears to have the best pattern for my purposes.

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #16 – January 30, 2014, 01:27:47 pm

The LEDs are not without drawbacks. The models listed seem to use a CREE LED or a collection of smaller LEDs mounted on a single bulb. They generate quite a bit of heat and are susceptible to damage. They have heat sinks extending a couple of inches to the back with tiny fans mounted to the sink. Should the tiny fan fail, the LED would probably follow in it's footsteps. They also require LED drivers. See 50W Universal Car 9007 H L CREE LED Headlight Conversion Kit Driving Lamp 1800Lm

The lower power LEDs don't need the fan but are not as bright.

Our HID installation does not draw that much current. Either the low or high are on at any one time, never all four.

Pierce

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #17 – January 30, 2014, 02:03:58 pm

This is what I have, remove old bulb and insert new bulb.
Same size as original. Does not get very hot and have been running
about an hour a day for the last month.
Much brighter than stock halogen bulb.

1x Motorcycle Bike 900 LM H4 80W CREE LED Headlight Head Beam Bike Bulb | eBay

jcus

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #18 – January 30, 2014, 02:27:50 pm

CANDLEPOWER.COM

Review or purchase.

There are a few other sites BTW.

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #19 – January 31, 2014, 02:25:12 pm

A plugin replacement H4 LED... Verrrry interesting. I am trying to find out what headlamp assy FT used on my coach, but if I can't find that info, this may be a pretty simple upgrade. At least I *think* it uses an H4 bulb.

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #20 – January 31, 2014, 07:38:10 pm

Instead of replacing the original bulb with a LED, I would first look into Xenon gas HID replacements. They too generate more light from fewer Amps, but HIDs thrive on heat while LEDs die from heat. This is why the better LEDs have built in cooling fans.

Or just do like I did on my car, use high efficiency halogens, such as Silverstars.

By the way, I feel my Silverado headlights that came with the 2003 Foretravels do a pretty good job as is, pattern and height wise, but more light never hurts.

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #21 – January 31, 2014, 07:44:11 pm

I suggest checking Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply, J.W. Speaker Corporation, and Better Automotive Lighting Blog | HID and LED Lighting Technology Information to gather some information about automobile lights. It looks to me like these sites are providing some good information rather than hyped up claims about cheap solutions. The cheap solutions may not be as good as advertised and are likely not to be in compliance with U.S. regulations.

I corresponded by email with folk at two of the sites. Their answers were prompt, succinct, and informative. I based my choice of lights on recommendations of quality from Stern, published headlight illumination patterns from Speaker, and video demonstrations from Better Lighting.

If I carry out the current plan, by April I'll have a working example of a conversion using a pair of panel mounted 7" round (H6024/PAR 56 form factor) LED H/L headlights. I am expecting excellent coverage with less current draw than the OEM lights. I'll try to get Rance and James to do a test run at night to see what they think as compared to their "standard" conversion.

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #22 – January 31, 2014, 08:20:10 pm

Tom,

Good point on the heat factor, and I would probably avoid any led
automotive bulb with a plastic socket, but the h4 led has an all metal flange that
dissipates the heat well, had my ir gun on the plug for a while and did not
see any temps over 110 F.
My coach has 9004 bulbs with plastic connectors, and plastic reflectors, not much
heat transfer there, so went with hid's.
The new 17 cm 6 watt cob light strips are great, using them instead of drl's an all my
vehicles, also great for replacing fluorescents.

Jcus

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #23 – January 31, 2014, 10:54:16 pm

Pic of the 6 watt cob strips, mounted under high beams, only parking lights on.
Pretty bright, almost like fog lights. $5 each!

Re: LED Headlights

Reply #24 – October 18, 2017, 03:39:57 am

After 3 years, what are you feelings on the 7" LED upgrade?

Looking at your pictures in other threads, it appears that the lights are recessed slightly. Am I seeing that correctly? I see that Speaker offers a surface/panel mount bucket that these could mount to that would significantly reduce the amount of work for installtion vs. recessing. Curious if you have any additional photos of how yours were installed. Very much leaning towards a DIY version of your installation. I just can't bring myself to spend over $300 on crappy Chinese Ford Bronco replacements as my experience with aftermarket plastic headlights has been dismal on other vehicles.

Thanks,

Evan

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