Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Topic: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36') (Read 1525 times) previous topic - next topic

Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

August 26, 2014, 10:25:07 am

As long as we're comparing these two coaches, I have a question that I'm sure someone on this forum can answer. The coach on MOT has had the headlight conversion and this one has not. Everyone who has had the conversion raves about how great it is. I certainly agree the coaches that have had them look great and more up-to-date. I can't vouch for how they affect visibility when their on.

How much do these conversions cost, and are they something that is commonplace, or only something done at Extreme? Thanks.

Rich

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #1 – August 26, 2014, 10:46:58 am

Both Xtreme and FOT do headlight/tail light conversions. Different styles. Cost for headlights varies roughly between $3K and $5K, depending on type of light selected and whether you include the fog lights. Tail lights are a little less, around $2-3K.

Look closely at both (in person or by photo) and decide which you prefer, style-wise and installation-wise. We went with FOT for headlights and tail lights and are very pleased (we left our original fog lights.) Some folks have gone with one of Xtreme's versions and are equally pleased.

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If you have a good fiberglass/paint shop available, I believe you can buy the kits of premolded fiberglass, lights, and electronics from either, as well (at least, I know you can buy FOT's version).

Lots of discussion here on the forum as well. You might search for previous threads/photos.

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #2 – August 26, 2014, 10:51:06 am

If you drive at night I consider it mandatory. It is about $3k at Xtreme or FT. There are ways to increase the output of OEM lights, lots of info by searching forum, but they don't look as good

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #3 – August 26, 2014, 01:10:01 pm

We drive at night sometimes and while I don't think my factory headlights are as good as the new ones, they are "adequate". As Brett Wolfe told me when inspecting the coach - make sure the lenses are clear and aimed properly (mine were neither, but are now), and you should be fine.

Would I like more light, and emanating from a higher point on the coach? Yes. But it's just not a priority worth $3k to me right now. But I sure like the look of the conversions! Makes the entire coach look updated.

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #4 – August 26, 2014, 01:42:38 pm

What years did Foretravel change the headlight designs?

I feel my 2003 headlights are up to the task, although I might add brighter lamps someday.

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #5 – August 26, 2014, 02:51:49 pm

WOW! I was contemplating these two aforementioned coaches, and I was thinking that I could buy the cheaper one, and get the lights done. If you're talking $5,000 or thereabouts, that has to factor the pricing scenario. It also makes you think that, as an owner, you'll never get that money back out when you sell the coach. You'll just be adding "curb appeal".

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #6 – August 26, 2014, 03:34:49 pm

Sure like my hid conversion for $30

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #7 – August 26, 2014, 03:38:53 pm

I actually prefer the looks of my Chevy pickup truck headlights, and they are plenty high and wide enough to do a great job lighting my path.

I have considered replacing the OEM bulbs with something brighter. Lots of choices, and most are reasonably priced.

By the way, can someone tell me in what year did Foretravel change from Ford to Chevy headlights?

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #8 – August 26, 2014, 03:52:16 pm

All headlights, original or conversion can benefit by powering the with voltage directly off the alternator (isolator center connection), as the voltage is almost 1 volt higher and with a large dedicated wire from back to front, the voltage drop will be low. A relay is need to power headlights the old fashioned way when the alternator is not supplying the power.

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #9 – August 26, 2014, 05:28:03 pm

Quote from: Tom Lang – August 26, 2014, 01:42:38 pm

What years did Foretravel change the headlight designs?

2002 when they went to the newer end cap design.

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #10 – August 26, 2014, 05:30:22 pm

Quote from: Barry & Cindy – August 26, 2014, 03:52:16 pm

All headlights, original or conversion can benefit by powering the with voltage directly off the alternator (isolator center connection), as the voltage is almost 1 volt higher and with a large dedicated wire from back to front, the voltage drop will be low. A relay is need to power headlights the old fashioned way when the alternator is not supplying the power.

I asked and the hid conversion runs on as low as 9 volts

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #11 – August 26, 2014, 05:32:32 pm

Quote from: littledubz – August 26, 2014, 02:51:49 pm

WOW! I was contemplating these two aforementioned coaches, and I was thinking that I could buy the cheaper one, and get the lights done. If you're talking $5,000 or thereabouts, that has to factor the pricing scenario.

$5K is if you do HD lights and fogs and armorcoat. Closer to $3K if you just do headlights.

We did it for better visibility at night. We try not to drive at night, but the few times we had to, we realized the OEM lights weren't adequate (and yes, we did have them aligned at least once). The new lights are a significant improvement (and we didn't do the $500-1000 extra HD lamps). The Phenix-like appearance is a bonus, but not the reason we had the work done.

Now, the tail lights we did for appearances. Same reason we got the new style mudflap...

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #12 – August 26, 2014, 06:38:11 pm

For anyone like myself who likes the original look of my 2003 coach and doesn't need to look like a different, newer model, there are inexpensive ways to get more light. And the OEM headlights are quite high enough.

eBay and Amazon have replacement lamps that are plug in replacements. There are brighter lamps in halogen, LED, and HID available. There are also replacement headlight assemblies for the Chevy Silverado with different (better?) lenses and some with projectors, using either conventional or HID lamps. Many choices, most well under $200.

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #13 – August 27, 2014, 12:39:15 am

My Headlight conversion appointment at Xtreme in mid October is for the new style lights like Michelle"s. Cost 3.5 coach bucks.. I tried to buy a kit from FOT, MOT and Xtreem and was told no dice....

Cheers

Ted

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #14 – August 27, 2014, 12:48:40 am

got those. then did LED taillights. Step conversion next. why wait, do all three...way, way, way cheaper than truing up.....

:-)

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #15 – August 27, 2014, 10:36:57 am

Quote from: Tom Lang – August 26, 2014, 06:38:11 pm

For anyone like myself who likes the original look of my 2003 coach and doesn't need to look like a different, newer model, there are inexpensive ways to get more light. And the OEM headlights are quite high enough.

eBay and Amazon have replacement lamps that are plug in replacements. There are brighter lamps in halogen, LED, and HID available. There are also replacement headlight assemblies for the Chevy Silverado with different (better?) lenses and some with projectors, using either conventional or HID lamps. Many choices, most well under $200.

We like our Chevy Headlights too. Find the light good enough for what little night driving we do and I like the way they light right turns ahead of us. Have considered going to a direct replacement headlight assembly like one of the cool looking ones from Spyder etc. 2001 Chevy Silverado Custom Headlights at CARiD.com

There also replacement taillight assembly's for the ford taillights many of us have. 1999 Ford Expedition Tail Lights at CARiD.com

Granted not as cool looking as the FOT and Extreme stuff but definitely a less expensive upgrade option for those of us that live too far away from Nac or just want something a bit different.

Dean

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #16 – August 27, 2014, 07:18:05 pm

Here is a hundred buck solution that would bring us up to date with the latest look for Foretravel.

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #17 – August 27, 2014, 11:06:06 pm

On our 1997 U295, we had Xtreme install 7" round LED headlights from J.W. Speaker. We've been pleased with the results. The LED headlights remain at constant illumination over a wide range of voltages.

We seldom drive at night. The time we did, we found that new headlights to be a great improvement over the OEM headlights which were mounted too low for good effectiveness.

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #18 – August 27, 2014, 11:21:13 pm

JD, I'm not sure I understand your setup. Could you post photos, or describe it more? I.e. Are the 7" lights mounted somewhere above the existing headlights? Inside the old ones?

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #19 – August 28, 2014, 10:12:29 am

Hey Tom, give us a link to those headlights.

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #20 – August 28, 2014, 11:51:06 am

Are the unit coach and uni home same light they look like.

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #21 – August 28, 2014, 12:54:49 pm

Quote from: Falconguy – August 28, 2014, 10:12:29 am

Hey Tom, give us a link to those headlights.

00 06 Chevy Suburban Tahoe 99 02 Silverado Halo Projector Headlights Chr Clear |

I did a search on eBay and a bunch came up if maybe four or five styles. I do not know anything about them. It looks like the high beam is projector, the low beam reflector.

The following link is to my eBay search, it returned over 500 results:

halo projectors 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD | eBay

Re: Headlight conversion costs? (split from Re: FOR SALE 1999 FORETRAVEL U270 36')

Reply #22 – August 28, 2014, 08:18:54 pm

I'm anxious to upgrade our headlights, but I'm still not certain which way to go. I'd really like to have LED headlights, but I think that technology still needs time to mature more completely. I'd also really like to find a way to put BMW-like "angel eyes" on our motorhome, but I haven't yet found the "right" solution.

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