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Topic: Headlight question: '97 U320, original headlights (Read 1057 times) previous topic - next topic

Headlight question: '97 U320, original headlights

On my recent trip, I noticed that the headlight output was terrible, especially on low beams.  Alignment was a problem that I will fix.  I am going to replace all 4 bulbs, but my question is this:  My outside headlights are both the low and high beams.  It seems that the inside lights are no more than running lights, although they have the same bulbs as the outside lights.  Is there a way to run the inside lights as normal headlights with the same intensity along with the outside low beams?
Thanks, Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: Headlight question: '97 U320, original headlights

Reply #1 –
Hope this is what you are looking for.  I thought I might try this because as you stated, our low beams just don't have the output for safe driving.

Headlight Modifications on Older Coaches

Jason
Jason
1999 U320 36'

Re: Headlight question: '97 U320, original headlights

Reply #2 –
It is a little bit confusing to me.  I don't quite understand what he is saying about swapping low beam to high beam wiring.  And if you follow the link back to his webpage, there is a more detailed description of the headlight operation.  And I understand it, the inner lights were originally used as high beams?  Mine are set up as DRL's.
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: Headlight question: '97 U320, original headlights

Reply #3 –
Get a headlight cleaner/polish kit and polish them up----it helps a lot.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Headlight question: '97 U320, original headlights

Reply #4 –
See my post about replacing the headlights themselves as the polishing out does not last very long and converting the headlights to HID's.

DDM  sells hid conversion complete plug in systems for $32.  Two year warranty. 

Did that first.  6k spectrum hid bulbs in the old plastic worked great but the opaque assemblies made the light blueish. 

Now I have the 35 watt hid's in the inner housings and hi-low hid's in the outers. 

All four work on hi beam. 

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Headlight question: '97 U320, original headlights

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Yetch –
It is a little bit confusing to me.  I don't quite understand what he is saying about swapping low beam to high beam wiring.  And if you follow the link back to his webpage, there is a more detailed description of the headlight operation.  And I understand it, the inner lights were originally used as high beams?  Mine are set up as DRL's.

If I read it correctly, they are saying your headlights are so close to the ground, that when the high beams are aimed correctly, the low beams are pointing downward too much to be of use.  The fix suggested was to use the high beam filaments as your low beams, and use the low beam filaments as fog lights or daylight running lights. Since this might bot be legal, I propose using the outer low beams as intended, but aiming the headlight up enough for them to be correct, and leaving the outer high beams not used.  Since the inner lights are the same , wire them so the high beams are used when the high beams are selected, and aim them correctly for the high beams to be parallel to the roadway. The inner low beams can be used as fog lights or running lights.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Headlight question: '97 U320, original headlights

Reply #6 –
This is a little off topic but not totally as I saw this and felt that some may be interested.  There is a HID kit on ebay for a bargain price.  I have not done this but have considered same.  My experience with these HID kits is that you may need 2 as it is near impossible to just stop by an autoparts store for a replacement when one burns out.  This seems like a very good deal on HID bulbs. The cost of 2 is less than $50.
55W HID Xenon Headlight Conversion Kit H1 H3 H4 H7 H10 9005 9006 880 881 9004 7
Best of Travels

Re: Headlight question: '97 U320, original headlights

Reply #7 –
55's would be incredibly bright. 

I have hi-lows 35's in replaced outer housings  and high only in the inners.

All four were wired to work on high beam. 
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Headlight question: '97 U320, original headlights

Reply #8 –
1999 U295.  absolutely cannot afford $3000 projector beam retrofit at ForeTravel.
This week I got the headlamp restoration process they offer At Sam's Club. Because the vehicle has FOUR plastic (Ford derived) headlamps.  They'd become dull and hazy.
 I was prepared to pay twice the regular price of $29.88. But, NO. Under thirty bucks is what they charged me.
Two technicians carefully masked the adjacent body work and even the narrow line stainless steel headlamp bezels. Then they wet sanded with 600 grit. After blowing away the water (with air hose)  from sanding, they spray a clear sealer, which is then cured with a BRIGHT lamp. After the masking is removed, they wipe off the surrounding area with a cleaner, probably to remove masking residue.
The results are DRAMATIC! The results far surpass DIY kits or toothpaste because of the cured clear coat.  The lenses are now crystal clear.  5 year warranty.
Mogan David
1999 U295 36'

Re: Headlight question: '97 U320, original headlights

Reply #9 –
Mogan David,
Thanks for the Sam's tip. Went there today. They did a nice job.  They don't look new but much improved and a whole lot better than what I had achieved trying to do it myself.  I am happy!
Best of Travels