Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: 2003 Headlight replacement (Read 2539 times) previous topic - next topic

2003 Headlight replacement

I have to replace the D/S headlight fixture. It is a 1999 - 2002 Chevy Silverado Headlight. I don't do much if any night time driving so I don't want to go thru the expense of the factory remodel headlights. Has anyone found a better OEM headlight replacement that gives a brighter illumination?
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #1 –
Barry,

I would start by verifying voltage at the light bulbs with engine running.  I have seen too small a gauge wire, bad grounds, etc.  You should see at least 13.0 VDC at the bulbs (about a volt less than at the chassis battery with engine running).
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #2 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Barry,
I would start by verifying voltage at the light bulbs with engine running.  I have seen too small a gauge wire, bad grounds, etc.  You should see at least 13.0 VDC at the bulbs (about a volt less than at the chassis battery with engine running).
It is the fixture I need to replace. Not an electrical issue. But I have been wanting to find better fixtures anyway.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #3 –
I bought TYC brand replacement lights for our Subaru. The replacement was extremely easy and I have been very pleased with the performance of the new headlights. I expect that TYC would have replacements for the Chevrolet assemblies. The TYC assemblies came with bulbs. However, I put in some premium Sylvania bulbs in order to get a bit more illumination. I bought the materials via Amazon.

When we had the SOB coach, I replaced the Ford headlights with a "replacement" brand. I think it was TYC. Getting the new, clear lenses provided much better illumination than the old, clouded lenses.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #4 –
I think there are some replacement headlight assemblies that use a different type of bulb. I had checked on them a while back, but try not to drive after dark so did not get them. I don't remember what they were called but think if you hunt on the inter, net for headlights for that year Chevy  there will be several choices
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #5 –
Barry, I replaced one of my units a couple of years and am pretty sure I got it at Summit Racing. It was an OEM but I put brighter bulbs in
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #6 –
Quote from: rbark –
Barry, I replaced one of my units a couple of years and am pretty sure I got it at Summit Racing. It was an OEM but I put brighter bulbs in
I was hoping for a much better brightness fixtures. I don't know what type of bulbs the remods are using but I think they are much brighter. I don't know if I can use a bulb like that in these fixtures. The OEM's are not sufficient even putting in the brighter bulbs.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #8 –
That is what I was thinking about
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #9 –
Quote from: toyman –
2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD Headlights at HeadlightsDepot.com | Top...
That looks more like what I was thinking also. Thanks for the link.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #10 –
I bought something similar as toyman's link - not HD but OEM compatible.  Lance at Xtreme installed as part of other things but had much trouble. Foretravel modified the OEM mounting -  at least on my coach so it was not "plug and play".
The selected media item is not currently available.

Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Barry Beam –
That looks more like what I was thinking also. Thanks for the link.
Quote from: toyman –
2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD Headlights at HeadlightsDepot.com | Top...
Can these bulbs be replaced with Xenon bulbs which appear to be brighter? Is there anything additional that would have to be done?
http://www.amazon.com/Xenon-Headlight-Replacement-Bulbs-Kensun/dp/B00EECLPO0
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #12 –
Barry,

I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado pickup., bought it new, it's garage kept and just turned 70,000 on the odometer.
A short time after purchasing it I replaced the headlight bulbs with the brightest bulbs I could find, and have been
very pleased with them over the years.  I even got some for my wife's '03 Yukon.

About 3 weeks ago I replaced all the lights on my Silverado with aftermarket lights that I bought on Amazon just
because the originals didn't look as crisp as they did back in '01.  The new ones are just as good as the OEM ones and they
were much cheaper.

If you want me to I'll look up the brand and part number for the new aftermarket set I purchased.  Then you could get
some brighter bulbs at Autozone or Amazon and 'light up the night'.  I can't believe you won't be happy, but if you aren't
everything is returnable.

Those Xenon bulbs you posted the link to will not fit a '99 - '01 Silverado.


Holler if you want the part number.

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #13 –
Traveling Man, if Barry doesn't want the number I could use it as we have the same year coach.
 Would like to have brighter lights myself.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Traveling Man –
Barry,

I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado pickup., bought it new, it's garage kept and just turned 70,000 on the odometer.
A short time after purchasing it I replaced the headlight bulbs with the brightest bulbs I could find, and have been
very pleased with them over the years.  I even got some for my wife's '03 Yukon.

About 3 weeks ago I replaced all the lights on my Silverado with aftermarket lights that I bought on Amazon just
because the originals didn't look as crisp as they did back in '01.  The new ones are just as good as the OEM ones and they
were much cheaper.

If you want me to I'll look up the brand and part number for the new aftermarket set I purchased.  Then you could get
some brighter bulbs at Autozone or Amazon and 'light up the night'.  I can't believe you won't be happy, but if you aren't
everything is returnable.
Those Xenon bulbs you posted the link to will not fit a '99 - '01 Silverado.
Holler if you want the part number.
I found many replacement fixtures but it is the bulbs I need info on. I read the Xenon are much brighter than the ones that come with the fixture. I had replaced my OEM's with the brighter bulbs but they are still not very good. That is why I was looking for a xenon replacement if anyone knows of one.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #15 –
Quote from: rbark –
Traveling Man, if Barry doesn't want the number I could use it as we have the same year coach.
 Would like to have brighter lights myself.

Amazon.com: Driver and Passenger Headlights Headlamps Replacement for...

Amazon.com: SYLVANIA 9006 SilverStar Ultra High Performance Halogen Headlight...
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #17 –
What's the outcome Barry , Ian following your lead ( as usual)
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #18 –
Quote from: Jimmyjnr –
What's the outcome Barry , Ian following your lead ( as usual)
I ordered and received 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD Headlights at HeadlightsDepot.com | Top... .
Now I am waiting for delivery of the Xenon Bulbs. Low Beam: 9006 Xenon Hid Conversion Kit with Slim Ballast For Chevrolet...
Hopefully they do the job.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #19 –
I agree, keep us posted Barry.
Dick
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #20 –
How are the new headlights working out for you Barry?

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #21 –
Quote from: Traveling Man –
How are the new headlights working out for you Barry?
I spent all day at Colton Truck getting the new headlights installed among other things.
They could not get them adjusted properly.
They stayed late until 7:00 to get it done but no luck.
The bulbs that came with the unit are no better than what I had and the new xenon bulbs were the wrong hole size so we could not get them in to test.
They are supposed to send me new ones but I wont be back until the end of month.
Very disappointing so far.
I had to drive home after dark and I did not feel good about it.
It has been many years since I have driven the coach after dark.
Now I know why I don't.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #23 –
Not to be a spoil sport. But as I exclusively drove at night (through deer infested Wyoming) when I owned my trucking company. I did a lot of research on improving my ability see at night.

I ran across a lighting engineers web page that had an article about modifying a tungsten filament based headlight to a plasma based (HID/Xenon) bulb. I'll post a link. But the bottom line was that switching from a very finite light source (a glowing wire) to a glowing ball of plasma (a fuzzy light source) requires a very different reflector assembly to properly focus the light. Modified lights do tend to be brighter, But also throw out a lot of glare for oncoming traffic because the reflector pattern was not designed for a plasma bulb. it's very much like switching from a brush to a an airbrush to do pin-striping.

Daniel Stearn lighting consultant

I ended up leaving my OEM lights alone and did something very illegal. I mounted a set of 9" Hella rally 4000 HID off road racing lights. I wired in the trigger voltage for the Hellas from my OEM high beams and additionally installed an off/on switch for the Hella's. That way I could use my OEM high beams without the big lights coming on, This set up though was mostly designed to automatically turn off the big Hella's by simply dimming my OEM lights.

The ultimate test was when I saw a dead deer on the fogline. I was driving my Kenworth with two trailers & 60,000 GVW doing 75MPH. When I saw the dead deer, I hit my brakes and was able to stop my truck BEFORE I past that deer. RESULT.  I made absolutely sure that I was polite with their use though as they were rated at about 2,000,000 candle power and actually hurt to look at them. Folks tended to NOT run their high beams on me anymore. I would first flash my OEM high beams. If they didn't acquiesce, I would hit them with the Hella's. That would generally convince them to turn off their high beams. 
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: 2003 Headlight replacement

Reply #24 –
Barry, you said they had trouble adjusting the headlights.  I am curious did you reverse the adjustment screws so you could access them from below?  When I removed mine to see why I could get them adjusted, I found my adjustment screws very loose.  You can physically move mine up and down by hand. 

I have the same replacement lights you do, but I haven't installed them yet. In the process of rotating the adjustment screws.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas