Improve headlights across all models

[Neal]

Headlights used in Newmar Motorhomes are for automobiles, they are not safe for driving at night. Lights are much higher up, driver is higher over lights. Please improve safety of your vehicles by using proper headlights such as trucks use, etc.

 

[Joe Hogan]

 

[AbdRahim]

Yes, indeed. This is on my to do list.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

It's really appalling that more thought and engineering hasn't been put into "vehicles" that cost WAY more than a Ferrari or similar. Seriously, if you think about it, sports cars like the Ferrari, MB, Mazzi, Lambo, BMW etc. are designed to support over 100mph speeds at night. Yet, the expectation of companies like Newmar, are that the RV owners really "shouldn't" drive at night. So, the headlights seem more of an after-thought just to meet the minimum requirements.

Of course, having what I feel is the majority of the RV "driver" community harping the fact that "we're too old" or "I'm too tired" to be driving at night, really doesn't help our cause, does it?

On our DS, I dropped a set of LEDs into those "Dodge Challenger" lenses which helped. But know what? Those headlight units were put in SO CRAPPY, that neither of them were aligned correctly, nor COULD THEY BE adjusted!!! I was so incredibly mad when I saw how they were mounted!! Even the "driving/fog" lights were crooked and the brackets were bonded solid to the fiberglass.

I addressed this at Newmar service...and guess what they said? "Hey, you're right...they're off, but we can't adjust them any better than what you've done. They're not off by that much."

Unbelievable!

 

[Joe Hogan]

On our DS, I dropped a set of LEDs into those "Dodge Challenger" lenses which helped. But know what? Those headlight units were put in SO CRAPPY, that neither of them were aligned correctly, nor COULD THEY BE adjusted!!! I was so incredibly mad when I saw how they were mounted!! Even the "driving/fog" lights were crooked and the brackets were bonded solid to the fiberglass.

I addressed this at Newmar service...and guess what they said? "Hey, you're right...they're off, but we can't adjust them any better than what you've done. They're not off by that much."

Unbelievable!

CaptainGizmo, I feel your pain...While the LED bulbs installed on my CanyonStar made a significant improvement, it is still subpar, due to the housings, to some aftermarket options from top end suppliers.
I was looking at replacing the Fog lights with some aftermarket Yellow fogs, something like those from Rigid, however, that project is on hold for other reasons.

D-Series PRO

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Headlights? Newmar motorhomes have ”headlights?” Who knew? When we turn on the light switch after dark, very little changes. That’s why we don’t drive after dark.

TJ

 

[CaptainGizmo]

When we turn on the light switch after dark. That’s why we don’t drive after dark.

TJ

Oooooooh, now I’m beginning to “see the light”; no thanks to Newmar!! ?

That MUST be their intention…to keep us from driving at night. No other explanaton.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Oh, those white lights on the front aren’t vanity lights like those multi- color lights under the coach or canopy? ??

 

[Rd1]

NHTSA just approved new Headlight Technology to improve safety. As most seem aware, RV's in general and Newmar in particular, have horrible headlights. Hopefully this will encourage them to move into the new century.
perhaps newmar needs to be reminded, their headlight technology may be fine for buggies, but not for their RVs. (pun intented!).

New headlight technology that improves safety, cuts down glare OK'd by NHTSA: How it works

Advanced headlight technology can better illuminate the road ahead while not blinding oncoming drivers, advocates say.

www.freep.com

Toyota's version AHS.

 

[redbaron]

I have had this on my bmw's since 2016. It has required "hacking" the led coding to enable the European mode, but works amazing!

 

[Rd1]

I know german cars have had some version of this here in US. ie headlights adjusting to the steering input. . This AHS is a step forward. Is this what you have been able to enable?

 

[Rich W.]

my before and after with these: HEADLIGHTS-H13-V6s Headlight Kit with H13 Bases 9008 (no fans). Before performing this little upgrade, there were times I wasn't sure my headlights we even on. I also added a remote spotlight to the roof ( Golight GT - GOLIGHT ) which is a big help maneuvering in campgrounds after dark. And lastly I put an LED flood/spot combo on the rear of the roof wired,to the back up light for night time backing. Major difference when you can actually see where you're going.

 

[Rich W.]

Pics of the Go-light and the flood/spot/flood I used on the rear. You can see the center 12 LEDs are spot type lights. Outers are the floods. Nilight 12Inch 72W Spot Flood Combo Led Light Bar Off Road Lights Boat Lights Fog Light Driving Lights LED Work Light for Trucks, 2 Years Warranty - $20 on Amazon and a decent quality light. Initially I was going to mount two on the rear but one provided plenty of light straight back and to the sides. I was going to buy extra bright LED back-light bulbs ( 3156-G12-WHITE PAIR 3156 Brake and Tail Light (Backup) ) but this completely negated the need.

I was getting some paintwork done at Newmar in Nappanee so I had them color match the go-light housing - a bit over the top I guess but they didn't charge me for it. I‘m pretty sure I’m the only one who would notice the difference but they liked the finished product too. This is the same roof mounted, remote controlled spot optional on the luxury units.

I never have to worry about obstacles or maneuvering in the dark when I get in late. This is a hige stress reliver. Also the Go-Light helps confirm tree clearance at night. And backing is just, well night and day, from before. The OE back-up lights are useless. And yes, I know - she needs a bath!

 

[GypsyR]

One reason we don't have adaptive lights here like they have in Europe is as Rd1 notes above, they just NOW got approved for manufacturers to use in US. Why in the world we are dragging so far behind I have no idea. I for one can't wait for everyone to be able to drive around with god-awful bright lights that DON'T blind the heck out me when I am approaching from the other direction.

 

[redbaron]

I know german cars have had some version of this here in US. ie headlights adjusting to the steering input. . This AHS is a step forward. Is this what you have been able to enable?

Yes. BMW has had this in the LED head lights since 2015. the beams move left, right, up, and down as you approach cars either oncoming or from behind.

Here is a preview of it:


The software and instruction to encode it are readily available for BMW, Mercedes, and Audi.

 

[Joe Hogan]

OK can't resist to plug my hero, Elon Musk. He is the first automobile manufacturer to design a headlight that is capable to be approved in all countries around the world.

Did you know that headlamps designs are different and approved by each country around the world. There was a time pre LED that using European style headlamp was much preferred over "American" style headlamp reflectors. Used EU sourced headlamps for years prior to LED.

https://www.aaa.com/AAA/common/AAR/files/ResearchReportEuroSpecvsUSHeadlamps.pdf

But Elon engineers have come up with a single design that can adjust for any market...Yeah Elon!! ;-)

Tesla Publishes Patent for Global Headlamps Customizable to All Countries' Requirements

Tesla has published a patent for the global headlamp as part of the further development of its products. This will allow the production of headlamps that will meet the requirements of different countries and will reduce the cost of producing different types of headlamps.

www.tesmanian.com

 

[GypsyR]

I though that was what BMW has been doing already. If more simply. See post #10. Adjustable where applicable and simply disabled to comply with regulations in out of date countries. (That'd be us.)
BMW is pretty big on building a lot of features into their cars whether or not the car buyer gets to use them. The latest is factory seat heaters that won't actually work unless you pay BMW an extra service fee.

 

[Steve and Cindy]

VERY VERY VERY difficult to drive at night with our London Aire. It’s as though we have no headlights. Should be a recall.

 

[Rich W.]

I put these in my Ventana and it made a very significant difference. Really went from not being able to drive safely at night to being just fine with it. HEADLIGHTS-H13-V6s Headlight Kit with H13 Bases 9008 See post #12 for before and after pics.