One problem with the lights that’s particularly common with older RVs is low voltage to the headlights when under load.  Many motorhomes use an isolator between the alternator and battery, which costs you about 0.6-0.7V, and many also run power from the headlights through the headlight and dimmer switches.

It’s not uncommon to see only 10V at the headlights.  While that might seem like most of 12V, consider that power goes with the square of voltage–compared to a normal 14V system, your lights at 10V would only be half as bright!

Continue reading Testing to determine whether headlights are operating at full power →

One of the most common questions about composite headlights is asking what can be done to get rid of yellowed, hazy lenses.  There are really only two possible solutions: replace either the lens (rare) or entire housing, or polish them.

Before even thinking about polishing, look to see what new lights would cost.  In many cases, new light housings are cheaper than the supplies you’ll need to polish them.  You’re going to spend several hours polishing, between removing the lights from the vehicle, progressively sanding, polishing, and then clearcoating–it’s a lot of work done right.

If the lights are expensive, and replacement isn’t reasonable, you’ll need to progressively sand the lights.  I recommend 3M’s Headlight Lens Restoration System, which is available for around $15 on Amazon, at your local auto parts store, or Wal-Mart, and uses a battery drill to do the heavy work.

After you’ve polished the lights, it’s imperative to clear coat them.  Polycarbonate yellows when exposed to sunlight, and all headlights are manufactured with a UV-inhibiting coating, which the polishing process removes.  If you don’t replace that coating (and don’t be fooled by wipe-on products) with a high-solids clear coat, you’ll be right back to hazy lenses in a few months.

It’s been a while, but the first real listings of headlights and taillights are now posted.  Right now the list just includes Fleetwood, Holiday Rambler, Tiffin, and Alfa motorhomes, and a number of the headlight and taillight pages just identify the car/truck make and model and give you a link to Amazon search results.

Eventually, each RV model will have its own page, with pictures of the installed lights, notes on which supplier the RV manufacturer used, installation tips, and comments from others who can directly confirm fitment.

Of course, if you don’t see your motorhome listed, or if you do see your motorhome listed and something doesn’t seem right or is incomplete, let us know at [email protected].  Information on all of the exterior lighting is the goal–headlights, turn signals, taillights, marker lights, etc.  And just because your RV isn’t self propelled doesn’t mean we won’t include it–information on those lights is just as valuable.

In the next week, you’ll see a few pages go up with information on lighting terminology, different types of upgrades, and things to stay away from.  Ask questions if you don’t see something you’re looking for or if you don’t understand something.  We’re here to help!