Headlight Bulb Replacement

[Bart Mix]

I have looked at old posts on this subject, but nothing real new on this topic so I thought I would repost. I am replacing my headlight assemblies & want to upgrade to a better brighter LED bulb. My factory bulbs are the #9007 series. Looking on the internet I see lots of LED bulbs available but want to get an idea what it will take to due what I understand is a true conversion? (perhaps other than just a bulb swap) like replacing normal #9007's?
Are there LED's out there that in effect are just plug & play? While I try to driving much at night when I do I just want more light like I have on my later model vehicles.
Just looking for good ideas & advice!
Thanks!
Bart from VA
GMC 2500 HD

[Jim Nichols]

Bart I did try LED head light bulbs from Putco. It had a fan in back because they create a lot of heat. But the 9007 bulbs also create heat. So much heat that the resin on the back of my originals that separates the wires was melted. I went back to the 9007 bulbs because the fan created such a modification that I was worried about dust getting in the lens.  There is a dust cap covering the 9007 bulbs and that is where the modifications begin. There are other brands that have a heat sink wire mesh vs the fan. Someone said Beaver Coach Sales will install LED headlight bulbs but I do not know the brand or what is done to prevent dust from entering the assembly. Hope I was of some help in your decisions. Oh and the more you pay for LEDs the better the light pattern.

[Bart Mix]

Jim,
Thanks for the info! I will continue to look for LED options.
Bart from VA

[George Harwell]

Bart, go to Danielsternlighting.com installing relays section to make your headlights bright. I had around 10.6 volts to my lights before installing the relays. Now they are as bright as my other vehicle with 12.8 to 13.5 volts. All work is done in the left front electric bay on the 03 Monterey. Good luck!

[Jesse Bufford]

Bart
If you find anything out I would appreciate the information.  Our coach has had the relays installed and I have good voltage at the lights, but still cannot see down the road good.  It was worse before we discovered someone has crossed the hi beam and ground on the passenger side light. We've only had ours for 2 + months, but driving it at night is NO fun. We have got to find a solution.

Jesse & Jeri

[Jerry Emert]

I also put in the relays and am not happy with the brightness.  My solution has been to quit driving by 3PM.  Works for me.  I also replaced the headlights and they look bright in daylight but like I said...3PM.

[Stan Simpson]

When you gents mention "relay replacement" are you talking about the re-settable relays in the electric bay, or are you talking about the procedure outlined in these two videos?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmYyoILEhMY&t=58s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIXez9bQNY0&t=9s

[Jesse Bufford]

I was referring to the relays in the videos.

[Jerry Emert]

I was referring to the procedure in the video also.  It greatly increased the intensity of the light.

[Larry Fritz]

I did put in brighter bulbs many years ago. That helped some.
Next, I did the "headlight fix" with the relays. That helped a lot.
Then, I did a headlight re-alignment and that made a vast improvement.

Now for the first time in over 15 years I can see well at night. I have never had any vehicle flash me at night so I think I the lights are not aimed to high.
In most posts, I rarely see alignment mentioned. It is easy to do and you can do it yourself. It's worth a try.

Larry Fritz