Rear docking lights

Forum for both AC and DC electrical components. From engine alternator to dashboard, inverter to batteries, and everything electrical in-between.
TDJohn
Posts: 552
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2019 11:34 pm

Re: Rear docking lights

Post by TDJohn »

I had a moment to look up the sealed beam that you are using, which is a Low beam headlight, the H7401 is a high beam headlight. The original bulb (H9406) that was installed is a flood light, commonly used on tractors and spreads the beam much better for docking and backing up. It is also a tiny bit smaller for a proper original fit, and draws 50 watts. The H7403 draws 55 watts, so you can likely get away with the slight increase in whats, but the beam spread will not be ideal. The H7401 that you are considering is a 65 watt hi beam, which although brighter will likely be less effective having a more narrow and higher beam spread. If you do decide to go with the H7401 high beam, I strongly recommend that you install a relay somewhere behind the rear bumper. This will take the load off of your switch and the long thin wire run that feeds those lights, and also make your lights brighter by eliminating voltage loss over the long wire run. In reality, that wiring run was already marginal even for the lower wattage OEM lights.
John
'95 Serengeti, Cummins C8.3-300
Allison 6spd.
oldcobia
Posts: 109
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 7:56 am
Location: N. Florida

Re: Rear docking lights

Post by oldcobia »

Thanks for the info on bulbs. I was not happy with the beam pattern. I'm going to try the ones at Walmart that were mentioned. Thanks for info.
1995 Safari Sahara 35’ 5.9 Cummins MD3060
oldcobia
Posts: 109
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 7:56 am
Location: N. Florida

Re: Rear docking lights

Post by oldcobia »

Man are the Alpena spot lights from Walmart bright. No longer need to brake brake check tailgaters at night. Just turn on these babies and they will have to back off to be able to see. Thanks
1995 Safari Sahara 35’ 5.9 Cummins MD3060
oldcobia
Posts: 109
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 7:56 am
Location: N. Florida

Re: Rear docking lights

Post by oldcobia »

Will the same lights I used for rear driving lights be ok for front fog lights. I have to replace them also. Thanks
1995 Safari Sahara 35’ 5.9 Cummins MD3060
TDJohn
Posts: 552
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2019 11:34 pm

Re: Rear docking lights

Post by TDJohn »

I'm sure they will work fine, but if I'm not mistaking the front lights are a bit bigger, so those lights might not fully fill the rectangular holes, making possibly making it look funny, but as for functionality, they should do just fine. Considering how bright these lights are, be sure to aim them correctly as not to blind the oncoming drivers.
John
'95 Serengeti, Cummins C8.3-300
Allison 6spd.
CactusTwo
Posts: 70
Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2019 12:06 pm

Re: Rear docking lights

Post by CactusTwo »

I used H9406 1350 candle flood for my rears as an exact replacement and H4656XV for my headlights. Lower driving lights were mounted in a plastic frame bolted to the fiberglass like for dune buggie rail lights from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Blazer-CW8002K-R ... 274&sr=8-4
Len and Brenda Nugent
Alberta, Canada, fulltimers since 2012
1996 Safari Serengeti 3740 front door, bought in Feb 2019
Cat 3126 300hp, Allison MD3060, VelvetRide suspension
sold 2008 GMC Duramax 3500 and 37' Cedar Creek 5th wheel
oldcobia
Posts: 109
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 7:56 am
Location: N. Florida

Re: Rear docking lights

Post by oldcobia »

Thanks for the info and link on Amazon. Those are just like the ones on mine now. Will give them a try is I don't like the Alpenas. Thanks
1995 Safari Sahara 35’ 5.9 Cummins MD3060
TDJohn
Posts: 552
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2019 11:34 pm

Re: Rear docking lights

Post by TDJohn »

Those lights in the link look like the same ones on the front of my coach.

Do you by any chance know of any good LED lights that are the same size/fit for those front driving lights?
John
'95 Serengeti, Cummins C8.3-300
Allison 6spd.
TDJohn
Posts: 552
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2019 11:34 pm

Re: Rear docking lights

Post by TDJohn »

oldcobia wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:29 am Thanks for the info and link on Amazon. Those are just like the ones on mine now. Will give them a try is I don't like the Alpenas. Thanks
I don't quite understand, you don't like the Alpenas for the front, or in general? In the earlier post you mentioned that you tried them in the rear lights and liked the brightness... :?

Here is a link to an LED version of those Baja halogen lights. I'm considering of upgrading mine to an amber version of this LED light.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BF7QKFW9/re ... 0cnVl&th=1
John
'95 Serengeti, Cummins C8.3-300
Allison 6spd.
oldcobia
Posts: 109
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 7:56 am
Location: N. Florida

Re: Rear docking lights

Post by oldcobia »

Bad spelling on my part. Meant to say if not is. I really like the Alpenas on rear, can light a football field. I will install them on the front for my fog lights and see how the beam pattern is. I will post results in couple of days. Thanks
1995 Safari Sahara 35’ 5.9 Cummins MD3060
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