Do You Need Multi-Function Headlights?

Looking ahead at smarter, safer and more functional lighting options for your RV.

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Words by Gary Durian

Who can resist the opportunity to see the future?  

When it comes to vehicle design, automotive engineers and designers are pushing the envelope of what’s possible on every front, including lighting packages. The future of on-vehicle lighting is starting to move beyond the established concept of one light/one function, which is fuelling the development of new multi-function LED lighting options, including those found on all classes of motorhomes. 

Beyond helping manufacturers solve design challenges, it’s fair to wonder how this new technology will impact your next RV purchase and experience.

One Light Equals Better Experience and Value

For many RVers, purchasing a new, high-end motorhome is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Luxury amenities like high-tech entertainment systems or technology-driven aftermarket add-ons can help create a vehicle that brings your vision on the road to life. 

It may not be on your mind just yet, but the simplicity of one light with multiple functions will provide technological advances, including improving driving safety and enhancing the overall value of your ownership experience.

Multiple lights create a greater draw on the battery that can become a problem with other systems that require sufficient battery power. A perfect example are multi-functional LED headlights that can reduce the pull on the battery and help maximize energy savings.

Most RVs typically have more than 20 different lights throughout the unit, which creates the need to replace multiple sizes when required. Additionally, combining the functionality of more than one light ultimately reduces potential failure points and simplifies replacement during your ownership of the vehicle.

One example is a new multi-function LED headlight that delivers five critical lighting functions and the convenience of an all-in-one solution including:

  • Low Beam that offers improved visibility to easily see up to 76 m (250 ft) ahead of the vehicle at night.
  • High Beam to provide better visibility up to 152 m (500 ft) ahead of the vehicle for safer operation on rural roads and when driving at higher speeds.
  • Daytime Running Lights that are automatically activated to meet regional legal requirements. 
  • Front Position for added illumination and better visibility in all conditions.
  • Front Turn Signal Functions to alert oncoming motorists when turning, lane changing or merging.

Multi-function LED headlights will also deliver added performance and durability to complement the next-level functionality. They also offer added longevity, which increases the value of your purchase and enhances your overall RV experience.

What Lighting Improvements Can You Do Right Now?

As manufacturers find new ways to include multi-function headlights on new vehicles, one significant lighting upgrade you can make right now is converting your existing headlights to LEDs.

Regardless of whether you own a large motorhome, class B or van conversion, LED headlights increase safety by delivering an entirely new level of visibility and drivability. The noticeably brighter output and wider pattern eliminate inconsistencies that are created by the ‘yellow’ light from incandescent or halogen headlights.

Before making a purchase, there are a few things to remember when switching to LEDs. Like most vehicle upgrades, you get what you pay for. Quality RV LED headlights are no exception. They often range from $250 or more. So, make sure to avoid cheap, easy drop-in replacements from unknown companies. These solutions may not be legal or even work properly, especially over the long term. 

So, do plenty of research to ensure you’re buying from a reputable manufacturer with a proven track record of providing quality products. Take the time to check out customer ratings and read through the product reviews to confirm that the quality matches its claims. In the event they don’t sell direct, check out the ratings and feedback on their distributor’s website, including how they support the products they offer. 

If you reside in an area with harsh winter conditions, perhaps consider LED headlights with integrated thermal technology. LEDs don’t generate much heat so this added feature will melt any snow and ice that can build up and reduce illumination. 

Finally, make sure your LEDs are easy to source. It’s never a bad idea to have an extra light or two on hand.  While they can last up to 20,000 hours or longer (compared to only about 1,000 hours for other bulbs), failure or unexpected damage can still happen so it’s best to be prepared.

Gary Durian is the Engineering Director for Technical Solutions at J.W. Speaker. For more information and to learn about lighting options for your RV visit www.jwspeaker.com