are 2005 headlights good enough?

[brownc1]

Several members have complained about the quality of Gen 3 headlights. I've searched the threads and its unclear whether or not the 2005 3005 head lights have been improved. There are numerous suggestions for supplemental lights or different bulbs etc. But the basic question remains open," Are the headlights in the 2005 adequate to drive with safely in country roads and unlit highways at legal speeds?" If not, what to do? I see some chaps like the Light Force driving lamps, One fellow has posted a question about "halo" lamps that appear to replace the OEM lighting units entirely. He asks if anyone has used them and if so what? No replies to that so far.



I'm picking this truck up in a few days and driving several thousand miles in all conditions. We'll need good lights for safety. I'd appreciate some advice. I will place an order to upgrades (if needed) on Monday.





2005 3005 quad, 6 speed, flame red with matching insulated, lighted canopy, battery pac in canopy for heating/driving 12v tools, tow kit, air horn,fuel pressure gauge,

 

[Mobius1]

I think that the stock 3rd gen lights are OK Not really all that great. They will suffice for the most part. IF you have fog lights, you can have both your high beam and fog lights on at the same time. Then the light is actually pretty good. The only problem with that is that your hand gets tired of holding the switch for a while. have your headlights and fog lights on at the same time and pull your wiper stalk in and hold it and you can get your high beams and fog lights at the same time.



http://www.genosgarage.com/CoastalData/showdetl.cfm?&DID=30&Product_ID=1719&CATID=1



Check that out from Geno's garage. Hope this helps!!!

 

[BigGunZ]

I can't complain. They're far better than the lights on my Ford were.

 

[TowPro]

The ford lights would probably be better if they would point them down some. That is the only thing I don't miss about driving my Jetta. All ford truck lights blind you when they are following you and you are in a small car.

I can't complain. They're far better than the lights on my Ford were.

 

[brownc1]

The kid has the notion that "We" are making this first trip. Same kid that wrapped my tahoe around a concrete pillar in a paking lot. Heck I am take him anyway. He's getting better... .

 

[MJawsman]

I think they are much improved over my 2001 truck. Could they be better? Sure. But if HID lights didn't exist for a comparison, we'd probably all think we had the cats ***** in lights.

 

[JCrockett]

I would suggest a Brite Box Stage 3 Plus if you have fog lights.



I have one and love it, but stock is never good enough.

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[BHolm]

I personally found the lights in my '05 to be some of the worst ever for country dwellers. I never bothered with the brite box because even with the high beams and fogs there is still no range to them. I would highly reccomend something aftermarket on the bumper/brush gaurd like pictured if possible :-laf



The '06's are a little better but still far short of what I think they should be. My Chevy's had WAY better high beams, but that wasn't enough to keep me in those trucks

 

[DPKetchum]

I live rural and tow out into nowhere. I can see all I need to see with stock lights.

 

[Matt400]

I fixed my high beam trouble by swapping out the fogs for Hella 120mm high beam modules and 100W Xenon bulbs. Now I just need better low beams.



Possibly a better approach may have been to put 120mm low beams in the fog location and some Light Force or Hella 4000's on a light bar but I am not so sure I want a bar in the front. Doing it that way would keep me under the CA rules where you can have 2 aftermarket un-covered lamps to assist the high beams and with so many running around with fogs on with on coming traffic I suppose another set of low beams wouldn't be noticed if aimed proper.



Might be a good idea to check Idaho regs. just to be sure.

FWIW my wifes PT Cruiser had better highs before my mod and now she just has better lows.

 

[jwduke]

I think they are better than the lights were on my '95.

 

[BHolm]

I fixed my high beam trouble by swapping out the fogs for Hella 120mm high beam modules and 100W Xenon bulbs. Now I just need better low beams.



Possibly a better approach may have been to put 120mm low beams in the fog location and some Light Force or Hella 4000's on a light bar but I am not so sure I want a bar in the front. Doing it that way would keep me under the CA rules where you can have 2 aftermarket un-covered lamps to assist the high beams and with so many running around with fogs on with on coming traffic I suppose another set of low beams wouldn't be noticed if aimed proper.



Might be a good idea to check Idaho regs. just to be sure.

FWIW my wifes PT Cruiser had better highs before my mod and now she just has better lows.

Matt, Do you have a pic of the Hellas in the fog location? Do they fit right in? My lows on the '06 are OK, I just want some range and if the Hellas in the fog location can do it, that would be great!

 

[Matt400]

Matt, Do you have a pic of the Hellas in the fog location? Do they fit right in?

Post #13 on this thread.

They fit good.

 

[DPKetchum]

GREAT POST!!!! I agree 150%. Thanks for hitting the nail on the head!

 

[brownc1]

Given the differing "views" on visibility... any chance that the actual headlight focus is an issue?. . or product variation? For sure I am going to get the settings tested before I drive off the lot. These comments asre really helpful. thanks Guys

 

[Matt400]

Well I guess I struck a nerve with my comment about using 4 lamps with oncoming traffic like many already do but not to worry cuz in all honesty I don't have the nerve to do that. Maybe when 50% are doing it I will feel different, dunno.



I don't see the trouble with enhancing the high beams, state laws allow it anyway.

 

[Iguide]

Poor third gen lights

I must have really good eyes or most of you have really bad ones. My '03 is so far the best of any of the three generations I have. I grew up on the old seald beam bulbs, graduated to halogen and now the current offerings. We used to chase around after dark in excess of 100mph with the old bulbs. I for one get really p*ssed at the amount of lights now glaring through my windshield. My suggestion is if you need that much light to see, stay home, there's a lot of road rage comming from the light abuse. But if you must blind the people comming at you expect that someone may use them for TARGETS!

Yes you must have good eyes. Very good eyes. Very Very Very good eyes. As my second generation, lights were markedly better than my third generation. As for the comments of staying home if you can not see with the stock lights. I would like to see what you say after you have a close encounter with an 1800lb moose due to the poor light on the third gen. ’s. There have 418 threads about the poor lights on the third gen. ’s. I guess most of us are just normal mortals. Not someone who posses " super sight" that can see so well with the standard lights. That is why so may people have extra lights. It is need for safety. As far as road rage we all would be better off to have the courtesy to dim light when other traffic is on the rd. As we are all taught in drivers ed. Also grow up & take responsibility for one's actions, & stop blaming others. To many people do not take the time to know their neighbor never mind the other fellow on the rd. Be kinder than you have to be. You do not know the other person’s predicament and you will have a more harmonious out come in life. You might actually make their day better and feel good about doing it.

 

[DPKetchum]

"bout HALF the drivers don't dim the darn things is the problem

 

[Matt400]

Not dimming can be real trouble for sure, most all in our area will dim but they leave their fogs on, and with no fog to defuse the light it looks more like a flood lamp. In addition fogs have a wide beam and dont have horizontal aim so allot of light ends up in the other lane.



In particular I find the fogs on Subaru's more blinding than their low beams.

 

[BHolm]

I also have no desire to blind anyone with my lights, that was never the point here. Where I drive it gets REALLY dark and there are lots of big crtitters around here that cross the highway. Not being anywhere near a city I have a real need and I am responsible with my high powered lights. I agree that those who do not dim deserve some form of retribution. What better way than to throw something like Matts 120 watt bulbs right at them, I bet they dim their lights after that ;



I might also suggest that you be very careful when considering road rage of any kind. You don't know who else might have come prepared :-laf