H13 Headlight Bulbs

[TKeeler]

Ok, short of installing aftermarket HID headlights what is the all around best replacement H13 bulb? I want a bright white and not the blue look. I have the Silverstars now but one has went out so need to replace both.



Is there no DOT approved aftermarket HID lights available?

 

[seafish]

As far as I know, There are no DOT approved HID headlights for our trucks.

For excellent lighting and bulb info, go here--http://www.danielsternlighting.com/home.html

He reccomended only the Phillips Xtreme Power as bulbs as a real upgrade for the insanely poor headlights on my 2005. The 9007 bulb which I use is not only a poor bulb design, but the optix in the oem reflectors are also terrible. He said it would be the best I could do in a poor situaution, and he was right. The Phillips Xtreme Power definitely made a solid improvement, though I still wish for an HID upgrade.
Stern is the real deal on lighting info, and he feels that the Xtreme Power bulbs, unlike the SilverStars or other Ultra Whites, are an actually improved design. They ceratinly helped me out quite a bit. Given the upgraded reflectors in your 07. 5 truck, I'll bet they help you out even more. They are a regular yellow/white light, not the blues which appear brighter, but actually give you LESS light.

Here is a link to the Xtreme Power H13/9008 bulbs that fit your truck, but I encourage you to check out Sterns site. The people at Candlepower Inc which sell the bulbs also have more info.
At about $40 for the pair of bulbs, it is a quick and easy fix... even if you eventually decide to retrofit HID into your truck.

<b>Philips <font color="red">Xtreme Power</font> H13 / 9008</b> (TWO PACK)

There ARE several great thread/writ-ups about people who have done an EXCELLENT job retrofitting HID into our truck. Here is one of my favorites--

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...-transmission-discussions/191334-how-hid.html

 

[UAV]

I'm thinking about an HID upgrade on my '06 from this outfit Unique Auto Lights. They are local (to me) and I've heard good things about the product and support, although not from any Ram owners. As I understand it the kits are pretty well plug and play without having to mod the light housing. My friend has their kit on his Land Cruiser and is very happy with it.



There is no such thing as DOT approved HID headlights for any vehicle, or "DOT approval" for that matter. The DOT stamp on a product means the manufacturer is making the claim that the product is compliant with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that apply to it. The DOT has no authority to test and approve, or disapprove, ANY product. Legality regarding HID headlights I'm sure falls under local state laws and will vary from state to state.

 

[p-Bar]

I'm thinking about an HID upgrade on my '06 from this outfit Unique Auto Lights. They are local (to me) and I've heard good things about the product and support, although not from any Ram owners. As I understand it the kits are pretty well plug and play without having to mod the light housing. My friend has their kit on his Land Cruiser and is very happy with it.

There is no such thing as DOT approved HID headlights for any vehicle, or "DOT approval" for that matter. The DOT stamp on a product means the manufacturer is making the claim that the product is compliant with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that apply to it. The DOT has no authority to test and approve, or disapprove, ANY product. Legality regarding HID headlights I'm sure falls under local state laws and will vary from state to state.

Read the Daniel Stern website mentioned above hopefully you won't do after reading it. Also if you look at any headlight assembly they all have a DOT # on them and yes they do need to be approved if that wasn't the case I would be running around with "aircraft landing lights" on my rig

 

[EGroeneveld]

All the HID kits will say 'offroad use only' on them, or buried in the instructions some where. I installed the PIAA H13 light bullbs in my 2005 Ford Excursion and they made a great improvement. I changed the drving lights to HID's and have been very pleased with them too. I am leary of changing the headlights to HID because I do not want to get pulled over. I have seen lots of crappy cars and old trucks running around with HID lights and its like they have their highbeams on but worse.

 

[CKelley1]

on the 06 and up that uses the h13 you need to use the bi-projector lens. i used ones from a honda acord. it took about two days to work out the mechanical. if you follow the above link provided by sealink and use the bi- projector instead it will be easer than it was for me on my first convirsion. on the 06 up you do not need the resistors. if you go with the hid contact me and i will explain how to wire. otherwise it will be a nitemare

 

[RideSlow2004]

I would be running around with "aircraft landing lights" on my rig

In another life, I was able to fit a landing light into the spotlight housing on my Monaco. Really miss that.

 

[UAV]

Read the Daniel Stern website mentioned above hopefully you won't do after reading it. Also if you look at any headlight assembly they all have a DOT # on them and yes they do need to be approved if that wasn't the case I would be running around with "aircraft landing lights" on my rig

Unless the DOT has implemented significant changes you are incorrect. The DOT stamp means the manufacturer is certifying its compliance with the standards set forth by the DOT, however it is NOT approved by the DOT.



We manufacture and distribute, among other things, aftermarket vehicle lighting so I am not totally ignorant on the subject. We have been in contact with the DOT NHTSA in the past to make sure we know the legalities. I have a letter in my possession (although somewhat dated now) from Frank Seales, Jr. , Chief Counsel of the DOT NHTSA (perhaps former Chief Counsel now), which states "... DOT has no authority to approve or disapprove any equipment item... ".



Also, just because a product carries the DOT stamp it does not mean it is compliant. It is more or less an honor system but if a manufacturer is found not to be in compliance it's something like a $17,000 fine per infraction.



I suppose the rules could have changed, so perhaps you could point me to where the DOT outlines its approval process.

 

[R.Taylor]

I just changed my Sylvania stock H13's out with a pair of PIAA Xtreme White 4000K H13's. Much better and worth the $$, I ordered a pair of PIAA Xtreme White 4000K 9005 lamps for my fog/driving lamps too... . Already have the Bulbzilla kit from Geno's.

 

[pcarlson]

The DOT stamp means the manufacturer is certifying its compliance with the standards set forth by the DOT, however it is NOT approved by the DOT.

UAV is correct. The DOT stamp means that the manufacturer is "certifying" compliance. I deal with FMVSS standards a lot and they are self certified by the manufacturers. They are fined if it is found that items are not compliant.



I bet you can find a DOT compliance from Toyota for accelerator pedals but it is not until there is a problem does the DOT investigate.