One of my low beams burned out and I would like to upgrade to a better/brighter bulb. I need “H11” series low beam bulbs. LEDs I have seen are all no-name brands. I’m not stuck on any brand or type of bulb, but do NOT want to replace the entire assembly, just the bulb. Thanks for the recommendations!

2008 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Duramax/Allison

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jcsabolt2,

Tread with care. The vehicle manufacturers design the headlight reflector and enclosure with the H11 as standard. Adding something else may result in overheating, poor aim and reduced bulb life. LED / HID systems can be tricky to choose the right setup. I researched improving my lighting and ended up using an add on LED light bar. PITA to get mounted and wired but it has paid off nicely.

I'm starting the think the best headlamp replacement item is a factory replacement. I've NEVER been satisfied with any replacement bulbs. They might be a little brighter/whiter but they never last as long.

quote:

Originally posted by Scurvy:
I'm starting the think the best headlamp replacement item is a factory replacement. I've NEVER been satisfied with any replacement bulbs. They might be a little brighter/whiter but they never last as long.

There's a definite tradeoff in bulb output and bulb life. That's the real crappy part of halogen versus LED or HID options, to get a decently bright halogen bulb, you end up replacing them after only a few hundred hours of use, and the performance is slowly degrading the entire time.

Unfortunately, as mentioned, the LED / HID retrofit kits don't work well, and while they put out vast amounts more light, they scatter it all over the place, blind oncoming drivers, and put less light where you actually need it versus the actual bulbs your reflectors are designed for.

FWIW, I just replaced the bulbs in my truck with Phillips Xtreme Vision +100 bulbs. I know they don't last as long as lower output bulbs, but I like the extra bit of brightness.

What type of vehicle?

Lots is misinformation floating around the internet on this topic. HID and LED replacements can work very well if you do a bit of homework. I replaced my 2016 Tacoma low beams with a set of Morimoto HIDs and am very happy. The they are so much whiter and brighter than the factory bulbs. I don't even like driving my wife's RAV4 at night anymore because it seems like it's so much more difficult to see.

If you install and aim them correctly, there won't be any issues with blinding other drivers. I can't recall the last time I was flashed by another driver.

I went with HIDs because they can get you a bit more distance than LED, though this my be subjective. A HID bulb puts out light in all all directions, while most LED replacements use two directions. This is why a projector (came stock on my truck) housing may be a bit better suited.

I will be replacing my high beams with LED, but that's mostly because LEDs turn on instantly and don't need a few seconds to warm up.

http://store.candlepower.com/phxtvih11lan.html ***** Don't waste your time with anything else. ******
Amazon link: http://a.co/4bbi2Af

If you don't think they are a great improvement, I'll buy them back from you.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DonDraper,

https://gtrlighting.com/led/led-headlight-bulbs/

I was looking at these for my Tundra.

Call the guys at Xenon Depot. If there's an aftermarket upgrade kit that will fit your needs, they'll have it. If they can't guarantee against your concerns, they'll let you know.

-Rob

If you're handy with a small nippers or Dremel bit you can use an H9 bulb in an H11 socket with some minor trimming. 1350 lumens versus 2100 lumens as I understand. I like 'em but YMMV.

My OEM drivers H11 bulb went out at 2040 hours. I bought the Sylvania Silverstar H11ST.BP2

The least expensive way to buy it is when you do not need it; https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANI...ntains/dp/B00318NQL8

At the time - nine months ago - I noticed no difference in color but did notice it was brighter. I'm now seeing a more marked difference in color. The passenger low beam is a little trickier to swap, so I've left it be for now.

FYI - You never touch the bulb glass. I use nitrile gloves to be sure. And halogens will not fit my assemblies, despite when tuners say they can do to my truck. Nothing beats clean lamp lenses and a clean windshield, inside and out.

After following this thread, I went to the auto parts store and bought and installed Sylvania Silverstar Ultra Halogens to replace my original factory bulbs in my 2010 F150. Since I have some trouble with night vision driving, I thought it was a nice quick upgrade. Since it's plug-n-play, there's no extra electrical/electronics involved, which I wasn't interested in anyway. If this thread is still going after my next night drive, I'll report back how it works.

Sigforum makes you spend money, but at least it's well informed monetary insanity.

Knowing the vehicle and type of housing would be a large help.

Kensun is one of the top HID and LED manufacturers.
Kensun Super Bright Extreme Cree LED Headlight Conversion Kit - H11 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019...cp_api_GXeYzb3KKNB3F

I have Kensun HIDs in Toyota factory Halogen projectors in both our Highlander and Sienna. What a world of difference it made. Only a slight adjustment bringing the cutoff a bit higher was needed.
Visibility paired with yellow LED fog lights is amazing.

I am still not sold on LED headlights. They'll be there in time but still need a little work especially replacement that are not factory. HIDs while dependent upon the vehicle can be a bit of a pain finding the best place to mount the ballast still give the best visibility in my opinion.

My brother upgraded the lamps on one of his trucks a couple of years ago. He went from the plain old factory lamps to one of the hotter Sylvania super duper whatever and had problems with the auto-reset circuit breaker for the headlights. It was integrated into the light switch and could not be upgraded to accommodate the higher current draw, higher output lamps. To enable the upgrade, we moved his lighting circuits over onto a pair of the Bosch-type 5-blade relays, one for low beam and one for high beams. It was very easy - and economical - to do. The point is, even the seemingly easy ones can sometimes present a challenge so be prepared to think outside of the box if your project goes south.

Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:
After following this thread, I went to the auto parts store and bought and installed Sylvania Silverstar Ultra Halogens to replace my original factory bulbs in my 2010 F150. Since I have some trouble with night vision driving, I thought it was a nice quick upgrade. Since it's plug-n-play, there's no extra electrical/electronics involved, which I wasn't interested in anyway. If this thread is still going after my next night drive, I'll report back how it works.

Sigforum makes you spend money, but at least it's well informed monetary insanity.

Well, this thread is a little old, but if anyone is interested in what the plug-n-play sylvania bulbs did for my truck, it was a good upgrade. More light, better shape of the light, and whiter colored light. I think it helps with my night driving. My 2010 F150 seems to like them, no problems. The real test will be driving at night in the rain.

You guys ever think about the poor SOB that is coming towards you and is being blinded by your extra bright lights?

It is real!

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by rbert0005:
You guys ever think about the poor SOB that is coming towards you and is being blinded by your extra bright lights?

It is real!

Bob

Not just that, but on a truck with the side mirrors you are blinded when someone with upgraded lights is behind you. I have pulled over to the side of the road in some cases or slowed down to let him pass.

The VA Inspection Stations have a list of approved light installations. Most inspection stations do not check lighting any more like they did in the past.

The best option is installed fog lights that don't bother anyone.

quote:

Originally posted by 41:

quote:

Originally posted by rbert0005:
You guys ever think about the poor SOB that is coming towards you and is being blinded by your extra bright lights?

It is real!

Bob

Not just that, but on a truck with the side mirrors you are blinded when someone with upgraded lights is behind you. I have pulled over to the side of the road in some cases or slowed down to let him pass.

The VA Inspection Stations have a list of approved light installations. Most inspection stations do not check lighting any more like they did in the past.

The best option is installed fog lights that don't bother anyone.

I don't think that's my case, since these are plug and play lamps using the same technology as the factory, albeit brighter, not the lights that require extra electronics and circuiting. I wouldn't have bought them if I thought they would be overpowering drivers' night sight. But perhaps I can't be sure until I'm driving at night in front of my own truck.