Headlight Confusion

[LoneStarSilver]

Ok I've been reading all the posts for the different headlight options of my 2018 Ram and I truly have a headache. Let me first detail what I am looking for, and then elaborate on what I have seen and heard.

Want: I usually leave for work before sunup and head home most days after sundown so I spend a lot of time night driving on the rural highways here in Texas. Animals are always a threat so I want to see down the road as far as possible to spot twinkling eyes or those about to cross the road ahead of me. Mainly I am looking to increase the high beams output as much as possible on my stock headlamps. Are there bulbs that are plug and play that can be purchased reasonably, that would increase the output of the high beams substantially.

Options: I was recently given the name H11 Silverstar Ultras, that can be purchased at most high end auto parts stores, for use in low beam positions and are they a greater increase in output, or is there something better. I have been given the 9005 number for high beam replacement and wonder if the output is that much greater as well? I have also been reading about the Morimoto replacement light fixtures, and others as well, but they do not come with all bulbs installed and are notoriously known for leaking and fogging up and for the kind of money they are wanting for them these issues are not acceptable. There's projector style fixtures, and non-projector styles (mine are non projector styles). So I am looking for some information of why one is better than the other and not "they make my Ram look cooler".

Any help here would really be appreciated!!!

 

[TatertotScott]

If all you want is more lux in high beam....get LED high bulbs....DDM, RtrofitSource, etc.

Cheap bright lights.

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[patchelect]

My understanding about Silverstars is that they are short lived bulbs. Do you have the crappy OEM headlights or are you lucky enough to have gotten the projector lights?

And generally speaking cheap bulbs are horrendous for those of us at the other end of that light! Either blinding or downright ugly illumination.

 

[MADDOG]

I have the factory projector headlight capsules and have upgraded the low beams to 6K HID with a Morimoto kit I got from JJ at the RetroShop.

I started purchasing HIDs and upgraded capsules from him when I owned a 2007 Ram MegaCab. He referred to it as the Demon Truck From HID Hell and it was a well deserved nickname. But between us we got it figured out and I ended up with an awesome upgrade.

I've had projector HIDs in three trucks and never had a condensation problem even though I live in what would be considered a wet climate. They do need to vent and if you end up modifying the capsule with more penetrations into the back plate, a little silicon goes a long way.

HIDs in standard halogen reflector capsules is a No No AFAIK. That sort of setup blinds on-coming drivers.

You do have some options depending on your current headlight configuration. What headlights do you have in the truck?

This?



Or this?

 

[LoneStarSilver]

MADDOG,

I have the same as your top picture.

 

[TatertotScott]

MADDOG,

I have the same as your top picture.

Replace the high beam bulb with a good LED....unless you want to upgrade your low beam too....then there are many schools of thought on that upgrade.

I personally used DDM tuning LEDs in my lows too, but some disagree with that approach. Even though my beam pattern turned out safe for others and more than satisfactory, the same cannot be said for all LEDs, nor every instance. YMMV applies here.



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[RAMTRPR]

I have same lights and I have OPT7 Flux beam LEDs. Great lights but not good for other cars. I get flashed all the time. I’m currently looking for a good set of LED bulbs myself.


2009 QCRB 4WD - 4.56/Shorties/FMTB/Intake/Exhaust/6” on 35’s/lots more [emoji41]

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[TatertotScott]

Back in January, I installed 35w LED 9011 Kit from DDMTuning.com with the CAN adapters for <$90.....checked the cutoff/beam pattern against stock, VERY similar. No glare to speak of. WAY brighter.

Using a LUX meter, I saw almost 130% more lux at the same hot sport once aim-adjusted.

To boot, I have had no one flash me...and I live in flash-happy Vancouver, WA. While not being flashed isn't a particularly good reference, I include it specifically to address the many naysayers of HIDs in halogen housings.

The beam pattern is almost the same as stock (which admittedly, is not awesome), simply brighter. Aimed/Adjusted correctly, they are casting more light down the road, as verified by being able to see signs, lane-markers, and pedestrians substantially farther out. Before it was around 100 feet I could see someone on a dimly lit road....Now I can see the same signs, lane markers and pedestrians nearly a 1/4 mile or more on the exact same road. I got the 4500K kit, so penetrating fog isn't major concern.

I adjusted the beams to hit just under the back glass of my 2018 Forester from 50 feet, just for reference.

 

[atom13]

Back in January, I installed 35w LED 9011 Kit from DDMTuning.com with the CAN adapters for <$90.....checked the cutoff/beam pattern against stock, VERY similar. No glare to speak of. WAY brighter.

Using a LUX meter, I saw almost 130% more lux at the same hot sport once aim-adjusted.

To boot, I have had no one flash me...and I live in flash-happy Vancouver, WA. While not being flashed isn't a particularly good reference, I include it specifically to address the many naysayers of HIDs in halogen housings.

The beam pattern is almost the same as stock (which admittedly, is not awesome), simply brighter. Aimed/Adjusted correctly, they are casting more light down the road, as verified by being able to see signs, lane-markers, and pedestrians substantially farther out. Before it was around 100 feet I could see someone on a dimly lit road....Now I can see the same signs, lane markers and pedestrians nearly a 1/4 mile or more on the exact same road. I got the 4500K kit, so penetrating fog isn't major concern.

I adjusted the beams to hit just under the back glass of my 2018 Forester from 50 feet, just for reference.

How high is it when you are behind a stopped car?

 

[TatertotScott]

They are basically level to the ground.....slightly angled down....maybe 2-3 degrees. So it is in the window, but generally not in the rearview mirror.

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[gofishn]

I am in the exact same boat, as you. RR Engr, so no set work hours, phone rings, off I go. Most time,s one way is in teh dark. usually both ways.
I live in Iowa, we are known for huge, corn feed, pheasants and Deer. Outside of a couple of towns, everywhere is rural round here.

Wantged far more, ight, did not want constant high beams being flashed, at me, for my lights being too bright. read alot about guys who put brighter bulbs in th projector lights. soem sa they are all asshats for doing so, others say they never get flashed, after they did it.

ended up going the H11/H9 route and coud not be happier. Same buibs for last 3 or 4 years, of course, now that I have bragged, they will promptly burn out.

Biggest reason I went with sulverstars was simplicity adn readily available, danr near everywhere, even I did blow a buld, I can get it repalkced, perform the alterations in the parking with a pair of nail clippers, damn near anywhere, even timbucktoo

FYI, I NEVER Sue my high beams anymore, my low beams are plenty bright and rarely get flashed., only when cresting hil;ls or towing the boat, at night

 

[HDHNTER]

I have the Quad Reflectors & run Diode Dynamics SL1 lows & highs. Pricey & usually on back-order but they're worth the expense & wait, outstanding lighting upgrade & when properly aimed, you will not get flashed by oncoming traffic (6inch lift on 35s here). For supplemental side lighting I use their 6inch SS6 fog light kit that mounts in the factory tow hook location. This lighting package is an 11/10 if you live rural (which I do) & constantly have to be on the look-out for deer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj_QMZCnWqm

 

[LoneStarSilver]

I am in the exact same boat, as you. RR Engr, so no set work hours, phone rings, off I go. Most time,s one way is in teh dark. usually both ways.
I live in Iowa, we are known for huge, corn feed, pheasants and Deer. Outside of a couple of towns, everywhere is rural round here.

Wantged far more, ight, did not want constant high beams being flashed, at me, for my lights being too bright. read alot about guys who put brighter bulbs in th projector lights. soem sa they are all asshats for doing so, others say they never get flashed, after they did it.

ended up going the H11/H9 route and coud not be happier. Same buibs for last 3 or 4 years, of course, now that I have bragged, they will promptly burn out.

Biggest reason I went with sulverstars was simplicity adn readily available, danr near everywhere, even I did blow a buld, I can get it repalkced, perform the alterations in the parking with a pair of nail clippers, damn near anywhere, even timbucktoo

FYI, I NEVER Sue my high beams anymore, my low beams are plenty bright and rarely get flashed., only when cresting hil;ls or towing the boat, at night

gofishn,

I too am in a rural area dealing with the same problems but here in Texas we deal with large Feral Hogs and large whitetail deer in the area I live in.

So I understand the H11 bulbs but have not heard of the H9. Are these the same as the original 9005 bulbs that comes in the truck or something (hopefully brighter) else?

 

[Aussie-John]

Hey Guys

So I down here in Aussie Land and my new Laramie as the headlights in the 2nd picture. There are just not bright enough. Any suggestions would be great. I am also going to rip out the Tow Hooks and replace with lights.

Cheers
John

 

[gofishn]

gofishn,

I too am in a rural area dealing with the same problems but here in Texas we deal with large Feral Hogs and large whitetail deer in the area I live in.

So I understand the H11 bulbs but have not heard of the H9. Are these the same as the original 9005 bulbs that comes in the truck or something (hopefully brighter) else?

the 9005 (HB3) is the RAM Truck, OEM High Beam bulb. It puts out 1700 Lumens of Light.
Upgrade that bulb to the 9011 (HIR1) which puts out 2300 lumens of light.
again, this is the high beam side. A Modification I have done, and, as mentioned I rarely, damn near NEVER use my high beams.
probably driven 50Kmiles, of my trucks 78K miles, at night with lights on. again, cannot remember last time I used my high beams.
BTW, 99% of my driving is interstate 80. 187 miles, on way, to work.(Sounds worse than it is. Not an every day job)


H11 is the RAM Trucks, OEM Low Beam bulb. It puts out roughly 1250 lumens.
The H9 is the 'upgrade" bulb and it puts out 2100 lumens. What makes this possible, without blinding everyone in every small town which you enter, is the fact that the low beam housing has an anti-glare shield, in front of the low beam bulb. When looking at it, from the front of the truck. it looks like a cone type of thing. think Star trek (1960's ship) here. this anti glare shield prevents light scatter. LIke one gets when using evenmore powerful forms of light buls in that projector housing.

back up a second. Go re-read those lumen outputs for the low beam, H9 bulb. . . 2100 lumes.
now, go read the OEM High Beam LUmens . . . 1700 Lumens.
High Beam upgraded bulb is . . .2300 :Lumens

are you starting to see why I do not use my high beams, damn near never?

I only gain 200 lumens of light, by using the upgraded high beams, over the upgraded low beams.


The High Beams light scatter is much higher. So, while I can see the sides of the interstate's "ditches" better, immediately alongside my truck, the increased glare, off the road in front of me reduces that aspects functionality. get beyond 30 ft or so, in front of my truck and the side visibility is just as good, with my upgraded low beams, vs the upgraded high beams, and I never have to reduce my light output, by switching back and forth, from high beams to low beams, as cars approach, in the oncoming lane of taffic, across teh mdeian form me. Nor, two lane blacktop highways.

although, as I mentioned earlier, when cresting hills, I have been flashed, by on coming traffic, mostly on 2 lane roadways and whiel pulling the boat.

Hopes this helps.

NOTE:
there is a slight modification that must be made to each upgraded bulbs base,in order to fit, takes seconds. google h9 h11 and you will find pages and pages of youtube videos and forum still pictures showing the changes that need to be made.


NOTE2:
Some folks are worried about melting their wiring, causing their truck to catch fire, the World Coming to an End, Even Cats lying with Dogs, if they do this upgrade.
AMPs are what cause wire fire, House, Car or Camper, don;t matter, wire is wire.

LOW BEAM UPGRADE - 55w bulb to 65w bulb is 1 amp increased draw. While not exactly Zero, next best thing.

HIGH BEAM UPGRADE - same wattage, both bulbs, just more lumen due to better wound filament and housing.


NOTE3:
This upgrade has been tried by so many, on so many differenr cars, from Buick's to Beemer's. What makes this upgrade work so well, for us Ram Truck Owners is the large size of our projectors and our anti-glare shield. Yep, we got LARGE ones. Ya read that right.

Most, who have had issues with this upgrade, did so due to their extremely tiny, puny, insignificant wimpy little anti-glare shield covers.

Fact of life, some of us are Blessed more than Others . . . . .

NOTE$:
GO buy some plastic gloves. Wear those plastic gloves when modifying/installing your new bulbs.

I keep hearing about how short lived these new bulbs, How the do not last. Going on 3 plus years and still working. Of course, Now one will blow and I will be ticked. Seriously though, I am starting to wonder how many guy's touched their bulbs, without thinking or accidentally, and that caused the bulb to burn out, prematurely.

he he he .

Touched their "bulbs" and now they are blind?
Guess my Mom was Right, after all.

 

[LoneStarSilver]

WooHoo......The bulbs finally arrived from Amazon. Looking forward to installing them this weekend. I have before and after pictures. I must say that I was a little disappointed in the life expectancy that is listed on the backs of the packaging.
H9 - 550hrs (that's only 225 days @ 30 minutes each use)
9011 - 150hrs (that's only 75 days @ 30 minutes each use)