Daytime running lights (DRL)

[Dallas Baillio]

I would like to have DRL on my 2001 BF. Some of you may be able to help me out in determining what I might encounter with this improvement. Specifically I would like input on how these may need to be installed. Is the simplest method to have the existing headlights wired into the ignition? Or is it easier and more straightforward to have additional lights installed and have these wired into the ignition? I am not that tech literate so I will not be surprised to learn that neither of these suggested solutions are feasible. I appreciate any insight BF owners may provide.

[whemme]

Why not just pull out the headlight switch when driving? That's what I do in my 2001 Born Free.

[bcope01]

Why not just pull out the headlight switch when driving? That's what I do in my 2001 Born Free.

Clever Bill, and absolutely free.

Bill

[Dallas Baillio]

I routinely use my lights while driving. Have done so since I bought my BF in 2002. I also have forgotten to turn them off when parked. Lately as I get older I am more forgetful. DRL would solve this problem. That is why I made the post.

[whemme]

Dallas,

Agree with you on the age forgetfulness issue. I suffer from the same problem. However, if I get out of my Born Free with the light switch still on, there is a gong warning me that I left the lights on.

[shilohdad]

Bill, the main problem with your solution is that the gong only goes off if you exit the coach from the driver side door. We usually exit the coach through the cabin door, not the cab doors. In that case, no gong.

One thing I TRY to do is swing the driver's sun guard to the left, over the driver's cab window, whenever turning on the lights. USUALLY, this reminds me to turn off the lights when stopping the engine. Notice the capitalized words! This still requires me to remember to do both those things.

Luckily, that was a problem only in our old coach. The new one does have DRLs. However, we still have this problem when driving in rain or fog, where I have to turn on the lights to illuminate the other running lights, especially those in the rear.

I really wish that gong would go off when you stop the engine with the lights on. I wonder if there is a way to get THAT to happen?

[Dallas Baillio]

Bill,

Yes there is a warning gong if I exit through the driver's door. However I often move to the back to sit and rest or to use the toilet. Sometimes for 30 minutes or so that does not exhaust the battery, but sometimes when I stop for longer periods. If the gong would sound when I cut off the ignition that would solve my problem.

I know y'all mean well and I appreciate the suggestions but is this the inquisition? Next will it be suggested that I consult my primary care physician for a medication to combat my forgetfulness? Gosh guys, I just want a bit of information.

Note: I posted this at the same time as the above so I did not see shilohdad's suggestion.

[perleys]

I have to laugh when seeing this recent post. Last week I did the very thing when pulling into a Walmart parking lot exhausted late evening. Went to bed and got up to a totally dead truck battery because I forgot to turn my lights off! Luckily the Walmart tire center was open and could help be with the charge.

[shilohdad]

Luckily our dead battery happened while in Yellowstone National Park. On our way to see Old Faithful, it had been raining, so I turned on the wipers and lights. By the time we got to Old Faithful, the rain had stopped and I turned off the wipers, but not the lights.

We went out the cabin door, watched Old Faithful, went into the lodge, wandered around some more. About 3-4 hours later we came back to a dead battery. Luckily we carry jumper cables and there were dozens of vehicles in the parking lot. We just asked some kind person to help us jump the RV. That's when I came up with the idea of using the sun guard. So far after almost 10 years, it has worked. Having Lucinda ask if I turned off the lights helps, too.

Another suggestion that Lucinda had was to hang something brightly colored from the rear view mirror when turning on the lights. Of course, you still have to remember to do THAT!

[perleys]

Joe, I wish I had a Lucinda! I did buy some of those slap bracelets you put on the steering wheel. I will need to work on remembering those!

[bigdipper]

Dallas,
I may be wrong on this, but do believe our 2001, with 2001 chassis, E450 did have DRL. If all were built that way, maybe a fuse or something is cause of you not having same. Any other 2001 chassis owners listening?
Ralph

[Jim Hofmann]

RE: Day Lite Driving lights. We have a 2004, and it does Not have this feature. Both Dallas and I are awaiting some simple easy instructions on how to remedy this short coming.
Jim

[bcope01]

Here is a $3 fix that may work, an alarm that sounds when ignition is off and lights remain on:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/5969/test.pdf

Or here:

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/electric/et245.htm

[bcope01]

Here is a budget ($10) do it yourself auto headlight off with ignition modification:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ti70RkSVpO4

[Dallas Baillio]

It has been some time since these posts. I still would like to solve my issue with DRL or a reminder to turn my headlights off. As I initially said I am electrical illiterate. Would someone explain to me if this solution provided by bcope would be feasible on my 2001 RSB?

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/5969/test.pdf

If so would someone provide a step-by-step tutorial? I know I am asking a lot, but I also know that there are those of you who have the expertise.

Please help an old fart in his declining years.