Airstream 360 XL, Owner'S Manual

Page: 40 / 160

AIRSTREAM 390/396 XL
Composite Headlamp
Your new Motor Home is equipped with a composite headlamp system. Composite headlamps
are designed much differently than the sealed beam units of the ’70-80s; they are a plastic lens
and chrome plated reflector assembly designed around a replaceable halogen bulb. Composite
lamps produce significantly greater light offering better visibility and safety for the driver.
Composite lamps also offer the convenience of a low cost replaceable bulb, making the
maintenance of the headlamp an easy task.
Seeing at night is what it is all about, with that in mind we have a few maintenance tips to keep
your headlamps functioning properly.
•
Maintenance:
Condensation occurs when the air inside the lamp assembly, through atmospheric
changes, reaches the “dew point”. When this takes place, the moisture in the air
within the lamp assembly condenses, creating a
fine mist or white fog on the
inside surface of the lamp lens or chrome reflector surfaces. The headlamps are
designed to remove accumulated moisture vapor by expelling it through a vent
system as the light warms up. The vent system operates at all times, however it is
most effective when the lamps are on and the vehicle is in motion. Since most
RV’s are parked for long periods of time, they have a greater chance of
condensation build up.
•
Check headlamp regularly for condensed water drops (daily in high
humidity areas).
•
If small drops of condensed water are noted, drive your RV with
headlamps “ON” or just turn “ON” the headlamps. This will evaporate
the condensed water drops and will avoid water being accumulated.
Depending on the size, shape and location of the lamp on the RV, and
the atmospheric conditions occurring, the amount of time required to
clear the lamp may vary from 2 to 6 hours.
•
Check your vent tubes, this will be a small rubber hose or plastic cap
located on the back of the light, make sure that they are free of dirt and
the rubber is not cracked and dried out. If the vent tubes are clogged or
cracked and dried out the vent system will not work correctly, allowing
condensation to build up in the lamp. If the tube is cracked or dried
out please replace it, replacement parts can be acquired from your RV
Dealer.
C-21