I’ve got a 2012 Itasca Class A and my right headlight assembly is slowly filling with condensation. I recently had my motor replaced by Ford and the dealership had to remove the entire front end panel to remove and replace the V-10. I’m wondering if they may have damaged the housing which could be allowing water to enter the housing and cause the problem.My question is, has anyone had a similar problem with their headlights and any thoughts about the best way to remove the headlight assembly or perhaps just the clear lens?

If possible return it to the dealer where it was repaired. Otherwise you can try to dry it out by removing the bulb and using a hair dryer on low heat. It apparently has a leak or crack somewhere. Good luck.

"Racorman".....Your type of headlights have twist lock bulb sockets, just like a car, with a foam or rubber gasket. You need to look behind the light and make sure the bulbs have their gaskets and they're locked properly in place.

I've had the same problem with my CRV, fortunately Honda finally replaced it under warranty. They figured the housing was cracked or a faulty seal between the housing and clear lens. I was able to get the condensation out initially by taking the bulbs out and parked the vehicle facing into the sun on hot dry day, but that was only temporary. If the water/moisture came in when a bulb and seal were out, this could be a solution, but if the moisture is coming in through a break in the housing, that's a different story. The clear lens is permanently bonded to the housing, so do not even try to separate the lens from the housing. If you can remove the assembly, check for obvious breaks or pressure test for leaks and seal if you find one. To test, seal openings and blow air in and spray water on outside of housing and lens. If it was broken during the engine repair, nicely ask the dealer if they will replace. You may have to google numbers on the lens or call Winnebago to see where they purchased the assembly. Ken

I'm in the automotive industry and do a lot of custom work, there's a bunch of guys that like the inside of there lens painted, most of them you can remove by microwaving it, theres youtube videos out there that can show you how to remove and reinstall works pretty good.

That looks like late model Toyota Tacoma lenses.If you remove one you can get the part number and google it, that will point you in the right direction to find a replacement.I would take DSDP Don's suggestion to check the bulb gaskets, that might be the culprit.

Headlight Assembly Filling With Water Question | Good Sam Community

Jim
Explorer
Dec 05, 2015
I've got an older Bounder that uses 2-2A1 and 2-1A1 'sealed beam' lamps and I've had the same problem for like 10 years now with my supposedly, laughingly, Sealed Beam called headlights. I've used GE, Sylvania, and Philips and all have developed leaks.

Since I seldom drive at night, and since the moisture, as mentioned above, eats the reflective coating off the inside of the lamp, but the bulb still works, I just wrap the outside with aluminum foil and liberally apply tape to hold it. Not as bright, but they work.

I don't drive much at night anyway. Doubt if the manufacturers care if they fail early because of leakage.
Gib3633
Explorer
Dec 05, 2015
We bought a Ford Explorer new in 2003 which had same problem. They removed the assembly and where the two halves were put together they wrapped with a special tape. I thought oh yeh cheap way out , but guess what never accumulated moisture again.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Dec 03, 2015
Now go to eBay and you will find two for less than $50.
Racorman
Explorer
Dec 03, 2015
Rickieblue wrote:
There are usually numbers on the front of the light assembly..type them in google and it probably will come back with some info on the vehicle they were originally intended for.

Thanks.... it's from a 2011 TOYOTA Tacoma OEM 05-11 Tacoma-Headlight 8111004163
Rickieblue
Explorer
Dec 03, 2015
There are usually numbers on the front of the light assembly..type them in google and it probably will come back with some info on the vehicle they were originally intended for.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Dec 03, 2015
I doubt if they are Ford headlights since they are usually supplied by the coach manufacturer so that they fit the front cap design. You should be able to find out the manufacturer of the headlights from Itasca. On my Monaco coach they used Hella headlights from a BMW 700 series.
Racorman
Explorer
Dec 03, 2015
I was able to take the entire assembly out and it looks like this water entry problem has been going on for a while. There is some deterioration of the reflective material inside the assembly and I'd like to replace it. Any thoughts as to where could I purchase an aftermarket assembly or this this a Ford part?
Racorman
Explorer
Dec 03, 2015
rgatijnet1 wrote:

Please elaborate on why Ford had to replace your V-10 engine on a fairly new coach.

I was in Utah on vacation when my V-10 gas motor in our 2012 Itasca motor home suffered a catastrophic failure with 19,000 miles on it. Ford replaced the motor under warranty with a long block engine assembly.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Dec 02, 2015
You mentioned that ONLY your right headlight assembly is having this issue so it does not appear to be a design issue with the headlight. Check the bulb gasket and check the assembly for cracks. The headlights get very hot when lit so I would assume that if you just turned the light on during the day it should dry the water out in a few minutes.
Please elaborate on why Ford had to replace your V-10 engine on a fairly new coach.
Snomas
Explorer
Dec 02, 2015
I bought a replacement light and it does the same thing. I took it out and dried it out, but I'm sure it will do it again. It think I will drill some holes in the bottom when it does it again.

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