Additional headlights for your motorhome: More light for the North with Purelux Ranger 9
We are gearing up our Wickie for the North! For our upcoming trip to Norway during the dark season, we wanted one thing above all else: really good lights on our motorhome. That’s why we mounted two Purelux Ranger 9s on our Ford-based Chausson S697 Sport Line.
Together with our buddy from Vanlife Abenteuer, we installed the headlights, connected the original wiring harness, and set up the control system via XBB. The installation was finished after about two hours. In the evening, we were then able to test the difference the additional lighting makes.
In our video, we take you along with us during this installation: from the initial explanations and mounting to the settings in the app. To finish, we show you our illuminated Wickie in the dark – including from a drone perspective.
Advertising / Cooperation with Valostore: We received the products for this project at a discounted partner price. With our discount code WICKIE10, you get a discount on the entire Valostore range. Our impressions regarding the installation, build quality, and the initial light test are based on our own experiences.
In this post:
- Why we are treating our Wickie to more light
- Installation with our buddy from Vanlife Abenteuer
- The right wiring harness makes it easier
- How we control the auxiliary headlights via XBB
- The orange position light: Our first "aha" moment
- Our first light test in the evening
- Our conclusion after the installation
- Save at Valostore with WICKIE10
Why we are treating our Wickie to more light
Our next trip will take us back to Norway. Since we are traveling in late autumn this time, preparing for the dark season is part of the process for us. Additional headlights were therefore on our wish list for the new motorhome.
However, it wasn't just about the light output when choosing them. We also immediately liked the look of the Purelux Ranger 9s. We were particularly taken with the orange position light. Two striking headlights at the front of the vehicle – we could really imagine that on our Wickie.*
We also found the various functions interesting. In addition to the auxiliary high beam, the Ranger 9 offers a white and an orange position light as well as a warning flash function. The high beam has a road mode and the more powerful PowerBoost mode.*
For this initial installation, we connected the auxiliary high beam and the orange position light. The wiring for the white position light and the flash function will follow in a later upgrade.
Installation with Andy from Vanlife Abenteuer
Together with our buddy from Vanlife Abenteuer, we start the installation of the Purelux Ranger 9s on our Wickie.
We went to our buddy from Vanlife Abenteuer for the mounting. We installed the lights together in front of his house. He gave us a lot of practical support and, like us, was impressed by the workmanship and quality. You can hear his assessment directly in the video.
We consciously opted for compatible components. We used:
- Two Purelux Ranger 9 auxiliary headlights
- A license plate holder for two lights
- The matching original Purelux wiring harness
- The XBB system with dongle and PowerUnit
In addition, we only needed a few self-tapping screws.
The installation was very simple for us and largely plug-and-play. After about two hours, everything was mounted and connected for our current stage of the build. Of course, this time reflects our installation on Wickie – the effort may differ for other vehicles.
During the work, we explain what we are doing in the video. This way, you not only see the finished headlights but can also follow the mounting process and our considerations behind it.
The right wiring harness makes it easier
The matching original Purelux wiring harness with XBB dongle and PowerUnit makes connecting our auxiliary lights easier.
An important part of the straightforward installation for us was the original Purelux wiring harness. We wanted a solution where the connections and components fit together without having to put together our own cable set.
The wiring harness connects the power supply, the lights, and the relay control. The provided connectors made the connection pleasantly simple for us.
Especially during the installation, we noticed how well the whole thing is coordinated. Together with the mount for the two headlights, it resulted in a setup we were very happy with. Our buddy was also very impressed with the parts used.
How we control the auxiliary headlights via XBB
We set up the control for our Purelux Ranger 9 auxiliary headlights via the XBB app.
We want the auxiliary headlights to switch on via the normal high beam operation of the Ford. For this, we opted for the XBB system.
The XBB dongle is connected to the vehicle's OBD port. It uses the appropriate signals from the CAN bus and transmits the switching information wirelessly to the PowerUnit. This means we don't have to run an additional signal line from the vehicle's headlights to trigger the high beam.
The lights themselves naturally still need their power supply via the wiring harness. The wireless connection handles the control.
With the appropriate settings, switching them on via the high beam works on our Ford. That is why we also show you the XBB app and our configuration in the video. In addition to the physical installation, setting up the system is part of our installation report.
The orange position light: Our first "aha" moment
Our Wickie with the newly mounted Purelux Ranger 9 auxiliary headlights – ready for the dark season and our trip to Norway.
Even before we had tested the headlights in the dark, there was a moment during the installation when we were both thrilled: when we tried out the orange position light.
We had already liked this look in the product pictures. However, seeing the lights on our own motorhome was something else entirely. For us, the lighting significantly changes the front of Wickie. This is exactly the look we had imagined.*
Note on the orange position light: In Germany, it is not approved as a front position light for use in public road traffic. Therefore, we only switch it on when we are in Scandinavia. Even there, the respective applicable regulations must be observed.
The look is part of the excitement for us. Afterwards, the crucial question was: How much do the two lights actually contribute in the dark?
Our first light test in the evening
During the first light test, we could see how clearly the Purelux Ranger 9s illuminate the road in front of our Wickie.
In the evening, we tried out both performance modes. We noticed a clear difference compared to the standard high beam. Especially in PowerBoost mode, our reaction was quite clear: "Whoa!"*
Robin described his impression in the interview something like this: "You'll shine the birds right off the roof with that!" By that, he meant how impressed we were with the light output.
After the installation, this test was the second big "aha" moment for us. First the look with the orange position light, then the additional brightness in the dark – we really liked both together.
At the end of the video, there are some drone shots in the dark. They show our Wickie with the new lighting from a different perspective and round off the installation report.
Our conclusion after the installation
We are very satisfied with this upgrade. The workmanship convinced us, the assembly was straightforward for us, and the matching original wiring harness made the connection easier. Apart from a few additional self-tapping screws, we didn't need anything else for this step.
With the XBB control, the auxiliary headlights can be switched on via the high beam operation. That is also part of a solution that is easy to use in everyday life.
Visually, the Ranger 9s are a real eye-catcher. They also left a strong impression during the first light test. We will now experience how the lighting holds up on a longer trip in Norway.
And one thing we can already say: These were definitely not the last lights from Valostore that we will install on our Wickie. There is more to come!
Save at Valostore with WICKIE10
If you want to look for lighting or suitable accessories yourself, you can use our discount code WICKIE10 at Valostore. The code applies to the entire assortment.
Our installed combination consists of the Purelux Ranger 9s, the XBB system with dongle and PowerUnit, a license plate holder for two lights, and the matching original Purelux wiring harness.
Kirsten, Robin & Dayo · Wickie On Tour
Note on use: The road approval of the Purelux Ranger 9 does not apply to the PowerBoost mode. The orange position light may not be used in Germany as a front position light on public roads; white light is mandatory for this. Please observe the respective applicable regulations when installing and using all light functions. These functions are not automatically approved for public road traffic in Scandinavia either.