New Armada Owner

[Brandon D]

Hello,
New to the forum and looking forward to getting some great info. I bought my wife a 2011 Armada Platinum roughly 5 months ago. Since then I have noticed 2 main things, the mileage isn't great and the headlights SUCK. Aside from keeping low RPM's, using cruise and the usual tips has anyone found any ways to improve mileage (ie/ tuner,CAI). Also has anyone found some nice aftermarket lights that throw better light than the OE ones? We live on 10 acres outside of town and making the drive at night is simply scary with the light output of the factory lights. Any other tips or tricks that you guys can recommend would be appreciated. Thanks

[Timmbo]

The staff here at NICOclub welcomes you to the Armada Forum! We are thrilled to have you as a new member!

On the gas mileage, I know mine got a lot better once I had 3K-4K miles on it. I am getting exactly 15mpg through mixed driving. I do use the cruise a bit on the highway, and on the highway I am usually going about 73mph. I have owned an '04 QX56, an '08 Armada, and currently 2010 Armada. My '08 which was a Flex Fuel seemed to be slightly lower, but at any rate, currently 15mpg.

Headlights, I agree with you. I immediately installed the Sylvania Silverstar Ultra bulbs (about $40-$45). They offer a noticeable improvement and look much nicer. If you want to go to a true HID bulb, you can do that as well, but DO NOT buy a cheap set. www.burtmanindustries.com offers a great high end kit for $300-$400.

You will love your Platinum, it is an awesome vehicle, there is so much I love about that thing it is amazing! Don't forget about getting your front Nav screen to play the DVD video while the vehicle is driving.

[Brandon D]

Thanks for the info. I already tried the brighter bulbs and although brighter, they aren't great. I will look into an HID kit but think I will use a cheaper kit. Look at http://www.DDMtuning.com when you have time. I used one of their 55w slim ballast kits on my truck, all plug a play, lifetime warranty and insanely bright so I think I will give them a try again. Not that I'm attempting to answer my own question, I just thought someone might have found some nice looking projector units that would be brighter and also dress up the front of the truck.

As for gas mileage I guess I will have to live with it, it's just hard for me to accept that my 9000lb truck that will tow a house gets better mileage than the Armada, haha. Also I already read the thread on modding the DVD/NAV screen and have already contacted Shane for a harness. Thanks

Also while I am on here does anyone have any info on how to remove the headlights from the vehicle to change the bulbs? I went in through the wheel well skirt and know there must be a better way and the owners manual simply says to go to the dealer. Thanks

[Timmbo]

Wheel well skirt is the best way, it really isn't that bad once you do it the first time.

If you have had experience with a cheaper one, you are probably ok, but you want to make sure you don't melt the clear housing or the wires for that matter. The set from burtman is awesome.

[Brandon D]

Hi Guys,
It's been awhile so I figured I'd revive this. Has anyone found some good aftermarket headlight assemblies for the Armada? I'm looking for something with the dual projectors and possibly angel eyes. I've seen them on a few Titan's on the road but can't seem to find any for the Armada. Also any idea on a good place to buy aftermarket rims? Any info is appreciated.
Thanks

[marctronixx]

those angel eyes are junk. if you want the best light output, get HIDs. if you want all show and no go, then get the cheap angel eyes. output will be trash and if you are on 10 acres of rural land, i would wager foot candle output is much more a priority over looks.

VLEDS.com

wheels? look in classifieds in your area, craigslist. hit up fleabay. there are some nice deals to be made there.