Dual Fuel...is it worth it???

[admin]

So I wanted to start giving my unsolicited advice to anyone that was interested and I figured where else would I go but amongst this fine group of friends

I have spent most of my pre-family years working with an outdoor adventure program where we would camp in just about any location and any temperature you could think of. It was during these years that I quickly became a convert to non-propane devices. We would camp in relatively mild temps sometimes and yet it didn't take much for the propane canisters to lose their effectiveness. In short cold kills propane...
Most of the time we chose to use camp stoves that ran off "white gas", or pressurised Iso-Butane canisters. As some of you may remember "white gas" was the term for the original unleaded gasoline. In either case both Iso-Butane and white gas were far more effective in cold temps.

Now that I have started gathering camping gear for my own family I have chosen to spend the money on the Coleman "Dual Fuel" stove and lantern. This is Colemans label for their products that can run on standard unleaded gasoline, or their own branded fuel (aka white gas). Now without going off on too much of a tangent I find it ironic that we now make a distinction between white gas and unleaded simply because it is essentially the same thing. The biggest difference being the price. 1 gallon of Coleman fuel can range around 10 dollars give or take 2 bucks. Actually depending on your location it can be drastically more. For example 1 quart of it on Amazon is 18.21 as of today [a href="http://amzn.to/1kTfXq5"]Coleman 32oz Fuel[/a]. Now dont get me wrong, the Coleman brand (and even other camp fuels) are near as pure as you are going to get. They wont have the same additives that you would get out of a gas station pump, and they certainly wont have the ethanol. I've also used white gas that is literally years old without any problems. So depending on how much you use, perhaps the premium cost is worth it.

Now back to the main topic... the equipment. I have purchased this stove [a href="http://amzn.to/1kTgxEt"]Coleman Dual Fuel Camp Stove[/a] and this lantern [a href="http://amzn.to/1Sq99v6"]Coleman Dual Fuel Lantern[/a] a few years ago. I have since used them on every family outing as my primary stove and lantern. I can officially say I love them for a wide range of reasons.
- First and foremost, they are unaffected by temperature. This is huge for me because the last thing I want is to have half cooked bacon in the morning simply because its chilly outside. If I'm up and running in those temps, my equipment better be as well!
- Second, these are easy to use and maintain. Yes I admit that they are slightly more complicated than their propane cousins, but as long as you understand your equipment they will out live them as well. In fact I have started collecting these stoves and lanterns from 40 and 50 years ago or more, and with just a little TLC they work just like they were new.
- Third, they are flexible. By this I mean that I now have a stove that can run in three different configurations, and a lantern that can run in two. I say this feeling like its a little bit of a stretch, but lets just say that the store brand camp fuel, and pump grade gasoline are technically two different configurations. So now you might ask, how is the stove able to run in three different ways. Well I'm glad you asked It turns out that the stove has the ability to run an adapter which then allows it to use propane, seen here: [a href="http://amzn.to/1PGoo3U"]Propane Converter[/a]. Now I can have the quick and easy propane option for those warm days where I simply dont want to use the liquid fuel. Or maybe I've run out of camp fuel but I have my 20# propane tank with me. I could go on with the possibilities but no matter what I know that I have a stove that will operate.
-Lastly these are far cheaper to operate than propane alternatives (depending on your choice of fuel). I have recently decided to start using pump gasoline that is ethanol free in my stove and lantern. I have found no real difference in performance or smell. So now I can buy a gallon of fuel for between 2 to 4 dollars per gallon versus the 12 to 72 dollars for camp fuel. Lets use the low end price for camp fuel at 12 dollars per gallon and lets say you can go to your local Walmart and get 1# propane for about 2.50 a tank. This works out to be about the break even point for the two fuels, except now you are stuck with 4-5 propane tanks vs the 1 gallon of gas. On the flip side, lets say you run pump gasoline at 3 dollars a gallon. Now you are running and about 1/4 the cost of the propane alternative. I'd say thats worth the up front cost!

I dont want to pretend the white gas equipment is perfect, its not. I admit, it takes a little more effort to take the time to fill and pump the fuel tank. It also takes a couple extra minutes to "prime" the system. Essentially you have to warm up the equipment prior to using it, in comparison to propane that is essentially light it up and go. You also have to deal with what some people consider to be an off putting odor.

However in the end I think the benefits, and flexibility of these dual fuel systems far outweigh any of their downsides. In fact, I know I said I have the propane conversion for my stove, yet over the years I have never actually used it other than to test to see how it worked.

I'd love to hear your feedback on this as well. I haven't tried any other brands (if there even are any) for family camp gear. Any one else?

[drdave]

Just as an FYI, not a judgement against dual fuel stoves, etc., but Cub Scout packs, and I assume also Boy scout troops, are not allowed to use liquid fuel stoves/lamps, etc., propane only.   I assume there was some sort of incident and lawsuit prompting this, and/or a legitimate safety concern?

I'm not against it personally, and appreciate the flexibility dual fueil would offer, but I just happen to have everything already in propane only.  Although I have some as backup, I generally don't use the 1lb canisters, but run off my camplite's tank whenever possible.  For lighting I only use LED.    I have a propane lantern, but have not bothered to use it in years. I am hanging on to it though in case I need it for the zombie apocolypse.

[admin]

I was unaware of the Scouts rejecting the dual fuel equipment. I recall when I was in the Boy Scouts we were allowed to use them, but I also have a story that somewhat makes your point. We were on a trip with our troop when one of the fathers started to light his stove. Well as it turned out he did not care for his equipment adequately, nor did he actually inspect anything over the years. So it turned out that the fuel tank had a small leak. As he went to light it, the flame spread. I dont recall his reaction, though I know he wasnt able to put it out. Luckily one of the other father had grabbed their fire extinguisher and put it out before it turned ugly.

On the flip side I could play devils advocate in the other direction. I've 1# tanks where the internal valve did not close and basically leaked the entire contents of the bottle. I've also seen larger tanks that look so rusted that I cant imagine them holding a proper seal. Also I could see a similar case where if a propane stove or lantern is faulty, then it could be an issue if the leak is ignited.

So I guess what I'm saying is this to me it is a null point since working with any fuel has its hazards. If equipment is not cared for correctly, nor inspected from time to time then accidents can and will happen. I had (and still have) an entire set of propane equipment that has been in my family since I was a child. It still works well, and to be honest, its greatest advantage is the convenience. Most of us already have propane on board the trailer, and for those items that done use a bulk tank, the 1 pounder tanks are great. I've just found that liquid fuel is a strong competitor, and in my philosophy of use, it works the best.

Plus you can never be too prepared for the zombie apocalypse

[spot1]

Used to use a sterno stove and mess kit to cook with while camping solo in the 60s. We (married in the 70s) used white gas Coleman stoves and lanterns. Moved to propane with our Coleman lantern & stove when this equipment became available.  

When we purchased our CampLite 11, went in an all electric direction LED lights and cooking. Our CampLite does not have LP gas system, but we have 110V and 12V systems. The majority of campgrounds we camp at have 110V. When we don't have 110V available at the campground, take the Yamaha quiet gen-set and run for 15 minutes while cooking a meal.

Use coffee maker, microwave, and Teflon coated skillet. This is fast and easy clean up with Clorox wipes. Many times we only camp for one night at campgrounds while en-route, so appreciate fast cooking & easy clean up when getting in late or leaving early.

[a href="http://s657.photobucket.com/user/vstromklr/media/2013/2014/IMG_3690_zpscb3263eb.jpg.html"]
[img style="max-width:100%;" src="http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu299/vstromklr/2013/2014/IMG_3690_zpscb3263eb.jpg"][/a]

Still have Propane equipment for the zombie apocalypse event  .

 

[whoofit]

[p]I also like the multi-fuel options. Indoor or outdoor cooking has a bearing on what fuel is used of course. It's good to know the Coleman stoves can be converted to LP. I know even when they are converted the conventional wisdom is to still cook outside or crack a window. Cooking on anything other than elec or lp/butane being strictly an outdoor event.

For the ultimate in cook stove versatility, Primus has this [a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1187347&gclid=CjwKEAiA1JuyBRCogJLz4J71kj0SJADsd6QRklJv2szoKz3juTahO2yZ9RKaqvUE-IP46TvkfSVIBhoCYwDw_wcB&is=REG&m=Y&A=details&Q="]Omnifuel[/a]  stove option. It burns most anything in the liquid fuel category. Butane, LP, diesel, naptha, kerosene, gasoline, jet fuel. I've used ours a lot but not much lately. Sounds like a Jet. I've heard told that it is especially useful in time of Zombie rule. That one can actually "milk" the pustules and it will burn that too.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Our Coleman DF lantern and single burner stove just keep on running strong though they are neglected lately with the trailer. I have used the Coleman stove to melt lead for bullet casting.
[/p][p]
[/p][p]On propane cost, I pay $2.40 per gallon, $12 for a 20# fill.
[/p]

[daplumbr]

I love the old Coleman equipment and have a half-dozen lanterns and 3 stoves still in fine operating condition after anywhere from 20-40 years. Nostalgia reigns for me now when just the sound and smell of a Coleman appliance can take me back to my family's cabin as a kid. However, for my current camping, I've given up on gasoline for cooking and heating. The convenience of propane and electricity beats nostalgia and I cook inside the camper using the cooktop and microwave. However, I think I'll run out to the garage and fire up a Coleman lantern right now just for the heck of it.   

[admin]

I think for us the other large factor is the type or camping we do and the space we have available. For the 1 gallon of fuel we save a ton of space compared to 1# bottles and even more weight. We don't often have electricity so every think we do is based on batteries or some sort of gas. I also don't cook inside the camper. There just isn't enough space nor do I want an open flame in the tent on wheels

[pinstriper]

We use LED lanterns on batteries. Propane exclusively for cooking as it is cleaner and safer. We used the onboard cooktop once. To boil water. I have no intention scrubbing the walls and ceiling to get rid of rancid bacon grease or fishy smelling oils. We do use the microwave and convection oven to heat prepared meals - usually our first night dinner is something heat-and-eat like homemade chicken pot pie (no, kitty! Thats my pot pie!)

We have an electric kettle for heating coffee/tea water.

I am thinking of getting one of those hipster camp stoves you feed with twigs and sticks, because zombies.

[aznighthiker]

Never used Dual fuel, still have a couple of stoves and lanterns that use white gas but use propane. For backpacking and bicycle camping I use propane/butane fueled stoves. I insulate the fuel canister when stored and if low temps are expected. I fill a thermos with boiling hot water before I retire for the night. In the morning the stove and the fuel canister is placed in a dish/bowl and place the water from the thermos in the dish/bowl and have been able to use the stove without any problems.

[pjcd]

I still use my dual fuel equipment, I grew up on it. However, I do own propane camp gear, a nice single burner stove (Partner Steel Co) and the Q grill. I also have backpacking stoves that use the canister type fuel, (propane/isobutane) which works great in cold weather. But, the dual fuel coleman stove is still my main cooker. I don't think I've ever used the trailer stove for anything but boiling water in the morning.