Campsite lanterns

[aznighthiker]

Grew up using Coleman white gas fueled lanterns and after a few misadventures with them while my older brother Gus was camping with us we switched to propane fueled lanterns (battery powered lanterns in the camper or tent only). I also have a couple of BernzOmatic lanterns, single and double mantle and another single mantle called a dual beam (model TX 750) that puts out a lot of light. My lanterns are old enough to be called antiques any one familiar with the BernzOmatic lanterns ?

[peislander]

Hi Aznighthiker   --- Something about multi-fuel pressurized lanterns have always appealed to me on a deep visceral level. Just like mechanical watches and traditional gas stoves, there is something magical about a good lantern. I lust after this one >> [a href="http://www.britelyt.com/lanterns/500cp-lantern.html"]http://www.britelyt.com/lanterns/500cp-lantern.html[/a] <<. It has sublime beauty and impressive performance. This one would be good for your Arizona night hiking -- putting out up to 550 candle power! I'm impressed that it can be fueled with kerosene, citronella oil, mineral spirits, lamp oil, diesel, biofuel, and even motor oil & vegetable oil if they are mixed 50/50 with a more volatile fuel. They also put out lots of heat and there are accessories to facilitate using them for cooking. Great for disaster preparedness.


Beauty Eh?

[jerrybeaird]

This is reeeeelly cool!  I just checked out the website and now I want a new lantern!

[swbc150]

I've switched over to the Coleman 4-D cell Battery LED Lanterns, they put out the light and no need to carry any other means to run them, other than batteries.

[aznighthiker]

I will refrain from using liquid fueled lanterns, Gus may want to go camping.

[scout]

we use a "north star" double mantle coleman on a distribution stick(20 LBS propane tank) for outside; and two 4D battery pop up coleman lanterns for the inside when boon docking. I had thought of this solar set up, but haven't pulled the trigger yet... http://www.barebonesliving.com/store/p/54/Pendant-Solar-Kit

[spot1]

Used to use gas fueled Coleman lanterns. Currently have a Coleman propane fueled lantern, but don't use it much anymore.

Currently have LED entrance door light on the CampLite (use this light the most) and have a plug connected to the CampLite 12V battery with alligator clips that plugs into the CampLite 7 pin plug, powering the CampLite running lights. Most of our CampLite running lights are LEDs, so we use these lights for navigating around the camper during the night. Normally don't leave them on long, used for setting up and when light is needed around the CampLite.

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[david]

I guess it is a difference in style of camping such as between camping at developed all hookup parks and dry camping at rustic campgrounds, but we don't use any outside lantern. When we set up I try to position the camper so that the entrance door and its overhead LED light is pointing at the picnic table. That way if we need light to eat outside (rarely since we camp May-Oct in the northeast where it is light at least until 8:00) we can turn on the outside doorway LED.

Except for dining outside we don't use any general light outside at night. We usually sit around the campfire, me sipping my Knob Creek and Joan sipping her Remy Martin. Very civilized in a rustic environment.

I also keep a small LED flash light in my pocket to use when going to get water after dark or to the bath/shower area. I have used white gas lanterns and kerosene wick type lanterns during my Boy Scout days, but LEDs are so much more convenient and safer today.

So we have no need for a lantern. If I wanted one I would use one like the Coleman LED lantern.

David

[charliem]

[quote source="/post/12067/thread" timestamp="1433771793" author="@exploringcarolina"]Currently have LED entrance door light on the CampLite (use this light the most) and have a plug connected to the CampLite 12V battery with alligator clips that plugs into the CampLite 7 pin plug, powering the CampLite running lights. Most of our CampLite running lights are LEDs, so we use these lights for navigating around the camper during the night. Normally don't leave them on long, used for setting up and when light is needed around the CampLite.


[font size="3"]The same effect can be had by inserting a blade fuse between pins 3 and 4 on the trailer side of the 7-pin connector (connected to the trailer). Pins 3 and 4 are the top two pins when looking at the connector with the tab up. IOW the fuse will be across the tab. The 15A fuses you carry as spares will work fine. Then you don't need the adapter and alligator clips.[/font]


 



 

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[spot1]

Here's what Charlie is talking about using 15A fuse in camper 7 pin plug, works fine, too. Good Tip!

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[spot1]

There are very good electrical folks on this forum that can give accurate input on this issue.

After further research on other forums, some folks use a 2 blade flasher (not fuse protected) to make their running lights flash or use a fuse as Charlie mentioned, or off the shelf fused plug for running light operation. I don't want my lights to flash, but did additional testing on my CampLite and found none of the 12V fuses in the camper protect the running light circuit. I have not found an electrical schematic for my CampLite, yet.

Will discontinue using my plug with alligator clips and use the 15A fuse shown above to protect the CampLite 12V running light system.  The running light system is protected by the TV fuse when connected to the TV. When the TV is not used, another fuse is needed when the running lights are operated off of the CampLite 7 pin plug. I could add a fuse on my plug/alligator clip arrangement, but prefer to use the above 15A fuse in the 7 pin plug.

[grantnpeg]

[font size="3"]How much lite do you need?
We use Dietz oil lamps and citronella oil for tiki lights.  helps with
skeeters, and gives off soft light. We have a fire when we can,
and battery visor lights on our ball caps.
We go camping to see the stars!
Peg
[/font]

[pjcd]

 I also use a Dietz with the citronella, (out side only). Gives off a warm glow and helps keep the bugs away, (maybe). But I grew up on Coleman lanterns and still bring a gas lantern and gas stove with me when we go camping. I don't think I ever really cooked in the trailer, in any of our trailers for that matter. I always did every thing out side, it adds to the camping ambience. Plus it less likely that I'll burn the trailer down! 

[admin]

I'm starting to collect the Coleman gas stoves and lanterns. I recently picked up two 1970's era Colemans. One is 1970 and the other is 1974 but dont ask me which one is which at the moment
[a href="https://flic.kr/p/w3Ti8B"]

[aznighthiker]

Very cool Sean, I have rebuilt/restored Coleman lanterns and stoves a good resource is [a href="http://www.oldcolemanparts.com"]www.oldcolemanparts.com[/a]  I prefer propane fueled appliances though, couple of incidents when Gus was camping in the mid 60's. My other brother also rebuilds/restores vintage Coleman camping equipment. Not to uncommon when he camps that he may use Coleman lantern, cooler and water jug that are limited edition colors.