Need new lanterns

Greatoutdoors · 12-19-2011, 09:54 AM

We came home Friday evening with groceries to put away and no electricity at dusk. Pulled out our old Coleman lantern and it's caput! So I am looking for something that would work well for camping and around the house. The one we had stayed plugged in and would come on if the power went off. I am kind of disappointed in Coleman to tell you the truth. We got it as a Christmas present like two years ago so it didn't hold up long!

Lamebeaver · 12-19-2011, 10:45 AM

Are you sure it's kaput? How long was the power off? Maybe it came on and discharded before you got home.

Personally, I prefer the white gas and propane models over electric. My old white gas lantern is from the 50s, and works great. It's had a new pump seal kit and generator installed, but these things take a lot of abuse.

**CozInCowtown** · 12-19-2011, 10:57 AM

What kind of Coleman?? Electric, prophane or gas??
Gas should give very little trouble, I have some that are from the 20s and 30s that work just fine.
DC

Grandpa · 12-19-2011, 12:23 PM

I've got a Coleman white gas stove, circa early 50's and a Coleman propane lantern, 1964 and both are in excellent shape. Haven't done a thing with the lantern except replace the glass and only replaced the pump seals and generator on the stove once.

My experience with rechargeable batteries is very negative though. They just do not hold up that long. Some are better than others, for sure, but even the best have a very short life span. Even when not in use, they seem to die down after two or three years.

Greatoutdoors · 12-21-2011, 07:19 PM

This one was electric and it never put off much light and now it puts off no light. I am thinking of getting a gas one this time around.

Lamebeaver · 12-21-2011, 08:36 PM

Contact Coleman and tell them about your dissatisfaction. Sounds you may have gotten a bad battery. They may be willing to replace it at no charge or give you a credit towards purchasing something else.

ppine · 12-22-2011, 11:58 AM

The new LED electric lanterns last a long time with one charge or set of batteries. They throw enough light for most tasks, and are not obtrusive. If you really need to see like for skinning a deer, a gas or propane lantern is the only way to go.

**CozInCowtown** · 12-22-2011, 07:11 PM

I recommend:
2x Coleman Lanterns.
1x Dietz Coal-Oil lantern.
1x Monopoly game

When the lights go out light the Dietz, it will just take putting as match to the wick.
Use the light from the Dietz to pump up and start the Colemans.
A Coleman stove could come in handy also when the lights are out for an extended time. Put a terracota pot on the stove for heating a room.
Now, everybody gather around the kitchen table under the light of a Coleman lantern and kick your teenagers butt at Monopoly!!
I hope this helps,
DC

dinosaur · 12-22-2011, 08:31 PM

There is nothing in this world like a Coleman white gas lantern. It gives more light and heat than anything you can compare it to. I like LED lights. They last a long time and you can see with them but if you light a Coleman up near them they disappear.

**CozInCowtown** · 12-22-2011, 11:15 PM

Proper preperation should include a lantern and camp stove or two.......
This is about 1/4 of my little collection.