Lanterns...

[Ralph Wiggum]

I'm trying to decide between a propane and a duel-fuel version. What are some pros and cons of each? If you were buying a new lantern, which would you choose and why?

[S.D. Ice Angular]

PROPANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Propane is the only way to go in my opinion. It is easy to transport and comes in all sizes of tanks to draw from. When it spills it only smells for a short time.

I would also suggest buying the nice padded case that most of them come with.

[Tyler Holm]

I would just get the white fuel model (not dual fuel). When you burn gasoline in those things it emits a fume and odor that is strong and messes with your head. White fuel burns much cleaner and can be used within a moderately vented ice shak without any problem.

[bigb56303]

i would go with a propane lantern, its fast and easy and they will last along time on a 1lb bottle i use on and use it in my portable, when you run out of gas all ya gota do is change our a bottle no messing around with letting it cool and try to poor in the white gas you dont get it all over the place or your hands just easier in my book, and you can attach it to a bigger tank with a hose the choice is yours

[harvey lee]

I have a propane,fuel and battery light

1-propane

2-battery

3-fuel

This is the order that I like. The propane is no problem and never spills and never have mantle problems. The rechargable lantern has no smell and gives out just about as much light.I hate the fuel lantern as it seems I always need mantles and although it does heat some I dont like pumping it up and fixing mantles.

[JoeT]

I have a few of both the white gas will cost 1/4 what the propane one will be to run. I sometimes have trouble getting the one pound tanks to seal after taking them off the lanteen, even using coleman fuel, if you fill up the white gas ones before you outing you should get 8 to 10 hours. I like the white gas.

[MNice]

White gas, a single fill lasts a long time, no need to carry any extra tanks, much cheaper in the long run.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Looks like I've got a few supporters of both, so back TTT!

[FL SNIPER]

I have both.

I guess I vote Propane for the reasons mentioned...brighter, lights faster, no pouring gas into lantern, etc. But it will cost more to run then a coleman lantern...if you use the 1# disposable tanks. If there was a way to fill the empty disposable 1# propane tanks off a bigger propane tank then it might be more cost effective. I've heard of a buddy who does that but have never seen it done.

So you pay a little more for the convenience of the propane. But I used the coleman lantern for years and found it to do its job as well. It's a good idea to top it off with fuel before each trip...then you're not dealing with it running out of gas while fishing.

To be honest you can't go wrong with either....I guess its just a personal preference type of thing and what's important to you. They both do their job.

[nluchau]

Propane!

[Bobb-o]

FL Sniper they sell an attachment for 20 lb tanks at Fleet farm that allows you to fill 1 lb tanks off of the 20 lber, I paid $18 for mine.

[clam up]

FL Sniper and I have butted heads on this topic before....personally, I'm a white gas fan. 1 lb propane tanks are a waste of money and just another thing to junk up the fishhouse. I use a hose from a 10 lb tank for my heater but you couldn't pay me to tee that sucker off to a lantern. Got a tipup at night? I'll be reelin in that 4lb eelpout before you get yourself out from that tangled web of propane hoses!

[FL SNIPER]

No kidding huh? I'll have to check into that....is it easy to use?...you know dummy proof for me. How's it work?

Clam Up just gets upset because he don't like an old city boy teaching him new things.

[Bobb-o]

The filler valve is very easy to use. All you do is completely empty the one pound tank (i do this by putting the mostly empty tank on my lantern and turning it on and leaving it on) you have to do this otherwise you will not get a complete fill due to inert gases that will be left in the cylinder. Then you put the one pounder in the freezer and the 20 lber somewhere warm. You put the valve on the 20lber then screw the 1lber on turn the 20lber upside down and turn the nozzle on. The Valves are made by Mr. Heater i think.

[Whoaru99]

Quote:

---

The filler valve is very easy to use. All you do is completely empty the one pound tank (i do this by putting the mostly empty tank on my lantern and turning it on and leaving it on) you have to do this otherwise you will not get a complete fill due to inert gases that will be left in the cylinder. Then you put the one pounder in the freezer and the 20 lber somewhere warm. You put the valve on the 20lber then screw the 1lber on turn the 20lber upside down and turn the nozzle on. The Valves are made by Mr. Heater i think.

---

Yeah, I've got one of these fill adapters and it works - more or less. Even using the freeze/warm method, I've never been able to get more than about 1/2-2/3 fill, or so it seems. Still, I use it on the rare occasions when I need the portability of a 1lb cylinder.

[bode]

my brother and i argue about this all the time. he's a tightass and likes white gas, i like propane. his is cheaper and brighter, but all i have to do with my coleman northstar is turn the switch and i have plenty of light with no mess. good luck

[Phred52]

Whoaru99, Have you tried tipping the tanks? I've used the adapter for 18+ years and once I got the hang of it, I've been very satisfied with the results. You've got to keep in mind that there's an "air" bubble in the top of the tank (approx 1/2 the tank) when it's on the horizontal. You need to tip the tanks so you replace this air-bubble with LP. Try this, Weigh a NEW tank, one from the store(baby scales work GREAT.) Then fill one off the 5, 11 or 20# tank, tipping the tanks to rid the bubble. You'll find you will come within 2 ozs (+/-) of the store tank. In the time I've been refilling, I have had 1 tank vent from overfilling. I had a recently refilled tank/lantern on the floor of the truck heading for the lake and the heater was blowing directly on it. YEP, It was a suprise for both me and the dog. Nothing opening the window wouldn't fix. Moved the tank to the backseat, finished the ride and the tank lasted the evening. Thankful? HEII YES!! I'm a former smoker!!

[FL SNIPER]

Thanks for the tips guys. I think I will check that filler valve out at fleet farm next time thru. Sometimes I pay close to 4 bucks for a 1 pounder (gas station, bait store)...so if i can just fill my empties at home...that would be great.

[clam up]

Great, there goes the neighborhood! Hey Sniper, give me a call when you are ready to try filling those tanks so I can pack up the family and hit the bunker........better check your homeowners policy! City guys.........