Fluorescent Lights in Shack

[rippinlipz]

Just curious if any one has used the 12 vole 12" or 15" tube Fluorescent lights. How well do these light?

[ChuckN]

I've use 12" fluorescent lights in my Otter for years, and I really like them. The light is small, with a long cord with alligator clips and a cigarette plug. I tape the light to the ceiling with some foam between the frame of the house to reduce vibration, and run the power cord back to the tub where the battery is.

I find these lights in hardware/automotive departments in stores for cheap. No more lanterns and other lights for me... Fluorescents take hardly any power.

They light up the inside of the portable just fine enough for me. I've used them in perm shacks also, and it worked well too. They charge glow lures very well!

[ice bandit]

never used the flouresents but i have some of the automotive neon lights in my big house that seem to work well

[perchking]

ChuckN,

I am just torn on what kind of lights I want for my portable. Your set up sounds pretty neat, Do you have any photos? If so drop one my way if you dont mind.

gregm at ironwood (Contact Us Please)

Thanks,

Perchking

[coldmark]

I was considering compact fluorescent light bulbs in my permanent, the swirly type. My only concern is that they are not good at lighting up in cold temps. I'm now thinking about halogen lights but can't find any that fit in a standard light socket. I might just buy a couple of light fixtures at a local auto store or rv store. The kind of fixture that takes the 2 prong halogen bulbs. Not sure...

[coldmark]

Hey perchking,

My wife's family is from ironwood/wakefield. She grew up in White Pine. I hunt in the Porkies. Do you fish Lake Gogebic much? We live in Iron Mtn now. -coldmark

[perchking]

ColdMark,

WOW what a small world. I grew up in Ramsay right between, Bessemer and Wakefield I am sure your wife know where that is. I lived in Milwaukee for 7 years found the right job and moved back to God's country. I will be on Lake Gogebic on Sunday hopefully. I guess there is about 2 inches in the bay right now hopefully 3-4 by Sunday. They eyes will be snapping if history repeats it's self. Drop me an email let me know your wifes madden name, my family owns a logging business in Wakefield, plus all of my relatives are there.

[harley52]

I got tired of the 12 volt light bulbs draining my batteries in my wheeled house so I bought Thin lite 12" flourescent bulbs for my house. They draw less than two amps per hour. I kept one of my old style lights on the ceiling to use until the house heats up and than I use the thin lights. Great forum guys-glad I am a member.

[rippinlipz]

From what I have heard these lights will start up even in cold weather, but sometimes takes 15 secs to fire up and will grow brighter as they warm up. Saves on the battery thats for sure.

Heres another question,,, Can you burn out these lights due to starting them when its so cold???

[harley52]

This will be the 4th year that I have had mine in the house and I have never even burned out one of the bulbs.

[coldmark]

Just an update on what I just put in my 8x14 shack. I bought 2 12V compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL), I think they're around 13 watts each, the curly type. They give off just enought light. I put one above the bar counter eating area and one in the fishing area. I ran 14 guage wire to standard light bulb fixtures. I also put a 12V RV-type light outside, an amber colored porch light. I believe that draws 20 watts, I may look for a more effecient bulb (LED?). I have 2 boat batteries that I run this off of. It seems to work pretty good and shouldn't draw too much.

Now I need to figure out how to charge the batteries on the ice so I don't have to swap out batteries and charge at home. I may worry about that next year. -coldmark