Coleman Lanterns

[Raven]

Anyone have a solution to prevent mantles from breaking while transporting. I have a Frabill that I pull behind my sled and it seems I always end up with one broken regardless of what I do. I have been thinking of going with a 12 volt light system if I can't get the lantern problem fixed. Appreciate any help.

[Guest]

Raven,

I use a bath towel and wrap that around my lantern, I then jam it in a Coleman lantern carrying case. Didn't break a mantle all year. I still carry extra mantels just in case though

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Paul
[email protected]

[kwkfsh]

The towel idea is a good one, I also use one of the Coleman lantern cases and put a knit stocking hat over the top of the lantern. I have pulled them this way many times in a sled, sometimes on 30 or 40 mi. round trips and rarely if ever break one.

[Gissert]

Kwkfsh -

That is a great idea! Thanks! I'll use that this winter.

[shadrapla]

great idea i should try it this winter i cant wait to ice fishing hurry hurry up

[huskminn]

I have the plastic carrying case, but don't use the stocking cap or towel....may have to try those.

I carry my lantern all winter long in the back of my truck and, of course, in the sled for ice fishing. All I do is secure the case well with a bungee cord so it cannot knock around. When I say secure it well, I really mean it. That lantern can't have any extra "play" at all. I haven't lost a mantle in two years......so I'm due, I'm sure.

Of course, have extra mantles stuffed in every possible place, just in case.

[kwkfsh]

If you use the coleman case the lantern fits snuggly in the base. I always keep a couple of packs of mantles under the lantern in the base. Then they are always there if you should need them. Also if you use the stocking hat get a bulky one so the lantern fits good and snug in the case. You can get one at the Goodwill for .50 or $1.00. Also the mantles will hold up better if the lantern is transported in the upright position rather than layed on its side.

[Raven]

Thanks for the comebacks. I am going to give that towel and case method a try. I move around a lot until I find the fish so I know the lantern takes a lot of abuse. Again, I really appreciate. See you all on the ice!

[Uncle Grump]

I don't mind an occasional broken mantle - its the darn glass chimney's breaking which gripe me.

Case or uncased - they seem to break. And its
darn awkward to try to carry an extra one of those around on the ice.

UG

[Duffman]

For the actual globe, I have a piece of foam that wraps around the globe. It has velcro on both ends. Something that would be easy to make if you have one of those old blue foam camping sleeping pads. You just have to make sure the globe cools off enough before you put it on, this doesn't take too long on a winters night on the ice.

[Uncle Grump]

Duffman

Not a bad idea - I will need to rig up something along those lines.

Thx

UG

[Steve Foss]

I use the Northstar Coleman propane lantern. Single large mantle, with wire ties at top and bottom. Much better than double mantles, which only use string ties on top. Throws more light than the double, and its metal frame around the glass keeps the glass safe.

I also carry spare mantles.

And I use the bath towel technique. I use a big one to get better padding, and I leave it in the Trap while towing and loading/unloading. Lantern's hot after fishing, so I wet the towel and ring it out before wrapping. Lose about a mantle every other year. $2 buys two mantles.

Bath towel is nice to have anyway. You can wedge it in the cracks to keep out drafts and wipe off the pike slime too. Plus, never know when you're going to spill a beer all over your tackle.

[This message has been edited by stfcatfish (edited 09-15-2002).]

[This message has been edited by stfcatfish (edited 09-15-2002).]

[NorthWoodsGuy]

stfcatfish: Did you have to cut the mantel to get the ignition to work. I installed the mantle per the directions and it would never light. I then put a small slit by the ignitor and bingo. Am I doing something wrong?

[Raven]

Hey Stfcatish - where can a guy find one of those NorthStar Coleman propane lanterns you were talking about?

Appreciate.

[Hoyter]

Target sells them for about $40 with a soft case included. WalMart has them on sale right now for $40 with a hard case included. Having a case included is a sweet deal. They sell for the same price (or more) at other stores without a case. The cases sell separately for $15 to $20.

[LOGDOG]

I BUILT A WOODEN BOX AROUND MT LANTERN WITH A HINGED LID SO IT FITS SNUG INSIDE. I ALSO TAKE THE TOP OFF THE LANTERN AND PUT A SOFT FOAM PAD ON TOP OF THE GLASS THEN SCREW THE LID BACK ON. NO GLASS OR MANTLE BREAKAGE + A HARD CASE TO BOOT. (DONT FORGET TO TAKE THE FOAM PAD OUT BEFORTE LIGHTING, I'VE DONE THAT - HEEEE HAAA)

[Raven]

I went in to WalMart today and they have those lanterns for $40, but no cases. Going to wait until they do.

Thanks for all the come backs. Really has been a big help. I am trying to organize my Frabill a little better this year. Hope you all limit.

[Guest]

I carry Coleman 2 mantle on my quad instead of loading it in my sled/shelter. Hav'nt busted a mantle yet ... while it was on the machine that is. OFF the machine is another story ! LOL
I bought one of those cheapo single mantle Century lanterns last year and they work pretty good. It's about the size of a beer can ( without the propane bottle ) and stores easily. Think I paid 12 bucks for it at Wal mart on sale. At that price , your not out much if you don't like it.