Propane Lighting

[Ganglin]

As we bring our 71 back into shape we are trying to maintain everything as original as possible. I presume that the propane lights Airstream offered were an option. They have been listed on Ebay but seem very pricy - however, we found a source for new ones that look much like the originals.

With that in mind the question/your opinion asked is - would you install a propane light in a 71 Overlander as a vintage accessory since it was available on that model. Also, if you have one - does it cause soot build up on the ceiling?

Thanks for your thoughts....

[scottanlily]

Hey there Gary ,

I would put it in your airstream .It gives that authentic appeal your after.
And in a worst case scenario ,no power ,you would have light if needed .I
have the original lamp in my 60 with coleman mantles from the 60s new in
the wax paper with one in the lamp at the ready ! Of the ones I have used in trailers (not yet on my trdwnd) I don't recall really any trouble with soot .
Id not mount it any higher than it would have been originally if your coach had it .

Scott of scottanlily

[Zeppelinium]

Does anyone know the carbon monoxide situation with these lamps? Is there a requirement to keep a top vent open, or at least cracked? I've recovered one from a '71 Overlander (the one in Baker) and have considered it a good idea for really cold days or when the battery gets low. It also gives you a feeling of the "old days" when a tent was all you had.

Zep

[Boondocker]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

Does anyone know the carbon monoxide situation with these lamps? Is there a requirement to keep a top vent open, or at least cracked?
Zep

Flame = need for venting.

[azflycaster]

Zep ~ The production of CO is always an issue. If it does not produce CO it will still deplete the Oxygen in the trailer. The bottom line is: crack a window and have a working CO detector.

[flyfshr]

When I burn mine, which is almost everynight as I'm straightening up before bed, I crack the galley window about an inch and open the top rectangular vent about a half inch. On cold morningas, I light it when I light the burner for coffee just to take the edge off. One very cold night, I left it one all night just for the heat. As long as the lamp has a shield above it, you shouldn't have an issue with soot.

Here's a couple of pictures of mine showing location. You'll want to put it in a place where you won't be bumping it with your head or any flammable item as the globe gets very hot. Don't ask me how I know.

Brad
FF

[Boondocker]

I keep thinking I want to add a propane lamp to my rig and have gotten so far as bidding now and then. One major problem for me has been figuring out where to mount it so the lighting would have the greatest effect.

[Ganglin]

Thanks for your thoughts. I was thinking about mounting it about where the bottom of the extinguisher is in the photo. Thermostat is for the original air conditioned so not an issue. It's still there because it was - so it will stay. Pardon my manners by the way - here's the link to the new Humphrey Paulin lights. Not as reto/kewl as the one Flyfshr has but seems to me to be better than fighting for one on Ebay......

propaneproducts.com: Gas Lights

[47WeeWind]

Originally Posted by Ganglin

I presume that the propane lights Airstream offered were an option ... if you have one - does it cause soot build up on the ceiling?

Hi Gary:

Most, if not all, propane lights have an adjustment for the air-to-fuel ratio, so if a light you install is creating some soot, you can and should adjust it. Soot would indicate too much fuel and not enough air, so increase the size of the air intake opening. The adjustment mechansim is typically found at the base of the stem near the wall mounting plate. Some are threaded, others just slide.

Most propane lights also have a shield or deflector above the globe top vent opening to dispurse the hot air and discourage staining of the ceiling or wall. Some people have installed a metal plate or heat shield on the ceiling itself, especially if the light is mounted high, close to the ceiling.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Ganglin

Thanks for your thoughts. I was thinking about mounting it about where the bottom of the extinguisher is in the photo. Thermostat is for the original air conditioned so not an issue. It's still there because it was - so it will stay. Pardon my manners by the way - here's the link to the new Humphrey Paulin lights. Not as reto/kewl as the one Flyfshr has but seems to me to be better than fighting for one on Ebay......

propaneproducts.com: Gas Lights

Gary,
That Paulin/Humphrey is the light that was orginally used in the 70's vintage units. I plan on adding one to mine when it goes back together for all the reasons Fred listed.

Aaron

[Excella CM]

If it were me I would move the extinguisher and put the light there. You want it as high as possible but with adequate clearance (@10") to the ceiling. They don't make soot, but they use oxygen and they run hot like a coleman lantern. You've got LP for the refrigerator right there too and just need to tap into the supply line. The old copper is no doubt work hardened so use a torch to anneal it before trying to flare it for the fittings. I particularly like getting both heat and light from the same device. The fragile mantle also makes a good vibration monitor for wheel balance. If it breaks every time you move the trailer it make indicate excess vibration. I wouldn't have rig, vintager or new, without one.

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

Zep ~ The production of CO is always an issue. If it does not produce CO it will still deplete the Oxygen in the trailer. The bottom line is: crack a window and have a working CO detector.

Would it were so that any of my Airstreams were so sealed that I should worry about CO production! I was only worrying about the possibility of a hot ceiling, really. The open upper vent just encourages the leaks I have around every durn window and the door--good flow, like for the fridge.

But, on a scale of 1-10, where does a propane lantern sit when it comes to CO? The new catalytic heaters seem to boast of little to no CO production, so they are down at 1. At least my Mr Heater hasn't killed me yet. I continue to think that the slight headache in the morning is due to MR. Two Buck Chuck.

Yes, put the lamp where the fire extinguisher is. That's where it was in the Overlander I took mine out of.

Zep

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, would it start a war if I suggested converting the gas lamp to 12 volt incandesent lamp? No CO, no gas lines, a lot less heat, and still retro looks.

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, would it start a war if I suggested converting the gas lamp to 12 volt incandesent lamp? No CO, no gas lines, a lot less heat, and still retro looks.

I think the reason the gas lamp is wanted is because it requires no battery power and it also puts off a little heat.

[r&kweber]

Ours is in the same location as flyshr's and looks great. It provides some heat and makes a great quality of light. I wouldn't ever take it out. It is near the ceiling so it gets warm, but not hot.

I do have a problem with breaking mantles though. I bought some mantles for the light from gas-lights.com and they break every time I move the trailer -- even moving it around the block slowly. What gives? The Coleman lantern's mantles that is stored in a case on the floor of the trailer seems to be bulletproof! They never break.

Is there a solution to this? I tried the Coleman mantles, but they don't burn right. Is there a more durable brand?

[doorgunner]

This place sells the tie on mantles that are as their catalogue says "are jolt-resistant, for use in RV's, campers and boats. They also sell high alt jets etc. for Paulin gas lights. I have purchased Alladin light parts from them in the past. and were treated well, would buy there again.

[flyfshr]

I've only used the newer Coleman mantles and have had only one ever turn to dust in 6 years and I've been down some 5 mph rough roads. Try adjusting your set screw and make sure your mantles burn almost white.

Brad
FF

[r&kweber]

There's a set screw? I'm sure I have the same light as yours, a Veritas? Any description would help. I'm not opposed to trying the Lehmans mantles, but I already have a handful of the Coleman type for the outside lantern.

[flyfshr]

It's not really the typical set screw per se. Its the adjustment for the air-to-fuel ratio in the brass just above the aluminum base that holds the globe. I can't remember where mine is set and my trailer is in storage or I'd go look. Another thing to consider is how is/are your axle(s) and springs? I had a new axle made and had my original springs tested. As mentioned previously, a worn out axle will cause the whole trailer to ride rough.

Brad
FF

[r&kweber]

aah, sorry. I misunderstood. We were never able to find that perfect point with the Coleman mantles, so I switched to the larger ones meant for the lower pressure? They burn great, but one mantle per weekend seems wasteful. Sorry to hijack this thread.