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10-03-2013, 10:01 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Santa Fe
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 106
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Putting in a gas light?
My 74 Argosy 22 was not equipped with interior gas lighting from the factory but I'd like to install one Has anyone ever done this? Is this trailer suicide or is it doable?
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10-03-2013, 11:14 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia
, Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
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Tim: of course you can do it, but I am not sure why you would want to. The propane lights are heat producing, moisture producing, and don't give a very pleasant light (in my opinion), and use oxygen from the rig. The mantles are fragile and hard to find these days.
LED or fluorescent lighting makes the most sense today. Put a second battery in your Argosy, change to a good 3 stage converter/charger like a PD 9245, and go modern....LOL.
But, if you still want a propane light, you will need to run a 1/4" copper line from your existing gas system under the trailer, to the place you chose for the light. Flair fittings on both ends and a cut off valve under the trailer. Be careful of the location, due to the heat produced by the light.
But, again, why?
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10-03-2013, 11:23 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
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I completely agree with idroba.
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10-03-2013, 11:28 AM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Santa Fe
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 106
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There's just something about the ambience of a gas light. The warm glow, the lonesome haunting whistle. I grew up camping by lantern light and have never had any trouble finding the mantles. I dont know about heat shields or globes but I'm sure I can find something.
It was just a thought. I may not go through with it, just exploring some options and ideas. I've owned the trailer for three weeks. It is my first trailer and I'm just enjoying the experience of tinkering and exploring the possibilities.
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10-03-2013, 12:09 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Excella 500
Venice
, California
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,067
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My 78 Excella didn't come with one either, but I put one in and am glad I did. There several reasons for my decision: since the propane system is a separate one from the electrical, it gives me an alternate source of light if there is electrical trouble; if it is cold outside, it gives me warmth as well as light-sometimes just the right amount; it isn't difficult or dangerous so why not? I rather enjoy the very gentle hiss and the mellow light. To install one tap into a convenient propane line with a "T" (you'll need to flare the tubing) and keep the mounting point away from the ceiling or other flamables. If you search the forums you will find pictures, etc.. Sometimes you can find a nice vintage fixture on e**y.
__________________
"Not all who are laundering are washed" say Bill & Heidi
'78 Excella 500,"The Silver Pullit". vacuum over hydraulic disc brakes, center bath, rear twin. '67 Travelall 1200 B 4X4 WBCCI 3737
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10-03-2013, 12:25 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1984 34' International
Toronto
, Ontario
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,499
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Love the mellow, relaxed light a gas light gives. There's just something great about a living flame that a bulb or an LED can't duplicate.
We got a bunch of barn oil lamps that we use outside, for the same reason.
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10-03-2013, 01:05 PM
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#7
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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We used ours quite a bit in the 63 Safari. It was an OEM unit complete with heat shield behind & above it.
Surprising how much warmth it generated on those chilly/damp mornings.
Bob
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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10-03-2013, 02:22 PM
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#8
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Santa Fe
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 106
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Thank you all for the ideas and encouragement. I think I would tap into the line near the furnace and come up the wall to the end of the overhead cabinet above the bed. That should give enough clearance on all sides for the heat to be safe. Now I need to find a simple fixture that goes with my minimalist theme.
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10-03-2013, 02:32 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1977 23' Safari
Niagara on the Lake
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 984
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I keep the old Coleman lantern in the Airstream for emergencies, or when I feel nostalgic.
__________________
1977 Safari Land Yacht
2005 Toyota Tundra SR5
2022 Toyota 4Runner SR5
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10-03-2013, 02:39 PM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
1972 25' Tradewind
Hopkins
, Minnesota
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 458
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I have one from my '72 Trade Wind. I'll see if I can attach a pic of it. Let me know if you are interested.
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10-03-2013, 02:48 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1972 25' Tradewind
North Vancouver
, British Columbia
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,421
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My '72 Trade Wind had one and I loved it! It was located on the gable right beside the entry door. Mine came with a Paulin and there were no problems with overheating and mantles are easily had at any camping supply store that sells Coleman lanterns/supplies.
PAULIN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS - INDOOR HEATERS
I'd say that if you are handy with running your own gas line, go for it!
__________________
Cameron & the Labradors, Kai & Samm
North Vancouver, BC
Live! Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death! - Mame Dennis
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10-03-2013, 03:28 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia
, Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VtTim
Thank you all for the ideas and encouragement. I think I would tap into the line near the furnace and come up the wall to the end of the overhead cabinet above the bed. That should give enough clearance on all sides for the heat to be safe. Now I need to find a simple fixture that goes with my minimalist theme.
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You should not make a tap inside the trailer. No more connections than absolutely necessary inside. That is why on the original gas line system, all but the very last connection to the specific appliance are made outside, below the belly pan. Propane is heavier than air, and with a leak, can puddle inside cabinets etc, build up until it finds an ignition source and then, poof, fire, explosion etc.
I had a neighbor who found that out the hard way. Their home was rubble when they got back. Since it was their second home fire, the insurance company did a very careful investigation prior to paying out. They found that gas had built up, from a leak, inside the lower portion of their range. The range had a standing oven pilot. When the propane built up high enough, it hit the pilot and the place was torched. They were lucky to not be home.
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10-03-2013, 04:22 PM
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#13
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Rivet Monster
1975 31' Sovereign
1980 31' Excella II
Sprung Leak
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 7,172
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I like them too. My 1975 did not come with one but I am definitely going to add one. On my 75 the lamp was mounted on the side of the fridge cabinet. I second the suggestion to keep the T-connection outside the skin of the trailer. On my LP plan it calls for a shut off valve outside too. Plan to follow with that when the time comes. I had a pickup camper way back that I actually lived in for a couple of years, it had a couple of LP lights in it and it was a great way to enjoy a winter's evening when it was chilly.
Aaron
__________________
....so many Airstreams....so little time...
WBCCI #XXXX AIR #2495
Why are we in this basket...and where are we going
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10-03-2013, 04:23 PM
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#14
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Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VtTim
My 74 Argosy 22 was not equipped with interior gas lighting from the factory but I'd like to install one Has anyone ever done this? Is this trailer suicide or is it doable?
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I have not done it in my trailer but had one in my last stick house.
Quote:
Originally Posted by idroba
Tim: of course you can do it, but I am not sure why you would want to. The propane lights are heat producing, moisture producing, and don't give a very pleasant light (in my opinion), and use oxygen from the rig. The mantles are fragile and hard to find these days.
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The main advantage of gas lights is that they are not dependent on the electrical system. On an older trailer, or for extended boondocking, they may be a more cost effective solution than upgrading the battery and converter. The heat is an advantage in the cool spring and fall season when days are short and extra lighting is most necessary.
Mantles and the dust from them are toxic, avoid putting gas lights above countertops or tables where a broken mantle might get into food.
Follow the advice of others about keeping the propane T outside the trailer shell.
Follow the manufacturer's recommended clearance to the ceiling and wall corners. 4-6" seems to be typical.
__________________
To learn to see below the surface, you must adjust your altitude
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10-07-2013, 11:40 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
1959 22' Flying Cloud
Bishop
, California
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 48
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Has anyone tried to connect one to a one pound canister? If so did you use a pressure regulator?
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10-08-2013, 04:01 AM
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#16
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Rivet Monster
1975 31' Sovereign
1980 31' Excella II
Sprung Leak
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 7,172
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tonyp
Has anyone tried to connect one to a one pound canister? If so did you use a pressure regulator?
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Yes you would need a regulator, no I haven't tried to connect one to a one pound cylinder, however I have a couple of LP gas camping lanterns.
Aaron
__________________
....so many Airstreams....so little time...
WBCCI #XXXX AIR #2495
Why are we in this basket...and where are we going
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10-08-2013, 04:39 AM
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#17
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Restorations done right
Commercial Member
1962 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Vintage Kin Owner
Currently Looking...
Baltimore
, Maryland
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,545
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We love ours! We do not use it in the Summer but during the other three seasons it gets used a great deal. I encourage you to put one in...
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10-08-2013, 04:40 AM
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#18
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4 Rivet Member
2005 28' Safari
saline
, Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 410
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How do you keep the mantles from falling apart when travelling? It seems like they are so fragile after they are lit that they would fall apart after a few miles of trailering. Do you need to replace every time?
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10-08-2013, 04:44 AM
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#19
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kosm1o
How do you keep the mantles from falling apart when travelling? It seems like they are so fragile after they are lit that they would fall apart after a few miles of trailering. Do you need to replace every time?
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You don't.....
Zip-tied a bag around it, and replaced it as needed.
Bob
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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10-08-2013, 04:52 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
1961 24' Tradewind
1969 29' Ambassador
1970 21' Globetrotter
Jamestown
, Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,783
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We put one in every trailer we have. Nice light and perfect for taking the chill off on cool evenings plus no power used.
We have had mantles last an entire season and many thousands of miles.
Many broken mantles could be a sign of other problems like wheel balance or alignment.
__________________
Rick Davis 1602 K8DOC
61 tradewind, plus a few others
13 Ram 2500 TD
99 Dodge TD 577K miles
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