Quote:
Originally Posted by Add_Man
I just bought a 67 overlander and the manual tells me it has at least one gas powered light. Can anyone tell me about this? Which one it is, how to use it? Judging from the manual diagram, it appears to be the main light over the kitchen area, but nothing happens when I click the switch. The rest of the LP system appears to be working great. Anyone know how I can check it? All thoughts appreciated!
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Hello Add Man
A few facts to consider
1) Gas lights were typically sold as an extra-cost option and were available on many makes of trailers and truck campers through about 1970. During this era there were dozens of optional items, and the manuals were usually written to cover a typical build with little or no mention of what items are optional.
2) All the original lights I've seen were made by Humphery, and were generally similar to the Paulin lights being sold today, except that they had a cylindrical shade instead of the globe-shaped shade now being used. Parts are available through Lehman's and other sources.
3) The reason they were used is that battery charging was much more of a problem with readily available RV technology of the day, making
12v lighting impractical for boondocking. Some early
12v converters did not charge the battery, and the commutator-type generators (and towards the end of the era, the low-amp mechanically regulated alternators) in 50s/60s automobiles and light trucks could not charge a trailer battery reliably
4) If you get one, be aware that it will give off a good deal of heat while operating. They are mainly useful for late fall trips when the sun sets early and it's cold.
Unless you have one for reasons of authenticity, the various
12v lighting options are probably more practical.
I put one in my (stick) house 10 years ago to provide light during power failures. They're still useful for that, because they are completely independent of the electrical system.