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Old 12-29-2009, 12:41 PM   #1
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Humphrey gaslights

I have always been fond of Humphery gaslights. Growing up in the early 1970s, a friend had a cabin on an island, and had several of them as the primary source of lighting, the possibilities of generators, batteries, and inverters not being what they are today.

I have one in my house, in a central location, because it provides safe, reliable, bright light in the event of a power failure. The only trouble I've ever had with it was a spider web that I had to remove. It's been there for ten years now.

When did Airstream stop installing these? Does anyone still use them in trailers? Why aren't these more popular for boondocking?
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Old 12-29-2009, 12:51 PM   #2
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Because some folks are afraid of propane leaks and open flames maybe?

It's on my list of things to install into our rig.
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Old 12-29-2009, 12:58 PM   #3
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I have installed at least one in any trailer I ever owned. I consider the gas lite an essential, not only providing light and saving battery power, but also a good chill chaser on nippy evening. In addition it seems mantle life is a good indicator of how smooth things are on the road.An often broken mantle could indicate out of balance wheels, tire problems etc.

I suspect they may have been offered as an option at one time but the only trailer I have owned that had one when I bought it was a 54 Safari
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Old 12-29-2009, 01:14 PM   #4
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Looks like the last time they appear as an option is around 1976... at least in print..

Airstream, Inc :: Specs - 1970
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Old 12-29-2009, 02:33 PM   #5
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I use mine all the time. The gas light is a great tool for long term boon dock camping. The only complaint I have is the mantle breaks every time I tow so we go through a number per season.
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Old 12-29-2009, 03:01 PM   #6
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Definitely on my add list. Its a long, long list........
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Old 12-29-2009, 03:22 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 62overlander View Post
I use mine all the time. The gas light is a great tool for long term boon dock camping. The only complaint I have is the mantle breaks every time I tow so we go through a number per season.
I have had mantles break within minutes of moving in some trailers. IN my 61 tradewind I have had them last as long as 10,000 miles. I bought the last load of mantles through Cabella's and think they are genuine Humphrey. Will look next time I am in the trailer
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Old 12-29-2009, 03:40 PM   #8
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The genuine Humphrey mantles are the best for sure. They do last the longest and the sock is very thick making for a more intense glow. I was given two at a rally and now use the coleman ones.
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Old 12-29-2009, 06:34 PM   #9
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AFAIK they no longer make the Humphery brand lights, but Mr Heater has a supply of very similar ones.

My AS does not have one...yet. But I have a couple of NOS units left over from somewhere that are going to get used for my install.

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Old 12-29-2009, 06:58 PM   #10
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Humphrey was bought out by Paulin. You can by lights similar to the originals and they have parts also. Link to main page and parts page below...

Gas Lights by Paulin, Humphrey and Falks

propaneproducts.com: Gas Lights - Parts & Mantles
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Old 12-29-2009, 07:21 PM   #11
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I might know where a late 50's and an early 60's one is.....
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Old 12-29-2009, 08:09 PM   #12
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Rivet Ok, Now I'm Curious

Where are the gas light usually mounted?

How are the propane lines run?

What kind of clearances must be maintained?

What kind of ventilation regimens must be observed?

And of course, post pictures!

Seriously. I have always heard about the gas lights in trailers, but have never actually seen one. I would appreciate pictures of installed gas lights and discussion of what those of you who added them did.
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Old 12-29-2009, 08:31 PM   #13
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On our Sovereign, the light would be mounted on the roadside partition, where the fridge is. The only pic I have is of a Cruisette, sans mantle or globe, courtesy of www.vintageairstream.com (not Greg Gibson's site).
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Old 12-29-2009, 08:52 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vswingfield View Post
Where are the gas light usually mounted?

How are the propane lines run?

What kind of clearances must be maintained?

What kind of ventilation regimens must be observed?

And of course, post pictures!

Seriously. I have always heard about the gas lights in trailers, but have never actually seen one. I would appreciate pictures of installed gas lights and discussion of what those of you who added them did.
Here's are photos, but someone else will have to answer your questions or maybe this website has the info.
Paulin Humphrey Gas Lights
http://www.gas-lights.com/pdf/paulin-installation.pdf


Carol
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Old 12-30-2009, 12:04 AM   #15
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Here's my contribution. It was mounted on the end of the street-side overhead compartment, above the refer. The gas was tapped off of the branch of the gas line that goes to the refer with 1/8" copper. It came through the floor right next to the refer and ran up the wall to the overhead cabinet, alongside the refer shroud, then into the cabinet, and into the back of the light.

Rich the Viking
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Old 12-30-2009, 03:16 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ganglin View Post
Humphrey was bought out by Paulin. You can by lights similar to the originals and they have parts also. Link to main page and parts page below...

Gas Lights by Paulin, Humphrey and Falks

propaneproducts.com: Gas Lights - Parts & Mantles
I have yet to find a Paulin version of the light for sale, only the Mr Heater ones...

Aaron
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Old 12-30-2009, 03:19 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vswingfield View Post
Where are the gas light usually mounted?

How are the propane lines run?

What kind of clearances must be maintained?

What kind of ventilation regimens must be observed?

And of course, post pictures!

Seriously. I have always heard about the gas lights in trailers, but have never actually seen one. I would appreciate pictures of installed gas lights and discussion of what those of you who added them did.
I have only seen them mounted on the forward facing bulkhead of the fridge compartment.

On the 70's vintage the line was run in the fridge compartment, I believe it tees off the fridge LP line under the trailer.

IIRC clearances to the ceiling needs to be 12" or so, side clearances are similar.

Ventilation? crack a window.

Aaron
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Old 12-30-2009, 04:13 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wahoonc View Post
I have yet to find a Paulin version of the light for sale, only the Mr Heater ones...

Aaron
Try here:

PAULIN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS - INDOOR HEATERS

they all look similar - the vintage 70's style had a little longer body that hung down behind the globe (have one I got on Ebay that needs repainted and installed).
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Old 12-30-2009, 05:42 AM   #19
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Lehman's the Amish super store has them.. Lamps & Lights*|*Gas Lighting*|*Gas Lights*|*Paulin/Humphrey Gas Light Parts - Lehmans.com
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Old 12-30-2009, 06:04 AM   #20
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Looked at the Lehman site and also Cabella's where I bought my last batch of mantles. Price seemed high for the soft mantles. Could be more than 1 in a pack but did not say.
Here is another source, less than a buck a piece

Paulin, Humphrey, Falks Preformed - Tie Mantles
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