Universal lights for camping

Once the flourescent tubes used to be the most efficient lights, but these days the LED ones are brighter for the same current, are more robust and don't cause radio interference.

That type of light is one of the most effective units around Rossco , for lights which operate from 12v.

Last november I wrote report on Primus Nova battery lantern (on this site) which outputs 300 lumens. (still a picture in my members photos)

This is probably the most effective of the LED types and will serve you well however to get enough good light for food preperation you need to use both such that the light comes from above the food.
(the primus has a base mounted hook for hanging upside down )

Recently Anaconda introduced a knockoff copy of the Primus for $99 retail instead of $60.

Go with the Versa lite - if cable and car connection is not an issue.

Best you can do in my opinion is a 12v Versa lite twin tube 11 watt flouro twinned with a 17 AmpHour jumpstarter pack from Superthief Auto.

Should set you back about $150 total and you have a fantastic general light source to hang in a tree or put on a pole with the powerpack to keep it running for at least 12 hours between recharges. If you set them up nice and high you will be amazed at the light they throw out.

The powerpack will usually nicely do a 2-3 night weekend trip of 4-6 hours use each night and then stick it on the 240v when you get home ready for next trip.

For longer trips it depends on your setup but they can be recharged while driving or of course you can use a generator. You can use them from the car battery when camped but you get limited by cord length. They do only use the 1 amp though (about a quarter of what most fridges us) so should not impact on your battery that much.

By the time you get to similar light outputs from LEDs you are up around 2 Amps compared with 1 Amp with the flouros.

I don't use anything else these days. The Gas lamp is long retired. I tried a couple of LED wands with the onboard battery but found them very directional in the light output as well as quick to go flat.

Another advantage is that you can use the jumpstarter pack for jumpstarting if you get stuck (provided of course you haven't had the light running all night!).

Cheers
Muddy

Nothing wrong with these light either...Northstar Dual Fuel

You could also look at the Narva Inspection light available at Repco, it's a hand held led light, has a built in hook to hang it anywhere, then charge it in the cigarette lighter during the day. The cigarette lighter charger is optional but you get a 240v charger with the unit. Cost about $150, but plenty of light for what you want it for and goes for hours.

Hi rossco44, I have made my own using a small diachroic down light. These are 12 volt and I run it off a cig lighter outlet. The bulbs do get rather hot so you need have some thought about how you make up the fitting.Mine is mounted on a piece of folded aluminium that can sit over the rear door and shines down on the stove table.

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I also recommend the Versalite fluro. (or the Piranha fluro which is the same.

Fluros attract insects which may be a problem around the food preparation area but you can buy a yellow filter for the Versalite which slides inside the perspex cover and eliminates insect attraction.

If you can source an LED lamp or wand, these are also good.
While not as bright as the Versalite they do not attract insects.

Both styles are low current draw.

Bill.

If you have a Jaycar nearby (or online) then get the $49.00 odd cordless LED light with DC and AC recharge option, works as a strip light or torch.
I will be getting one the day my ARB fluros stop working.
You won't be sorry

Hi rossco44.
There are a number of lighting options.
If you are running your fridge off a cigaret lighter outlet, you can get a 5amp male to 2 femaile ends which will allow you to get an led or fluro lamp to run off that extra outlet. They draw very little current but you need the high amp take off to run your fridge without any over heating of the wires

AAAAAAAAHHHH

Get a Coleman North Star into ya

Cheers

Thanks all you bright sparks for all the info - now to write a shopping list for next trip to a big smoke location! Will keep you posted re outcome of final decision following our planned trip in May - like the sound of both the Versalite and Primus Nova (Robins full report useful)- the design features of the latter sound suited to our use.

Hi Rossco ........

I done did my own thing :

Got an old desk lamp from the shed [or a 2nd hand shop/tip/mate/anywhere] (BC or ES is OK).
Cut off the 3pin plug and bung on a cigarette lighter plug (but alligator clips/ spade terminals will do.)
Best lamps are those with an INLINE switch in the cabling, but a SWITCHED SOCKET is just as good.

Buy a 12volt CFL lamp (matched to your socket type, of course!)from any reasonably large electrical supplier ( around $20 each) - BINGO, a great camp lamp .............

For a shade, if required, a one litre Goulburn Valley fruit jar (placcy!) with a hole cut in the lid, put the socket through as though it were a lampshade, screw the inner retaining ring back on and voila ..... a diffused light ............ hooked up to ANY 12v power source - simple, inexpensive and very effective. Hang or hook it to suit your needs,

When finished with, unscrew the socket from the green lid, shove the lot into the jar, screw the lid back on ... packed!!

I have three or four of these, great inside tents, too.....

I use a strap on 'head light' for cooking, it leaves your hands free and the light is always where you are looking too.
Use a 12v light for area lighting which does not attract insects and is bright with very low power drain. Image Could Not Be FoundMainey . . .