Best 12 volt light?

The fluro lights are much brighter than LEDs but draw much more current. I use an 11w fluro light that I bought for about $30. The others you mention are good if you need a fully waterproof light. I never have. I find for general camping use the cheapie works fine.

Some people like the LED, personally and for the family where we do cooking etc. at night by light we prefer the better light of a fluoro
Yes they draw more power but we find it quite mangable.
We always had a Versa. Very good, lasted 10 years
Having recently trying to save money we went with a $30 cheapy, then a $50 cheapy, then decided to again invest in one of the brands you mentioned. All around $100-$120 but well worth the money
All of course IMO, hope this helps

Cheers, CJ

P&J
Make your own. Far cheaper than the ones you mention. Instructions have been on this site in the past - maybe someone will post a link to the appropriate spot. Essentially buy a trouble light (workshop light) from say Bunnings without a globe. Buy a suitable 12 v globe that will fit the holder (fluro - about $30). Change the plug at the end of the cord. Simple. Heaps of light. Draws bugger all. I have attached a magnet to the holder so I can stick it to tent poles, trailer body etc.

I have used small lights as a mechanic for 20 plus years I have had one versa light for for the entire time it has bee run over dropped in oil had acid and any number of fluids puored over it it is now at the stage where hardly ant light gets out of it It is scratched dented broken the lens has holes in it the cord needs replacing BUT IT STILL WORKS. I use other lights both leds and flouro's and find the leds are good for when you need a good bright light in one spot but the flouro's are better when you need more light spread out.
For me led's = spot
Flouro's = spread
Buy a good one you wont regret it

I bought an Arlec 12V 11 watt fluoro at Supercheap for $49 when my Versalite finally died after 10 years as I thought the $129 or whatever asking price is exhorbitant.
I had to add a $5 in line switch.
It has performed flawlessly on my recent 3 month trip.
Regards Philip A

i have a fluro see-ezy 11w draws 1amp12v bought from op-loc several years ago $90 never gives any probs is rubber encased on ends with a hook
imho the brighter the light the more insects you attract especaily if your the only camper at the site

PandJ
Have a look at EBay under 12V Led Lights you will probably find what you are after, prices range from abt $15upwards

I have owned and used a Piranha fluro and yes it is the same as the Versalite, both being made in the same factory to the same specifications.

Although drawing more amps than an LED light, the Piranha or Versalite still only draw around 1 amp and are therefore very practical.

Either of these two lights can be fitted with a yellow filter which reduces the attraction of insects, but also reduces the brightness somewhat.

Another lamp I can recommend is the Torpedo compact fluro from Evakool. The price is about the same as the Piranha or Versalite.

Evakool Torpedo

These lights are the best currently available.

The manufacturers of the Versalite have also released an LED version of their light, using the same housing, but I have yet to see one in use to be in a position to compare the illumination properties.

Bill.

Hi Pandj. The ARB light ia versa light copy made in china i have 2.I thought they were versa lights.Only buy genuine versa light they fixed my old one 10 years plus old for free including postage.

Cheers Graeme.

Flouro used to be the brightest and most efficient but that has changed lately with the new LEDS.

I have replaced all my flouro's and good riddence. The main problems are high levels of UV light which mean they are an insect magnet, and they are electrically very noisy and you can't listen to HF or AM radio anywhere near them.

I now have 2 x 7Watt Gu 5.3 - MR16 lights ( same as 50w down light) in water proof housings from Bunnings and they are twice as bright as my 20w flouros and only draw 0.6A each.

They will cost $80 ea and are a bit of work to make but they are tiny and like daylight.

Got the LED's here.

7W LEDs

I built mine from a broken tail light. 2w bulb cost next to nothing and is a good spare for the car or trailer.

Owen

We stopped using them completely. Had a versalight. It was very good. I still have a couple of different cheap fluros that also have been fine. Now we just have a led headlight for everyone in the group and we find it is a much better solution. Everyone has all the light they need exactly where they want it. No messing around with leads. Headlamps very cheap to run, especially with rechargheable batteries. A fully charged battery lasts a long time in a headlamp led.

Sorry to all, I have not been able to log into the site for some reason.

Thanks for your thoughts and comments it looks like I may settle for the Evakool Tornado ( we have one of their fridges) or a Piranha/Versalite.

So now have to start a search as to where they can be obtained.
Thank You all once again. Cheers P&J