12v lights

Gday Cruiserman,we bought an elcheapo 12v fluro just to see what they were like before buying a good one.For the 5 mins it worked we decided there was enough light put out so we then purchased an ARB 12v fluro( which comes with a alligator type clips connector as an acc) so you can use it from a cigarette lighter socket or direct from your battery and a canvas carry bag.Puts out heaps of light and draws minimal power.

Cruierman

If you do as search on flouro lights [or similar] you will get lots of info........

CheersRick (S.A.) - ' It is better to travel hopefully than arrive'

Hi Cruiserman,

I bought one from Kmart for cheap and replaced the battery clips with a merit plug to fit the rear power point - works great

Also bought a Lighforce light with a suction cup that secures to glass or panels and that also worked well - I say worked as the globe smashed on the Plenty Hwy and I am yet to replace it. I paid $85 from ARB Northern in Thomastown.

My father bought an ARB flouro and the glass was cracked before he had used it so I can't offer you info on that one.

Last but not least I have a 12V rechargable from SuperCheap that works well also.

CheersJust Do It!

Hi Cruiserman,
Any flouro using the hi-efficiency tubes works well, tho some a bit better than others, and all heaps better than the el-cheapo 8 or 10w straight flouro, both for illumination and life.
I use a Versa-Lite, which puts out heaps of light for 1A consumption, and radio interference is very low. Cost about $90, but almost indestructable. I also use a couple of hi-eff lights with the 12v inverter built into the base, and have fitted them to plastic jars to protect them, but if it's in a camper, they may fit the light fittings in the camper. They work very well but a bit more radio interference. These are avail pretty cheaply from Jaycar, cost about $25.
Gerry

Hi Cruiserman,
I have the Pirhana fluro.
It cost about $99 and draws about 0.6 amps
runs from ciggy lighter or direct from the battery.
Running direct from the battery saves you having to leave the keys in the ignition and the car unlocked, overnight.

I am happy with light output when used in our campertrailer.

I also have the supercheap hand spotty with the 12v charger and the 240v charger
great light and great value at less than $40 i think
cheers
wayneCheers
waynepd
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Cruiserman, I use Arid from 12 volt shop @$80 the come in a plastic tube so don't have the brakeage problem as above. I get them with tube saver (cut off at 10.5 vts) and have had no problems for 1.5 years. Ps all fluros with inverters are + sensetive so if you change plugs keep your eye on the + & -.Have 4WD will Explore

Cruiserman - We use a versalite (12v model) in our camper and as covered in previous posts they are almost indestructable, don't get hot , draw minimal power and throw out plenty of light - in fact they can be too bright at times . A bit of yellow cellophane around the light tones it down a bit and keeps insects away. I think we paid about $98 for ours.

Versa-lite.
uses 1 amp/hr or slightly less. throws out excellent light.

Versalite. The best.

Cruiserman, I use a couple of Bushman Fluro lights about $80 and one has a magnetic fitting another supplier with heavy cable ties. Is always easier to have them with switches close to the light so you don't have to go ferreting for them. Has a lighter plug on each. They are solid and tubed for protection.

Have a fixed one in the tool box though and I just doubt the strength of it with constant vibration. Its a Supercheap one, 2 tubes and one or both alight.
Like the suggestion above to keep insects away if it works.

John

I was using my Versalite (great product) on a home made 7m extension cord. We tried using the Primus version on the same extension lead to compare light output, and the Primus would only flicker. Put the Versalite back on the lead, 3 flickers and then it started up. My guess is that the Versalite can start up on a lower voltage than the Primus.

Yes the Versa-lite wins hands down, I have it on a magnetic bracket that sticks like s..t to a blanket on any metal surface, also has a hook for hanging up in a tree.

Switch is next to the light, and low power draw. I have a 7.4 amp battery that will run the light for three nights without a charge, when on the move just plug a lead into a power point and charge it up.

Versalite, Versalite, Versalite, Versalite.

Best there is. Nothing comes close.

MikeF

Versalite (x4)

I agree versalite is the best and Australian made to boot.

Versalite with the magnetic mount

I found an arlec light at Supercheap autos and it cost $49.95. It also only draws 1 Amp and when it is compared to my mates versalite, it puts out exactly the same amount of light and draws the same power, yet is cheaper than the versalite.

makes sense to me.

Versalite x 3 EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT

Versalite by far

Versalite again!
Last trip I tried wrapping the light in yellow/orange cellophane to stop the evening bugs in Kakadu - worked pretty well (didn't stop them but there were certainly less than with the white light).

back in 30 mins.....gone to buy a versaliteWow! am I cute
If yer ain't fishing, Yer ain't livin
Richard

So you buy a portable fluro for $24 and a spare battery, $10. The portable gives out a grouse PORTABLE light, and the spare battery can be recharged from the vechicle's cig lighter. If you are paranoid about flat batteries then buy a $24 thing that stops the charge in time to start the next morning.