Camp lighting

[Utemad]

Hi all,

What do you use for the main lighting around your campsite?

I have various LED strip lights which are good for the enclosed area inside but not so much for outside. They are not bright enough. They're from Jaycar but I can't find them on their website.

I want something that will be bright enough to be able to read and play board games etc.

Years ago I used to use an old 40 watt single tube 240v fluoro and an inverter but that was fairly power hungry however it did turn night into day.

Anyway tell us what you use.

[incisor]

Links and Downloads Manager - Australian Land Rover Owners (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=1&id=10)

[Landy Smurf]

we mainly use 12v fluros best ever i recommend them over anything else

[isuzu110]

Versalite or similar flouro lights. Very little power draw and safe around kids. No mantles to break and no hot lights for kids to knock over/touch.

[clean32]

as thay said, fluros or LEDs. i have made up a 12V cord that runs to the tent with 3 lighter socket plugs, 1 for inside 1 out side and one for a headlight i got from U pullit, i only use the headlight for reading or when some thing is losed, seems to be the best of both worlds, enought light for every thing and easy on the battery.

[Spenboyd]

we now use the 300 lumen LED lights sold by Anaconda and Kathmandu with rechargeable D cells in, the Versa lite hasn't been out of its cover bag for over a year as a result and lives under the seat as the 'in case' option.

[Milton477]

Fluoros & a petrol, double mantle Coleman lantern for the ambiance.

[Bearman]

Being 'old school' I use 12V fluoros run by the alternator on the bush freezer but I also have an 800W generator with a couple of 240 lead lights if I need to do some reading.

[VladTepes]

There was a guy at Fraser from another club - had a double tube 240v fluro mounted on the side of his roof rack - run by inverter (surely that would flatten a battery pretty quick?) or a gennie he says sometimes.

Was eye scaldingly bright, in comparison to everything else in a beach camp !



Spenboyd any chance of a link to the lights yo mean - I;ve yet to see any decent lights of the type you describe.

[Utemad]

Vlad that is what I used to do without the generator. Bloody bright but the 240v fluoros are too heavy to hang from a ridge pole. Well the full size ones are anyway. I just want to use solar and batteries.

I'll check out the Versa light.
Maybe I should look into a lightweight 240v fluoro too and see how much current they actually draw using an inverter. Maybe they aren't too bad?

Not sure about 240v and wet weather though. Never had a problem when I used to use it though.

Not keen on having to use battery powered devices as in D cell. Just more batteries to replace. I'll still check them out though.

[Spenboyd]

here you go Vladhttp://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4242260071_3009110687_b.jpg you can grab em from Anaconda or Kathmandu at their sales for as little as $30 each. Run off 3 D cells, I use rechargeables and they run for months plus they are water resistant.

[B92 8NW]

I use kerosene pressure lanterns. Old fashioned, but I like them and being an Aviation/Aerospace person I like the smell and I feel like I'm starting up quad GE90-115Bs:D:D.

Current one is an Austramax, brand spanking, Australian made in Melville Rd Brunswick.

[Utemad]

Incisor I've tried getting the bulbs you mentioned from Bunnings before and could never find them. Maybe I should ask one of their plentiful sales people.

[subasurf]

Can't imagine needing anything other than kero lanterns. They do the job required, are reliable as can be and require basically ZERO maitenence.

Might look into seeing what other fuels I can use in them. Used cooking oil would be handy :D

[B92 8NW]

Can't imagine needing anything other than kero lanterns. They do the job required, are reliable as can be and require basically ZERO maitenence.

Might look into seeing what other fuels I can use in them. Used cooking oil would be handy :D

I use Biodiesel in hurricane lamps, have done so for a couple of years without ill effect.

Much harder to use in pressure lamps however, you need to preheat it like mad.

[kram]

hi
We just came back from a trip up north and bought at 400 lumen led lanten from Anaconda camping shop - Similar to a Primus one but rechargeable - we were without power for 6 nights and used it every night to cook and play cards - charged up well with the dual battery.

I would recommend it!:)

[VladTepes]

subasurf what else would one expect from a series LR owner ?! Very ol school !


Incisor I've tried getting the bulbs you mentioned from Bunnings before and could never find them. Maybe I should ask one of their plentiful sales people.

:lol2:
:lol2:
:lol2:
:lol2:

[subasurf]

subasurf what else would one expect from a series LR owner ?! Very ol school !


haha yep :p If it works and requires little to no maintenance then I'm all for it :D
I easily fall in love with things that have such a simple design. Like my alvey fishing reel hahah

[pohm66]

I use a 12v fluro but done a mod to it.

With clear contact I made a tube over the main clear tube however for one half I also put in several layers of a yellow sellophane?

It enables me to rotate the sleeve of an evening to throw a yellow light minimising the flying bugs being attracted.:)

White light - yellow light - white light - yellow light

[rrturboD]

We use a couple of versalites, and these 12v Nelson fluros, mounted in normal 240v type fittings (but with 12 v leads etc)

Nelson Industries Australia - Products (http://www.nelsonlamps.com.au/viewprod.aspx?pid=302414)

Bought the Nelson globes at Bunnings ... search for them ... they are there somewhere.

[Redback]

We use a couple of versalites, and these 12v Nelson fluros, mounted in normal 240v type fittings (but with 12 v leads etc)

Nelson Industries Australia - Products (http://www.nelsonlamps.com.au/viewprod.aspx?pid=302414)

Bought the Nelson globes at Bunnings ... search for them ... they are there somewhere.

Yep this is what we use, got the idea from here campertrailers.org.

tuco's 12volt lights (http://www.campertrailers.org/tuco%27s_lights.htm)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/738.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/739.jpg

The globes
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/740.jpg

I got some desk lamps from Vinnies and made some up, using the Nelson globes, they through out good light.

Baz.

[John W]

I still love the coleman kero pressure lantern but have to be careful with the heat it puts out. No worries about flat batteries etc. Way the brightest camping light when pumped. Good for those of us who like to fiddle with things.

Otherwise a reflector fluro on an inverter string it up from a tree and light all round.

AYUP LED head lamp / bike light, mega powerful . Aussie stuff from Brisbane online only.

Rechargeable fluro for quick and easy lighting.

[Landy Smurf]

I use a 12v fluro but done a mod to it.

With clear contact I made a tube over the main clear tube however for one half I also put in several layers of a yellow sellophane?

It enables me to rotate the sleeve of an evening to throw a yellow light minimising the flying bugs being attracted.:)

White light - yellow light - white light - yellow light
simple but clever

[Utemad]

Got a few prices today.
Nelson 12v fluoro bayonet bulb from Bunnings $34.55
Evakool Torpedo fluoro light from TJM $100
ARB twin fluro light from ARB $69

There is also a whole range of cheapies from about $15 but I want something that will last.

Couldn't find anyone who sold Versa-Lite gear.

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Utemad,
Versa-lite is a Burn Brite product. They say, on their website, that their 12V portable products can be obtained from:
12V Portable Lighting



4WD equipment stores
Caravan & Camping stores
Outdoor & recreation stores


They also specifically mention:

4x4 Equip
4wd Recovery Gear | 4wd Accessories | 4wd Equipment and Camping Gear Australia | Axe and Shovel Holder | Combo Shovel | Synthetic Winch Rope | Camping Lights| Autofridge Eutectic Refrigerators (http://www.4x4equip.com.au/)

and Piranha
Home page (http://www.piranhaoffroad.com.au/)

Best Wishes,
Peter

[Bigbjorn]

I have accumulated quite a variety over the years, several Primus gas lights and bottles, a Coleman pressure Kero lantern, a Coleman LED lantern (Xmas gift), and 12 volt fluoros that I run off my $99 Chinese generator. All are pretty good. I tend to use a12v fluoro if I only need one light as the generator is in use running the 12 v. refrigerator.

[Utemad]

Just looked up the 4x4 Equip website and they sell the Versalite 12v fluoro for $120.
They also sell 11w fluoro bulbs for $14 but they are not the same as the Nelson ones. They look to be a push in fitting.

They seem to only have a store in Melbourne though.

[Utemad]

Just checked ebay and you can get the 12v fluoro bulbs for about $20 each
12V 13W B22 Cool White Compact Fluoro Light Bulb CFL - eBay, Other Solar Panels, Solar, Electronics. (end time 03-Jun-10 22:54:29 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/12V-13W-B22-Cool-White-Compact-Fluoro-Light-Bulb-CFL-/370315626148?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Solar&hash=item56388806a4)

Or $10 each if you buy 10 of them.
10 x 12V 13W B22 Warm White Compact Fluoro Light CFL - eBay, Other Solar Panels, Solar, Electronics. (end time 02-Jun-10 18:39:16 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/10-x-12V-13W-B22-Warm-White-Compact-Fluoro-Light-CFL-/370344323965?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Solar&hash=item563a3deb7d)

Interestingly though Evakool say their Torpedo is 13w and is equivalent to a 100w incandescent bulb whereas the 13w ebay ones say they are equivalent to a 55w incandescent.
You can buy Evakool bulbs for RRP$17 though.

[Chucaro]

I would love to have an Aladdin lamp like I used back home, but I cannot get them here :(

[B92 8NW]

I would love to have an Aladdin lamp like I used back home, but I cannot get them here :(

Yes you can. What type of Aladdin? A pressure lantern or mantle wick lantern?

[shining]

I don't think that you can go past the coleman dual fuel for that camping feel around the fire and we use 60 LED 12v worklights inside the camper. I just transport the coleman inside the disco to save the mantle. Only done one in five years!

[Chucaro]

Yes you can. What type of Aladdin? A pressure lantern or mantle wick lantern?

Wick are cheap to replace, I think,and mantle have great light but expensive to replace.
Do you know from where I can get them?

[EchiDna]

Wick are cheap to replace, I think,and mantle have great light but expensive to replace.
Do you know from where I can get them?

T W Sands & Co: citysearch (http://melbourne.citysearch.com.au/E/V/MELBO/0054/61/63/)

great for colman parts too!!

[Bushwanderer]

Hi utemad,
I don't want to influence your decision in any way, but I think it only fair to mention that 4x4 equip do online orders (and very efficiently too).

Best Wishes,
Peter


Just looked up the 4x4 Equip website and they sell the Versalite 12v fluoro for $120.
They also sell 11w fluoro bulbs for $14 but they are not the same as the Nelson ones. They look to be a push in fitting.

They seem to only have a store in Melbourne though.

[awabbit6]

With kids around, we weren't keen on a fuel lantern so went for 12V. We have two of these 8W single flouros from BCF (https://store.bcf.com.au/ProductDetails.aspx?PLU=116550) ($22). They are also available as a twin tube version.

https://store.bcf.com.au/Images/Common/116550.jpg

The are sold as a marine light but they were cheaper than camp lights. I just had to fit a cig lighter plug on the end. We use one inside the main camper tent and one one in the annex. For the one inside, I used some good quality adhesive velcro to attach it to one of the hoops of the tent.

We also have a rechargeable Coleman flouro lantern. Lasts for around 4 nights on one charge and it is very bright.

http://www.colemanaustralia.com.au/uploadedImages/MetallicRetroLantern.jpg

[John W]

Just picked up an Aldi LED rechargeable work light. No idea how long it will run on a charge but it is a good size, has a strong magnet so would easily sit on a tent ridge pole has 3 light settings. If I am going past I will get a second. Dirt cheap. Will recharge on 240v or 12v.

[Utemad]

This looks like a simple interesting project if you've got some spare full sized fluoros around. I'll give it a go if an appropriate fluoro comes my way.
Fluorescent Inverter (http://talkingelectronics.com/projects/FluorescentInverter/FluorescentInverter.html)

I also discovered today my brother has an ARB adventure light and has done for a few years. So I'm going to borrow it to see what its like next time I go camping and then I'll see where that takes me.

[austastar]

Hi,
for years we used gas lanterns, but have recently gone for a Dual Fuel Coleman North Star Lantern.
Gives us light and warmth.
No Kiddie Winks around our camp any more though.
cheers

[shining]

Dual fuel is no hotter than gas. And it only gets touched once:o.

[subasurf]

I would love to have an Aladdin lamp like I used back home, but I cannot get them here :(


Try ebay mate.

[HangOver]

Supercheap 12v fluro, $10ea about a foot long.
Had mine for about 5years and I havent exactly been gentle with them.

[Hoges]

Yep this is what we use, got the idea from here campertrailers.org.

tuco's 12volt lights (http://www.campertrailers.org/tuco%27s_lights.htm)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/738.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/739.jpg

The globes
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/740.jpg

I got some desk lamps from Vinnies and made some up, using the Nelson globes, they through out good light.

Baz.



Same as above but use standard 240V 11Watt "warm white" $4 cheapies from Woolies and run them off a 150W inverter....

[adonuff]

We use a couple of versalites, and these 12v Nelson fluros, mounted in normal 240v type fittings (but with 12 v leads etc)

Nelson Industries Australia - Products (http://www.nelsonlamps.com.au/viewprod.aspx?pid=302414)

Bought the Nelson globes at Bunnings ... search for them ... they are there somewhere.

Hi Just made this up on the weekend, went to Bunnings(Melton Vic.) and some of the Nelson 12v globes were on special for $10.00, the old lamp was sitting in the shed and the cig plug cost $4.00 from Super crap. Total $14.00
Andrew

[TerryO]

I have several different lights but the one we use most is one of those four panel Colman LED lights, the one where each panel can be unclipped. It works well as a light for a camp sight or upto four individual torchs if needed.

It is great if you hang it from a rope but the light is so bright I usually take one of the panels out so it lights up 75% of the campsight and not the quarter I'm sitting in.

It uses heaps of D sized batterys but they claim 70 odd hours of usuage which is pretty damn good.

cheers,
Terry

[waynep]

Got a few prices today.
Nelson 12v fluoro bayonet bulb from Bunnings $34.55
Evakool Torpedo fluoro light from TJM $100
ARB twin fluro light from ARB $69

There is also a whole range of cheapies from about $15 but I want something that will last.

Couldn't find anyone who sold Versa-Lite gear.

I would avoid the ARB Adventure light if that is what you are referring to. I have one and it is poor quality compared to the Versa Lite. ( which i also have ).
They look the same but are not the same.
Versa Lite and the Pirahna light are the same thing.

[86mud]

I have two of these. The first one I have had since 1990 and it's never missed a beat. They give out awesome light and don't sap the battery.


They are not cheap at $200 plus

Cheers
Andrew

[Pedro_The_Swift]

We have a couple of different 12v flouro's,, but the light is quite poor,,

Do they make 12v LED camping lights?

The mechs use the battery powered ones at work and they are very good.

I didnt go to all that trouble of running dual voltages in the camper to then have to buy D cells:p

[waynep]

Do they make 12v LED camping lights?




Yers they do now, ARB have them and probably others. I don't think the light output is yet as good as the Versa Lite though.

[stace70]

We converted all ours over to 12v led lighting in our camper. We have two of the 48 led one's from whitworths to do a 19ftx8ft annex with plenty of light to read, play cards, cook (Whitworths Marine: Slim White Light Board Super Bright 48 LED'S (http://www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?cat=123&item=49504&intAbsolutePage=2)) ...these things only use .32 amps as well...never looked back

[Utemad]

ARB and versalite have LED versions but I think the LED lights hve less spread and they cost more.
There are plenty of cheapy versions too.

I was in Roma last week and one of their camping stores had the Evakool Torpedo light for $139!

[Pedro_The_Swift]

We converted all ours over to 12v led lighting in our camper. We have two of the 48 led one's from whitworths to do a 19ftx8ft annex with plenty of light to read, play cards, cook (Whitworths Marine: Slim White Light Board Super Bright 48 LED'S (http://www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?cat=123&item=49504&intAbsolutePage=2)) ...these things only use .32 amps as well...never looked back

and only a 400kay round trip to buy one,,,:p;):D

maybe they'll deliver:angel:

[Rosco]

Versalite or similar flouro lights. Very little power draw and safe around kids. No mantles to break and no hot lights for kids to knock over/touch.


x2 .... can't beat em. Just buy good gear and not cheap crap. Much better in the long run.

[Outlaw]

I'm sure someone could buy them and post to you Pedro ;)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I think I have a friend in the trade,,,,;)

too bad I need them tomorrow----:D:D

[d3syd]

I prefer warm light so I use a variety of mantle lamps. For a hand held torch though I have a LED Lenser X21, supposedly one of the worlds most powerful torches. 1068 lumens, 300 hours burn time and blindingly bright :)

[Bundalene]

There have been a number of people mention Versa-Lite.

http://www.burnbrite.com/pdf/Versa-Lite%20Portable%20Fluorescent%20Lead-Light.pdf

We have used one of these for about 20 years of camping, an excellent investment. We used to have portable mantlle lights prior to this, but what a PITA.

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/2535/dscn1396z.jpg (http://img571.imageshack.us/i/dscn1396z.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

This rolls up into a compact bundle and is kept in our back door pocket of the Defender.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/7028/dscn1401t.jpg (http://img692.imageshack.us/i/dscn1401t.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

And to be an Australian made product as well.

Erich.

[Utemad]

I got a list of Versalite sellers near me from their distributor.
No one on the list stocks Versalite products. Order only. Only one place could give me a price of $120.
Really makes you want to buy their products.
The sellers were all Ideal Electrical and Haymans although I called some IE and H stores that weren't listed and they didn't deal with Versalite at all.

[waynep]

I got a list of Versalite sellers near me from their distributor.
No one on the list stocks Versalite products. Order only. Only one place could give me a price of $120.
Really makes you want to buy their products.
The sellers were all Ideal Electrical and Haymans although I called some IE and H stores that weren't listed and they didn't deal with Versalite at all.


I think it has been mentioned previously that the Piranha Premium Flouro and Versa Lite are the same thing- both made by Burn Brite just different label.
Piranha Fluro (http://www.piranhaoffroad.com.au/index.php/default/piranha-premium-fluro)

Piranha has distributors as per the link
State Regional Distributors (http://www.piranhaoffroad.com.au/index.php/default/cms/distributors/australia/state-regional-distributors)

[woody]

anyone know anything about these, they seem ok and quite tough. The local Opposite Lock had one on the shelf.

Twin Duo 90 Flex Yellow or White 12V LED Strip Light - Camping Accessories - Lighting - 4wd Recovery Gear | 4wd Accessories | 4wd Equipment and Camping Gear Australia | Axe and Shovel Holder | Combo Shovel | Synthetic Winch Rope | Camping Lights| Aut (http://www.4x4equip.com.au/showProduct/Camping+Accessories/Lighting/IDH-34-5)

[Radz]

Use a Coleman dual fuel single mantle lamp myself. Brilliant light and versatile. If there are kids about hang it up in a tree for safety.

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Absolutely love our versalight. We also have a torpedo flouro which is good too. A while ago at fraser I remember our single versalight casting shaddows behind a mates camp that he had lit with two gas lanterns. Pretty impressive stuff.

I see versalight have a LED version now. Would be interesting to see what that one is like.

[woody]

anyone know anything about these, they seem ok and quite tough. The local Opposite Lock had one on the shelf.

Twin Duo 90 Flex Yellow or White 12V LED Strip Light - Camping Accessories - Lighting - 4wd Recovery Gear | 4wd Accessories | 4wd Equipment and Camping Gear Australia | Axe and Shovel Holder | Combo Shovel | Synthetic Winch Rope | Camping Lights| Aut (http://www.4x4equip.com.au/showProduct/Camping+Accessories/Lighting/IDH-34-5)


I bit the bullet and bought one of these on the advice of the bloke behind the counter. A bit fiddley as the plug and switch does not come wired up which would make it great for hardwired applications. 5 minutes with the soldering iron and it was done.

I'm currently testing it and I'm impressed with it so far, throws out good light (white and/yellow) with no heat.

[Utemad]

I've got a hold of my brother's ARB Adventure light. It seems pretty good in the driveway but I really need to use it on a trip in the camper.

I called the only Pirahna distributor near me and they don't stock the Pirahna/Versalite. They do stock the 4x4 Equip light though. I didn't think anything of it at the time but 4x4 Equip sell the Versalite so it is probably the same thing.

[incisor]

i sell the Piranha Premium Fluro light. Aust made. 5yr Warranty, incl inline,switch/bag/adapter/clips $129.00 plus post... (about $10)

as well as most things piranha

dave's interesting things
(http://www.davesitshop.com/davesitshop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=131)

[waynep]

I've got a hold of my brother's ARB Adventure light. It seems pretty good in the driveway but I really need to use it on a trip in the camper.

I called the only Pirahna distributor near me and they don't stock the Pirahna/Versalite. They do stock the 4x4 Equip light though. I didn't think anything of it at the time but 4x4 Equip sell the Versalite so it is probably the same thing.

The light output of the ARB Adventure light is basically the same as the VersaLite/Pirahna/Burn Brite Lite. They use the same tube and similar inverter design.
However the general construction and quality of the ARB light is not up to the Versa Lite IMHO - the ARB light is probably a chinese copy of the Aussie made product.. ( as are many things these days )
I have both, the ARB light which is 5 years old is fairly stuffed but the 8 year old Versa Lite is still going strong.

LED lighting is the way of the future - very robust, simple design, and low current - however I am yet to see an LED camp light that matches the lux output and light spread of the flouros. This will change over the next couple of years as LED technology improves, I am sure.

[Utemad]

Just thought I'd add this in.

http://www.primusaustralia.com.au/pdf/pg_65_HL12V_PowerLight.pdf

Primus 12V Power Light 11W Fluro 1AMP Draw *Brand New* - eBay Other Lamps, Torches, Lamps, Torches, Camping, Hiking, Sport. (end time 29-Jul-10 12:14:07 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Primus-12V-Power-Light-11W-Fluro-1AMP-Draw-Brand-New-/230502137274?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Sport_Camping_Hiking_Lamps_Torches&hash=item35aaff7dba)

Looks to be exactly the same as the ARB Adventure light. Except colour.

I priced the Versalight today at Blackwoods. $136. Two in stock. Too rich for my tastes I think.

I haven't bought anything yet as you may have guessed.

[rovercare]

i sell the Piranha Premium Fluro light. Aust made. 5yr Warranty, incl inline,switch/bag/adapter/clips $129.00 plus post... (about $10)

as well as most things piranha

dave's interesting things
(http://www.davesitshop.com/davesitshop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=131)

Please keep it to the markets!

Main Index - AULRO Classifieds (http://www.aulro.com/apc/)

:D

I have a versalite, cost me half a weeks pay when i was 18, still going strong.....although being pretty ****ed and moving the car to listen to the stereo after a mates car gets a batt flattery tends to end the continuity between the plug and the lead:angel:

[DT-P38]

CAMPER.
Spent the bulk of my camping lighting budget on the battery and bought an 80 amp-hr AGM sealed unit (services fridge as well) then put it in a battery box and added 4 cig plug outlets... camper and camp lighting now comes down to 4 X $7.95 bunnings 12 volt flouro lights around the campsite and in the camper and awning. HEAPS of light from these! By the way, my original one of these is 8 years old and I have only had to scrap/replace only one in the last 5 years. The last light generally gets switched off around 11pm most nights and campfire and head-torch's provide all lighting after that. On the head torches, I just bought a bundle from Aldi (@ $9.95 each) a few weeks ago that have a very bright and large main beam LED, a smaller low spread beam LED and a pair of red 'night vision' style LED's. I haven't been camping with these yet but have been using them around home to great effect! Oh yeah, and we did get a little battery powered sensor LED light for inside the awning for those late night trips to the loo! This was from china via e-bay for around $30 from memory.
CARS.
The vehicles are loaded with upgraded LED interior lights all round, and loading bays have 30 LED bar lights on the tailgates for cooking, etc. Mounted to the roof rack under the awning is also a couple of 12 LED mini spots for over-nighters/boys weekends when swags (or roof top tent) get used instead of camper.

[rrturboD]

We use a versalite 12v fluro, and recently added a 12v compact fluro, in a desk light housing. Mounted it on camper above our kitchen. It made all the difference, and meant that there was ample light for kitchen activities.
Link: Nelson Industries Australia - Products (http://www.nelsonlamps.com.au/viewprod.aspx?pid=302414)
they are in stock at Bunnings.

[Utemad]

Anybody got one of these Col-Lite lights?

COL-LITE PRODUCTS (http://www.col-liteproducts.com/652.html)

Collite Space Fluro Light - WSW-115 - BCF (http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/products/Collite-Space-Fluro-Light-WSW-115.aspx?pid=117301#Description)

Saw one at BCF today. $125 for the 12v Space Light with alligator clips and switch.
You can buy one with a cigarette lighter plug but they didn't stock them. The info in the box told you how to change it to a ciggy plug so I guess changing it yourself won't affect the 12 month warranty.

It was a 15w single tube. Says equivalent to 100w.

Hand made in Maleny, Qld.

Considering I have BCF vouchers I think I'll be a guinea pig if no one else has one. I didn't see much on the net about them but from what was there they got a good rap and seem to have been around a long time.

BCF also had the Primus/ARB light for $80. Same as ARB I think.

Wow this thread might be drawing to a close after all! :D

[The Fish]

I have one of the col-lites and find it a really good camp light. It easily lights the camp area. I am from the Sunshine Coast near the factory so the camping shop I bought the light from had been selling them for 25 years and they reckoned they had never heard a bad thing about them.

The only thing with mine was I had a problem with the original switch playing up. Col-lite replaced the switch and had the light back to me in a couple of days with no problems since (the light rolls around in the back of the Disco permanetly so can handle bumps and knocks well).

I am extremely happy with mine and have been looking at getting another.

[d2dave]

I use the torpedo light. I reckon the light output is as good if not better than most others for half the current drain on your battery.

The torpedo has a 13w globe and draws half an amp of current. This defies the laws of physics. For those that don't know amps= watts divided by volts so 13w divided by 12v= 1.08amps.

I know the torpedo only uses half an amp(500mv) as I measured it.

Dave.

[Utemad]

I bought the Col Lite. Couldn't go past it really as it only cost $25 cash due to vouchers. Just need to fit one of those dual merit/ciggy plugs and then use it next weekend at Double Island Point.

Took a while but I got there!