SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Sept 9, 2014 5:08:24 GMT -8
Some info for first timers with gas light: There are two types of mantles, preformed and tie on. The kind you use depends on the nose piece on your light This is the nose piece for the preformed. The preformed mantle is stiff (but still delicate) and twists into place. It is more expensive, but more durable. However, vibration and movement can harm the mantle (ask me how I know). So if you use it, follow the installation directions and remove it while traveling.  Here is the tie-on mantle nose:  And the preformed mantle:  Tie-on mantle (similar to a Coleman lantern mantle), you can also get a wire clip on style:  clip on:  Also, if you change the nose piece, you'll need to replace the nose seal:  All of the above are found on Amazon and elsewhere online. VTS also has the mantles. Hope this helps someone, as I was clueless about which to buy until I discovered there were two different nose pieces. |
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Sept 9, 2014 5:09:15 GMT -8
Not sure which section I should have posted this. It might be better suited in the propane section?
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Sept 9, 2014 8:21:12 GMT -8
Good information, and photos.
Coleman mantles might be easily available, but will not have the same brightness when you try to use them on your propane gas light. VTS stocks the correct "propane mantles". You need to use a "hard mantle" if your nose ring is broken, but you can reuse the ring, and just tie/clip a new "soft mantle" to it.
It's overly optimistic to think that you can tow a trailer down the road without breaking a gas mantle that has been already pre-burnt. If you get to your destination with the mantle still intact great, but don't count on it. Do NOT blow/breathe on the mantle after it's pre-burnt. Do NOT burn a mantle with even a small a hole in it. For decoration, just tie a new mantle on the ring and do not pre-burn it until your ready to use it (if ever). Note, the mantle MUST be pre-burnt "on the light", then allowed to cool, before you try to light it.
I restore my gas lights to working condition, but they are not used due to excessive heat inside the trailer. If your in a cold area, they work as a great heater.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Sept 9, 2014 8:39:12 GMT -8
One other important thing, do not turn on the gas before you have your flame to light it in place. In other words, light your match and put it in the bottom of the globe and then turn on the gas to the light. If the gas builds up in the globe and you put a match to it, it will explode!
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Post by bigbill on Sept 9, 2014 14:16:14 GMT -8
I have traveled many miles with no harm to a gas mantel then the wind has shook the trailer and they broke. The morale is never ever light a gas light with looking for holes in the mantel as a hole can cause excess heat to radiate toward the glass globe causing it to break. also never let the match flame touch the mantel.
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yas
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Post by yas on Sept 9, 2014 14:29:50 GMT -8
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Sept 9, 2014 14:32:01 GMT -8
In re-reading this thread, one could come away with the thought of "why would I ever want a gas light in a trailer", it's just too much trouble.
I think a 1950's trailer "Has to have a gas light" just for the vintage cool factor. Think of it as a vintage decorator item. It's the same as having a warm amber shellac interior, that screams 1950's. The old style heaters are much the same. A very small electric heater setting on the stovetop will produce more heat than you will need. unless it's snowing outside.
If you choose to not turn on your gas light, that's always your option. If your overly concerned about safety, just cap the copper line under the trailer. But don't toss the light.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Sept 9, 2014 17:04:08 GMT -8
In re-reading this thread, one could come away with the thought of "why would I ever want a gas light in a trailer", it's just too much trouble. I suppose you're right, John. I was one who didn't want a trailer with propane anything. I've always found it a little scary. But when I got the trailer, I had to keep it for the vintage and factor and I also took into consideration the actual benefits of having a light and heat source when dry camping. They really aren't that scary if you know how to use them properly. What seems like an awful lot of trouble to some of us now, was a real convenience back in the day. My dad like to tell me about his grandfather's house which had gas lights inside. That was very upscale for the era and location where there was no electricity. |
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Post by bigbill on Sept 9, 2014 17:38:12 GMT -8
Gas lights are just like OUTHOUSES if that is all you have they are great but with modern led battery powered lights they aren't needed much any more. In the sixties they where a must have but times have changed.  Thank goodness |
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Sept 9, 2014 17:45:55 GMT -8
Just think about it Bill, outhouses are coming back, too. They're just called compost toilets now for those living green and off the grid.  |
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yas
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Post by yas on Sept 9, 2014 18:09:45 GMT -8
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Sept 9, 2014 19:39:22 GMT -8
Gas lights are just like OUTHOUSES if that is all you have they are great but with modern led battery powered lights they aren't needed much any more. In the sixties they where a must have but times have changed. Thank goodness BigBill to the rescue Nice Segway, "from gas lights to outhouses".
Who would have thought they had something in common, LOL.
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Post by vikx on Sept 9, 2014 21:10:01 GMT -8
I agree the gas lights need to be there for the COOL factor. Most of my trailers are plumbed for the light; most owners never use it. I've also wired for 12 volt or 110, not nearly so vintage.
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