Running camp lights off a battery...

[shortround1]

I'd run the compact flourescent. They use much less electricity and would probably allow you to run the bulbs for more than just a couple of hours.

yes but make sure they are 12 volts, u can get them at the camper stores. i tried it for a while, bout the time the campfire got roaring the lights went dim, solved the whole problem with a 5500 watt generator. it has enough juice to run our cabin, a/c, lights and even a electric heater.we built a small insulated and fireproof doghouse for it and from the cabin you cant hear it at all.

 

[Hogtown]

A combination of LED's, a Solar Panel and a couple of deep cycle batteries and you got all the lights you want with no need for jumpers, switching batteries etc... The technology is available and reasonably priced.

 

[BIGABOW]

on sale this week!
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200263124_200263124

 

[MudDucker]

Why not just get some propane lanterns and be done with it? I personally would not risk running my vehicle battery down and being stranded.

 

[thomasr]

If you really want to impress the guys at camp you can use any of the outstanding ideas listed above, and then top it off with a DC generator to charge everything back up. Here's a link to a sight that gives detailed instructions on how to turn a lawnmower motor into a DC generator using a GM styled alternator with an internal voltage regulator. There's another variation on the net that uses the whole lawnmower frame for added mobility. I could also see this type of thing used to rescue an electric golf cart that ran out juice.

http://www.theepicenter.com/tow082099.html

 

[redneckcamo]

If you really want to impress the guys at camp you can use any of the outstanding ideas listed above, and then top it off with a DC generator to charge everything back up. Here's a link to a sight that gives detailed instructions on how to turn a lawnmower motor into a DC generator using a GM styled alternator with an internal voltage regulator. There's another variation on the net that uses the whole lawnmower frame for added mobility. I could also see this type of thing used to rescue an electric golf cart that ran out juice.

http://www.theepicenter.com/tow082099.html

seen many a redneck do this exact thing too charge batteries , run lights for camp,fishing ,etc ....works great with horiz. or vert shaft engines !!

BUT THERE IS ALOT OF GOOD INFO IN THIS THREAD FOR A VARIETY OF FOLKS TOO GLEAN IDEAS FROM .....KUDOS TOO ALL YALL WOODYITES !!!

GREAT THREAD !!