How long should a mantel last?

[Darren]

Newby question. On your everyday camping lanterns how long do your mantels last?

[doug hodder]

Till they break! I've had them last for a couple of years and it was being hauled around in a trailer. I've got 1.5 years on my 242B and a 228 right now. Doug

[Darren]

I'm not doing very well then. Should I replace them with just a small hole? I think I should. Thanks Doug.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I dont have the fancy lanterns like you guys

I just have your typical dual mantel colrman that you can get at Walfart, and I use it so much that I usually have to replace them every other trip. I do a lot of boondocking so the lantern is usually on HIGH for many many hours at a time though.

[gregp136]

We have had them develop a hole after one outing, and we have had them last for years. Personally, I chnage them with a small hole, but as long as they are giving off light, I suppose you could keep using them.

Greg(and Laurie)

[caseydog]

Like Doug says, they last until they break. And, they break at the worst possible time.

I always keep spare mantles with me.

CD

[TPMcGinty]

I find if I have a spare mantle then they last forever. If I don't have a spare then they break right away.

[rainjer]

Yes, if you havfe a hole, replace it. It can create a hot spot in the globe and discolor it.

What mantles are you using? Are they string tie or insta-clip?

Jeremy

[Darren]

The hole was pointed at the globe so I was worried about it, it was my etched globe.

I'm using the tie on mantels but I do have some insta-clip ones. Is one better than the other?

I transport the lantern in it's box standing upright in the blazer.

Thanks

[hotrod]

clip ons suck im my world anyways......

[Shadow Catcher]

We don't use them much any more but ours lasted years (both are single mantle lanterns).

[teardrop_focus]

Shadow Catcher

We don't use them much any more...

You really should do something about that...

doug hodder

Till they break! I've had them last for a couple of years and it was being hauled around in a trailer. I've got 1.5 years on my 242B and a 228 right now. Doug

I've been using and collecting Coleman gas-pressure-mantle lanterns for one year now. I've got a bunch. I use many of them at a time, and frequently.

Although I'm just beginning to use my trailer, I've travelled over 300 miles on two trips in my (half-) teardrop wagon with no mantle breakage, carrying three lanterns on rubber torsion half-axle suspension.

My experience with mantles parallels Dougs's, Greg's and TP's; they can last a very long time if not shaken repeatedly or bounced around too badly in handling and transport... Sometimes a defect in the gauze weave or nick w/ a match can open a hole... holes bigger than what you'd see as a normal weave pattern on vintage mantles I'll replace.

And, like Paul, I think the clip-on mantles fit too loosely on the burner caps, perhaps potentially overheating the lantern ventilator? but overall I'm not fond of them. The stainless clip points can also tear the mantle if the package is mishandled.