Synopsis:
If you need a dependable, heavy duty emergency light source or a light source for camping or other outdoor activity, you can not do better than the Coleman Retro Rechargeable Family-Size Lantern (Model 5312-750). With a rechargeable 12V sealed lead acid battery (which offers slower drain, longer operating time), this lantern will provide you with up to nine hours of light on a single, full charge. The 11 watt fluorescent spiral U-tube, it provides you with a brighter, whiter light. And the reflector directs light upward and outward to create more efficient lighting.
The bulb will operate in as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures for outdoor use. It will give you light for nine hours on the low setting and six hours on the low setting. On a full discharge, recharge time is 16-18 hours and can be done with the included 120V AC Adaptor or the 12V DC Cigarette Plug which is conveniently stored inside the base.
In addition to the low and high setting with the fluorescent bulb, there is a built-in nightlight which glows yellow. It is not stated how long this will run but I tested it overnight and it was still working.
Both bulbs are easy to replace. The 11 watt fluorescent bulb is replaced by removing one screw from the glass, unscrewing the glass and final release is done with a quick release lever. The nightlight is replaced simply by unscrewing the cap on the side of the base. It cannot be any easier!
Back in September 2005, in my apartment, we suffered a power outage at around 2 AM. A drunk driver crashed into a pole and knocked out power for several blocks. We had no flashlights ready, phone died because it was cordless and my ventilator had no backup power source. My mother had to go door to door at our apartment complex to find a neighbor to call 911 for me because I needed my ventilator as soon as possible. Too make a long story short, everything eventually worked out. But, after that, I vowed that this stressful circumstance would never happen again!
I got a backup vent, backup batteries, a rechargeable flashlight and a Coleman Retro Rechargeable Family-Size Lantern (Model 5312-750). I bought the lantern on buy.com for $49 but used a $30 offer for signing up for their Visa card. So, I paid about $20 for it.
It really is a great lantern. We had a few more minor power outages for less than ten minutes each. But, a few months ago, there was a fire blocks away and we lost power for over an hour. This time we were prepared! The lantern worked perfectly for the duration without a problem.
Our power is shaky in this area. Our lights are always flickering which worries me but this lantern alleviate much of my worries. It seems most power outages occur at night and this house gets PITCH dark. When the lights out, we’re plunged into 100% blindness, which is scary. So having a portable light source is the number one priority because nothing can be fixed if you cannot see where you’re going. This lantern fits this situation perfectly. It’s bright, it’s durable (all metal casing, with some sturdy plastic and strong glass) and reliable. And recharging is a snap.
Quick Rundown of Features:
– Full Size, Heavy Duty Construction
_ Handle for easy carrying
– Rechargeable from 120V AC outlet or 12V DC port (both adaptors included)
– 11 watt fluorescent spiral U-tube for a brighter, whiter light and cool to the touch
– Reflector directs light upward and outward providing more efficient lighting
– Easy bulb replacement with quick release lever
– Operates up to 9 hours on a single charge
– Built-in nightlight
– Runtime up to 9 hours
– operates in as low as 20 degrees F
Dimensions: 13.8 x 7.8 x 6.3 inches
Weight: 7.2 pounds
Negatives:
I don’t have many negative things to say about this lantern. Just a few minor things. I’d prefer a strong, clear plastic to the clear glass around the light. Glass is too easy to break but it’s not bad here. Also, I read online that this lantern has an auto-on emergency feature but see nothing about it in the skimpy one-page instruction paper that comes with the lantern. That’s the other thing. I think it needs to have a few more pages of directions to describe some features a wee bit more. That’s about it.
Conclusion:
Not much more to say than what I already have. If you need a bright, rechargeable, sturdy and reliable lantern, the Coleman Retro Rechargeable Family-Size Lantern (Model 5312-750) is for you.
Available at Amazon.com, buy.com or just Google it with Froogle for a long list of vendors. It should cost you about $35-50 before shipping.
