An RVer's Review Of Flashlights For RV Camping

Written by Karen on March 15, 2008 | Comments (1)

If you have someone in your life who is a fulltime RVer, I'll bet you have heard this phrase. "Please don't feel like you have to buy me a gift for [insert occasion here]. I just don't have room for anything."

I have had the hardest time convincing my family that I really don't want gifts, unless it is something really useful.

If you really must give an RVer a present, a gift of light is one that is always appreciated.

Flashlights come in such huge varieties, though, that choosing one can be a daunting task.

Here are some of the ones we use the most in our travels...

Mag-Lite (the heavy duty, 16" beast of a flashlight) is my husband's favored one to keep in the truck. It holds 4 "D" batteries, and puts out a fantastic beam of light, which can be seen a long way on a dark night at the side of the road.

While we have never had occasion to take it out of its riding place under the seat of the truck, it is there for us if we ever do need it. Jim changes the batteries in it every 6 months or so, just to keep it in good working condition. It is sturdy and strong enough to use as a hammer or a weapon if you needed it.

This cute little Coleman Companion Lantern Flashlight is one we have had since 1996, when we had a pop-up camper.

A small plastic replica of a Coleman lantern, it is 6.5" tall, and uses four "AA" batteries. It offers 2 "functions". Closed, it is a regular flashlight. Open, it is a cute little lantern to sit on the picnic table. All the children who visit us are allowed to sleep with it if they are afraid of bears.

The Snap-On Crank Powered Radio/Flashlight is the best gift we have received since moving into our RV. This is THE most versatile piece of equipment we have onboard our RV.

It needs no batteries. One minute of cranking the handle on the side, and it creates enough electricity to power the radio for up to 15 minutes, or the flashlight for up to 30 minutes. There is even a female 12-volt plug in the bottom so you can charge up a cellphone if you have a cigarette lighter type of charger for it.

But wait... that's not all! It has Weather Band, NOAA band, AM and FM radio capabilities, too. I don't know for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised to find out that it will float. The whole package weighs less than a half pound, and has a footprint of about 3 inches.