I have used Good Quality Dietz Kerosene Lanterns for the longest time
with no troubles at all.  Although these are not strictly the safest way to
light things the flame presented by the lantern is certainly no more
dangerous than the flame presented by the gas stove. They are rugged and
will take many drops without leaking or bursting into flames as is often
depicted on the cowboy movies when the sherrif throws one into the barn to
burn out the bad guys.
   I carry one or two lanterns, spare kero in a good tight squeeze bottle,
matches, and a flashlight to find these things at night if I am going to be
up for a while. Works great, provides unlimited hours of adequate (and in
some settings, romantic)light with no drain on the Van battery, dosent
attract near the number of bugs as other light sources and will even repel
bugs if you use Citronella oil in the lantern.
   Pick up one and give it a try. Just make sure it is a GOOD lantern like a
Dietz. They come in large and small sizes, the best being tne small.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Doug Demarest
Sent: Saturday, October 16, 1999 10:37 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Interior Lights/rechargeable batteries

I'm about to take off for Mexico in my 86 Vanagon and I'm trying to figure
out a good way to make light in the interior for reading, cooking, etc.
Candles may ignite my curtains and battery operated light will be expensive
and wasteful.  I've searched for a battery charger for AA & C cells that'll
plug into the lighter, but this does not appear to exist.  I'm sure lots of
you have  solved this problem somehow.

Thanks for all the help with the bed last week.  My new home is ready to
roll

Doug
Minneapolis, MN
86 Vanagon