Hi, just joined (Johannesburg, South Africa)...I have the Coleman Dual Fuel (haven't fired it up yet) as well as the 214 Kerosene lantern (previously loved). Coleman lantern parts are becoming very scarce in South Africa (Packrat has closed down) and looking for other suppliers in South Africa.
Welcome to the form, @Reza Bardien . You are not alone. Coleman lantern and parts, especially the older classic ones, are very rare in my location as well. Perhaps it had been partly due to their high costs of purchase here. There are a number of active South African members here. I'm sure they would be able to provide some information regarding the sources available over there.
There have been some very rare and seldom seen lanterns turned up in SA over the past couple of years.
Amazing responses, especially from local South African aficionados...this is what a 'community' is all about. I've also mailed Coleman (South Africa and Canada) re. their 'lack of' ongoing support for their products and at best I was directed to local, informal 'collectors', many on this group. Maybe I need to embrace 'the search' as part of the adventure, fascination and intrigue;-) It was a huge sense of achievement getting my 214 to operate for 2 hours last night without spluttering...some great advice from Jacob van Pareen!
Hi Reza. Coleman's "lack of support" is a global phenomenon. Despite having made their name with these things, now it is all tents, cool boxes and torches. Even the stoves are now propane or similar. Like all businesses they are following the money - probably why they still exist in their defence.
Hi Fireexit1. From a business perspective, I can maybe understand the direction that they've taken (most campers would not bother with the 'hassle' of liquid fuel stoves and lanterns and may not appreciate the romance of these classics). I wonder what percentage of their clients are attached to and purchase parts for decades old classics vs the 'convenience' camper clients. Do you think there's interest in the 'makers movement' space to tool components for this global loyal base, (possibly under license/quality assurance/guidance from Coleman if 'original' is critical)?
