How to Use Your Coleman Premium Dual Fuel Lantern: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 06/03/2025

The Coleman Premium Dual Fuel Lantern is a reliable and versatile light source, perfect for camping, power outages, or any situation requiring bright, dependable illumination. Its ability to run on both gasoline and Coleman fuel offers unparalleled flexibility, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and preparedness advocates. This robust lantern, however, requires proper handling and understanding to ensure safe and efficient operation. Knowing how to properly prime, ignite, and maintain your lantern is crucial for maximizing its lifespan and enjoying its benefits.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to use your Coleman Premium Dual Fuel Lantern effectively and safely. We will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process, covering everything from initial fuel preparation to proper shutdown procedures, ensuring you can illuminate your adventures with ease and peace of mind. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Coleman Premium Dual Fuel Lantern
  • Fuel (Coleman Fuel)
  • Funnel
  • Butane Lighter
  • Match
Safety Guidelines
  • Always operate the lantern in a well-ventilated area. Never use it indoors or in enclosed spaces due to carbon monoxide risk.
  • Ensure the fuel valve is completely closed before lighting and after extinguishing the lantern. Never attempt to refill the lantern while it is lit or warm.
  • Keep the lantern away from flammable materials. Maintain a safe distance to prevent accidental burns or fires.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Fueling the Lantern

    • Fill the lantern with fuel outdoors, away from flames and ignition sources.
    • Turn the fuel valve to 'off', close the pump knob firmly, and turn it clockwise.
    • Remove the fuel cap and fill the lantern with clean, fresh fuel using a funnel.
    • Replace and tighten the fuel caps on the lantern and fuel container. Wipe up any spilled fuel.
    Replace and tighten the fuel caps on the lantern and fuel container. Wipe up any spilled fuel.Replace and tighten the fuel caps on the lantern and fuel container. Wipe up any spilled fuel.Replace and tighten the fuel caps on the lantern and fuel container. Wipe up any spilled fuel.
    Fueling the Lantern

  2. Installing the Mantles

    • Install the mantles onto the burners, ensuring the clips engage the groove.
    • Using a butane lighter, light the bottom of the mantle evenly until only white ash remains. Handle with care as it's fragile after burning.
    • Replace the glass globe, ventilator, and nut.
    Replace the glass globe, ventilator, and nut.Replace the glass globe, ventilator, and nut.Replace the glass globe, ventilator, and nut.
    Installing the Mantles

  3. Pumping and Leak Test

    • Pump the lantern approximately 30 times with the fuel valve off and fuel cap closed. Open the pump knob one full turn to the left, cover the hole with your thumb, and pump.
    • Perform a gas leak test. Check for fuel mist, wet surfaces, hissing sounds, or fuel odor. Never use a flame to check for leaks.
    Perform a gas leak test. Check for fuel mist, wet surfaces, hissing sounds, or fuel odor. Never use a flame to check for leaks.Perform a gas leak test. Check for fuel mist, wet surfaces, hissing sounds, or fuel odor. Never use a flame to check for leaks.
    Pumping and Leak Test

  4. Lighting the Lantern

    • Light the lantern by pushing a lit match through the lighting hole and turning the fuel valve to 'high'. If fire appears outside the mantles, there's a leak; turn the fuel valve off immediately.
    Light the lantern by pushing a lit match through the lighting hole and turning the fuel valve to 'high'. If fire appears outside the mantles, there's a leak; turn the fuel valve off immediately.
    Lighting the Lantern

  5. Adjusting Brightness and Shut Down

    • Adjust the fuel valve to achieve desired brightness. The mantles should burn bright white. If not, clean the generator tip.
    • When finished, turn the fuel valve off. The light will dim and go out in a couple of minutes. Allow the lantern to cool before packing.
    When finished, turn the fuel valve off. The light will dim and go out in a couple of minutes. Allow the lantern to cool before packing.When finished, turn the fuel valve off. The light will dim and go out in a couple of minutes. Allow the lantern to cool before packing.
    Adjusting Brightness and Shut Down

Read more: Restore Your Coleman 275 Lantern: A Comprehensive Guide

Tips

  • Always fill the lantern with fuel outdoors.
  • Never use a flame to check for leaks.
  • Handle the mantles carefully after burning, as they are fragile.
  • Clean the generator tip if the mantles don't burn bright white.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Fuel Mixing

Reason: Using the wrong fuel ratio of gasoline and Coleman fuel can lead to poor performance or damage the lantern.
Solution: Always adhere to the manufacturer's recommended fuel mixture ratio as specified in your lantern's manual.

2. Improper Priming

Reason: Insufficient priming or incorrect priming technique can result in the lantern failing to light or burning poorly.
Solution: Follow the priming instructions carefully, ensuring the fuel is properly drawn into the generator before attempting to ignite the lantern.

3. Neglecting Maintenance

Reason: Ignoring regular cleaning and maintenance, such as cleaning the generator and mantles, can cause reduced light output and eventual malfunction.
Solution: Clean the generator and replace the mantles regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

FAQs

My Coleman lantern won't light. What should I do?
First, check your fuel level and ensure the fuel is fresh and clean. Then, verify the generator is properly seated and the mantles are intact and not damaged. Make sure the fuel valve is open and try pumping the lantern several times to build pressure. If it still won't light, check for any obstructions in the fuel line or air intake. If the problem persists, consult your lantern's manual or contact Coleman customer support.