mounted flashlights: batteries

[blizz86]

Im thinking of mounting a 3D maglite in my 4runner somewhere but im concerned about wasting these batteries in the heat.
ive noticed (with my small costco techlite) that the light output is dramatically reduced when ive had the light in my car for a while.

im thinking its the heat killing the batteries because once i put fresh batteries in, the different is like night and day!

do you guys notice it as well, and what do you do to prolong the battery life? (besides for park in the shade)

 

[Denisimo]

Get your self quality rechargeable batteries.

Here is a link to best source of batteries and chargers. Largest selection of AAA, AA, C, D, 9V nimh Rechargeable Replacement Batteries, Chargers, Sanyo, Eneloop, Maha, Imedion, Powerex

 

[BucknutBob]

You could always store the batteries in the glove box or center console, separate from the flashlight.

 

[riceandpho]

U should upgrade and get these smaller cree led flashlight, i got one of the cree xml led flashlight and bought the charger and lithium ion batteries, much beighter than my 4d mag, and i did led on that too. Both are good self defense weapons.

 

[KidVermicious]

Flip one of the batteries around in the flashlight. They'll last much longer.

 

[mikebontoft]

what about those shake-weight style flashlights?

 

[BucknutBob]

what about those shake-weight style flashlights?

The ones I've seen are small and not very bright, especially when compared to a Maglite. They DO eliminate the battery question, though.

 

[KidVermicious]

I had one. It sucked. Not bright at all, and you had to shake it again every 10 seconds. It'd be ok I suppose if that was all I had to find my way to the fuse panel in the basement, but they aren't good for much else. Least not the one I had.

 

[jdkilroy]

Have to admit, there is something reassuring about a fist full of mag lite.

I think the two-D is a great size for in the rig and perhaps mounting it beneath the glove box (or even in it) will allow it to stay somewhat cooler.

 

[TechWrench]

Have to admit, there is something reassuring about a fist full of mag lite.

I think the two-D is a great size for in the rig and perhaps mounting it beneath the glove box (or even in it) will allow it to stay somewhat cooler.

I keep my 3D mag light stored on the right side of the drivers seat, wedged between the seat and console. It's not in the way, stays put, and is close by for easy access. I haven't noticed any problems with battery life. I check it every couple of months, and usually have to replace them about once a year.

 

[blizz86]

awesome suggestions.. yea i have a few smaller cree LED flashlights but they are currently using the 3xAAA battery system instead of the larget 18510 or whatever. and thats what ive noticed has the biggest loss of power when its heated in my car. i think reversing the polarity of the batteries, or keeping them out of the flashlight are the most practical .. thanks for the suggestion guys!

 

[BucknutBob]

Have to admit, there is something reassuring about a fist full of mag lite.

The beauty of these beasts goes beyond their massive lighting ability--in a pinch, you can even use one as a light-duty hammer and not harm it! Great for self-defense, too (ouch). As for the lighting, I remember helping out a co-worker once, working on a vehicle after sunset, and he had this pitiful cheap flashlight. I grabbed my Mag, hit the switch, and suddenly instead of a small spot being lit up, you could see the whole vehicle clearly! Love 'em.

 

[azshtr]

X2 on a big Mag Light for defense. Ever notice how cops hold them? Up on the shoulder when questioning a person. It makes a great club.

 

[rebelbowtie]

I rely on a stream light stinger rechargeable LED flash light.

 

[bofa]

Anyone try wiring one of the recharging mounts to their vehicle using the 12v adapter?

 

[RandyDaytona]

Anyone try wiring one of the recharging mounts to their vehicle using the 12v adapter?

I have a Streamlight Stinger rechargeable like Rebel has. Mine has the piggyback battery charger, so there are always two fully-charged batteries. It is not hardwired to the battery - if that's what you mean. It's just plugged in via the AC outlet. I've had it in the same vehicle for 3+ years continuously and I've never had a problem with it.

It's the model pictured below:

 

[RandyDaytona]

Oh, and it's probably not the greatest flashlight for self defense. For that, I have these: an Asp collapsible baton and an old-school, side-handled PR-24 that I was issued back in the day.

 

[rebelbowtie]

Oh, and it's probably not the greatest flashlight for self defense. For that, I have these: an Asp collapsible baton and an old-school, side-handled PR-24 that I was issued back in the day.

Funny I have a baton in my truck too, old school like the one you were issued. You can see it here between my center console and the passenger seat.

 

[FWP]

what about those shake-weight style flashlights?

A waste of money.

 

[JP5EDC]

That streamlight looks really nice, the rechargeable battery with the built in 110v is a great idea. I'm looking for a nice cr123 powered led flashlight. The heat and cold doesn't affect the cr123 batteries much.