The Coleman 274BH uses D-cell batteries, not rechargeable ones

The Coleman Lantern 274BH does not have a built-in charging system. This lantern runs on four D-cell alkaline batteries that you replace when they run down, rather than recharge. If you see instructions online about charging this model, they are describing a different Coleman lantern — the company makes several versions, and only some accept rechargeable batteries.

The 274BH was designed as a portable camping lantern for occasional use. The trade-off is simplicity: you buy batteries, drop them in, and the lantern works. You do not need a charger, a power outlet, or a charging dock. When the batteries die, you swap in fresh ones.

If you want to use rechargeable batteries in your 274BH, you can buy rechargeable D-cell batteries separately and use them instead of alkaline ones. This is optional — the lantern will work with either type. Rechargeable D-cells cost more upfront but save money over time if you use the lantern regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Coleman 274BH holds four D-cell alkaline batteries and does not charge them internally.
  • You replace the batteries when they drain, just as you would in a flashlight or portable radio.
  • Rechargeable D-cell batteries work in the 274BH if you want to avoid buying new batteries each time.
  • The lantern has no charging port, charging cable, or power adapter — it is designed for battery-only operation.

Where to put the batteries in the 274BH

Open the battery compartment on the bottom of the lantern. You will see a metal or plastic panel held by a single screw or a slide latch, depending on your model year. Unscrew or slide the latch to the side and remove the panel.

Inside, you will find four battery slots arranged in two pairs. Each slot is marked with a plus (+) and minus (−) symbol showing which end of the battery goes where. Insert the four D-cells with the positive end (the flat top) facing the plus symbol. Close the panel and tighten the screw or slide the latch back into place.

The lantern will turn on when ready once the batteries are seated. If it does not light, remove the batteries, check that the flat end is facing the plus symbol, and reinsert them. A loose battery is the most common reason a newly loaded lantern does not work.

How long D-cell batteries last in this lantern

A set of four alkaline D-cells typically powers the Coleman 274BH for 20 to 30 hours of continuous use, though this varies based on the battery brand and the lantern's brightness setting. If your model has a brightness dial, using a lower setting extends battery life significantly — sometimes to 40 hours or more.

Alkaline batteries lose power gradually, so the lantern will not suddenly go dark. Instead, the light will slowly dim over several hours as the batteries drain. When you notice dimming, it is time to replace all four batteries at once. Mixing old and new batteries can cause the old ones to leak inside the lantern.

Rechargeable D-cell batteries typically last 10 to 15 hours per charge, which is shorter than alkaline batteries but acceptable for weekend camping trips. The advantage is that you recharge them at home using a separate D-cell charger, rather than buying new batteries each season.

Choosing between alkaline and rechargeable batteries

Alkaline D-cells are cheaper per battery and last longer on a single set, making them the better choice if you use the lantern only a few times a year. They are also easier to find — most grocery stores and gas stations carry them. The downside is that you will buy new batteries repeatedly, and old batteries can leak if left in the lantern too long.

Rechargeable D-cells cost two to three times more per battery but pay for themselves after four or five uses. They are best if you camp regularly or use the lantern often during the season. You will need a separate D-cell charger, which plugs into a wall outlet and takes 8 to 12 hours to fully charge a set of four batteries.

Some people keep both types on hand: alkaline batteries for trips where they cannot charge at home, and rechargeable batteries for car camping or backyard use where they have access to power. The 274BH works with either type, so the choice depends on how often you use it and whether you have a charger available.

What to do if the lantern will not turn on

First, open the battery compartment and check that all four batteries are seated firmly. Push each one in gently to make sure it is not loose. Loose batteries are the most common reason the lantern fails to light.

Next, verify that the batteries are installed in the correct direction. The flat positive end should face the plus (+) symbol marked inside the compartment. If any battery is reversed, the lantern will not work. Flip the reversed battery and try again.

If the lantern still does not light, the batteries may be dead. This is especially likely if the lantern has been sitting unused for months — alkaline batteries slowly lose charge even when not in use. Replace all four batteries with fresh ones and test again. If a new set of batteries does not work, the lantern itself may have an internal problem, and you should contact Coleman customer service.

Storing the lantern and its batteries

If you plan to store the lantern for more than a few weeks, remove the batteries. Alkaline batteries can leak inside the lantern if left in place during long storage, damaging the contacts and the light mechanism. Store the batteries separately in a cool, dry place.

Rechargeable batteries should be charged to about 50 percent capacity before storage and recharged every few months to keep them healthy. Storing them fully charged or fully drained can shorten their lifespan.

Keep the lantern in a dry location away from direct sunlight. The plastic lens can become brittle if exposed to heat or UV light for extended periods. A garage, closet, or storage box works well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AA or C batteries instead of D-cells?

No. The 274BH is designed for D-cells only, and the battery compartment will not hold smaller batteries securely. Using the wrong size battery will cause poor contact and the lantern will not work reliably. Always use four D-cells.

What brand of D-cell batteries works best?

Duracell, Energizer, and Amazon Basics alkaline D-cells all work well in the 274BH. For rechargeable batteries, EBL and Tenergy are common brands available online. Performance is similar across brands, so choose based on price and availability in your area.

Can I charge the batteries while they are inside the lantern?

No. You must remove rechargeable D-cells from the lantern and place them in a separate D-cell charger. The lantern has no charging port and cannot charge batteries internally. Always remove the batteries before charging.

How do I know if the batteries are dead?

The lantern will gradually dim as batteries drain. If the light is noticeably dimmer than when the batteries were new, or if the lantern barely lights at all, the batteries are likely dead. Replace all four at once for best results.

Is it safe to leave batteries in the lantern when not using it?

Alkaline batteries can leak if stored in the lantern for months, so remove them if you will not use the lantern for more than a few weeks. Rechargeable batteries are safer to leave in place for shorter periods, but removing them is still the best practice for long-term storage.