Car Camping / Trip Reports / Photos / Buildouts / “Overland” / Expedition Rigs Area (homeless?)

Thinking about a mount like this for inside the bed.

A SUV would definitely pose a challenge.

 

Awesome! Few questions!

* How long does it last on a tank (What size you running)
* How does the heat compare to the real deal? Do the rocks radiate enough for it to be useful?

 

Not sure what camp setup it was but we used one a last year. It was pretty nice to have since there were fire restrictions although it did use a lot of propane. @Digiratus could tell you what it was.

 

I followed Crom's lead on this item and have no complaints. It works like a champ.

 

I think a 20lb (4.2 Gallon) bottle will run about 6 hours on high.
An 11lb (~2.5 Gallon) bottle with run for about 3 hours on high.

To get more accurate, find the BTU consumption rate for the pit. Every pound of propane contains 21,591 BTU.

It's my understanding that every propane bottle can only be filled to 80% capacity.

Here are some pics...

Wife pic, flame on low


Solo trip pic, flame on low


Wife and kids, flame on high

 

Ordered one of these after seeing one in person.

http://quikfire.com/index.htm

 

I have hauled propane bottles many different ways.

It is technically wrong to do it in an enclosed space. The bottle should also remain upright at all times.

And during transit the OPD valve must be clear of all fasteners, and must be protected by a cover.

OPD valves will not release propane even if opened as long as their is no fitting in them. Do not use a plug with these style valves. OPD valves can be easily identified by a triangle shaped handle on the valve.

Here are some pics.

 

X2, as is the case with everything I stole from Crom.

 

On the subject of propane, I wrote up a propane volume to cooking time equation in my thread awhile back. Although @Crom's post reveals that one of my figures is off by a few btu, but it's pretty darn close. To the math savvy folks, please check my math, it's never been my forte.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacostig-pnw-mt-build.359720/page-32#post-12204692

To estimate how many meals I could cook with a 6lb tank I needed to find the total Propane Usage Time.



The Variables:
Amount of Propane: P = 6 lbs
Heating Value of Propane: H = 21,600 BTU/LB
Maximum Heat Output of Grill: B = 20,000 BTU/hr (Single Burner)
k Factor: 0.74 (Single Burner, Medium Heat)

To solve Propane Usage Time:
T = (6lbs)(21600 BTU/LB)/(0.74)(20,000 BTU/hr) = 8.75 hrs

How many meals can be prepared: (Single burner, Medium heat)
8.75 hrs of gas / 30mins cooking time = 17.5 meals per tank
8.75 hrs of gas / 15mins cooking time = 35 meals per tank

 

I feel like that may be doable then, even at that weight. I was going to use 1/2" for the top and for all the drawers and use 3/4" or 1" for the center support and the cross members.

 

You are right, I seem to remember 3/4" weighed 25 pounds for some reason. (used to work at a lumber yard) Getting old I guess.

I don't know about your math, but I have a hillbilly smoker made out of a mini fridge that runs on a single coleman propane burner. The little 2 pound disposable bottles last for around 10 hours on low. I use a small cast iron pan that gets hot enough to turn wood chips to ash. Maybe not hot enough to sear steak, but certainly hot enough to cook bacon, eggs, etc.

 

This is what I use during fire bans.


http://campfireinacan.com/

No pictures of it in use. Its a great product, light and compact (16.5 pounds, Dia 15", H 10.5") 64,000 BTU's and the aluminum canister top also serves as a stand and a carrying case.

 

Campfire in a can has folded taking a large amount of investor money from the Campfire in a can V2 Kickstarter campaign. I strongly suggest you search out any spare parts you may need now before they are gone forever.

 

I would do the opposite. 3/4" for the top and 1/2" for the bottom and supports. Plywood is very strong in compression but weaker when spanning voids.

 

This for sure. Span is the bigger concern.

 

Some simple skeletal ribs cut out of the same 1/2" could resolve that though and still allow you to use the lighter 1/2" ply.

 

Question for those of you that have built bed drawer systems or sleeping platforms - Are you coating all of your lumber with a clear stain / sealer or urethane product for longevity ?

 

That's where the supports come in, that way it never spans more than about 24" at most.

 

True, and since King Starboard has some decent deflection charts a little time spent calculating loads could probably net a decent weight savings as opposed to winging it.

Not necessary IMO. Used my last setup for ~7 years or so unfinished without issue, don't expect any problems with the current setup. I do have a dry storage location though, and pull everything out anytime it won't be getting use for a week or more.

 

For those that have not see the flyer yet. This Saturday is the Swap Meet & Greet! We'd love to see you there, and check out your setups!!