Truck Camping Photo Thread

Thanks for explaining. I didn't understand what was going on from the photo. +1 for cleaning up public lands.

 

Crom laughed at the high impact winter storm forecast, went camping anyway.

Found a glorious campsite at the end of a lonely trail.

The morning view from the tent.

Family campsite

Breakfast by the fire.

 

This thread makes me ask why I stay in Socialist Republic of Connecticut? It's time to move!

 

you don't have to move to go camping.

 

I get that. Just saying there are much better places to live.........and camp. CT is pretty sad when it comes to 4x4 camping adventures.

 

Do any of you guys use a camp kitchen or chuck box?

I was searching and came across this - http://blog.rei.com/camp/how-to-build-your-own-camp-kitchen-chuck-box/ - and thought it was pretty neat.

Seems like a MUCH better way to keep everything organized and together instead of just throwing it all in a tub.

 

I didn't have the skills to make the REI one, so opted for a more simple design.

 

I usually take three of the storage containers with the yellow lids. One is for firewood, one is general camping gear including a stove. The last is the kitchen tote. It contains one smaller plastic storage box for utensils and spices and a lighter. The rest is for nesting camp pots, plastic and paper plates/bowls, foil, cling wrap, paper towel roll, coffee pot, dishwashing gear, thin cutting board, etc. Using a plastic storage bin keeps everything dry and fairly dust free. They are also lighter than a wooden built up chuck box. Trust me I've wanted a cool custom built chuck box but IMO it isn't necessary. I have a routine when I get to camp and it works well.

 

that looks heavy and awkward to carry ? I don't see any handles, but I assume there's a suitcase style handle on top of the hinged top? I dunno, but I think I'd have a sturdy handle on each side near the top, so you could carry it two handed.

 

Not too far to Vt or NH.

 

I usually just puke all my gear in totes which works but isnt organized at all. Sucks trying to cook dinner in the dark after a long day of fishing when your shits not organized.

Figuring out a way to organize my current situation would be much more cost effective.

 

I have the Coleman Colorado and there's very little storage space for camp kitchens and such, so I made my own collapsing kitchen from a storage shelf unit from Home Depot, an old piece of 1/4" ply, an unused knife magnet and some corrugated plastic sheeting. It collapses into itself and is self-contained.

Then I was LUCKY and found a PERFECT condition Campmate kitchen box- they haven't been made in a few years and are VERY hard to come by. When you do find them, they are missing pieces, in poor shape, and they are pricey! I scored mine last year for $75 on Craigslist and they're awesome!

The last pic is my camp setup using these two things.

 

Nice job!

 

Thanks! I was sick of just having everything in totes or in a few containers in different parts of the camper under the seats. If you can find one of those Campmates, or one of the Beaver Trees, get it.

This is a review from Expedition Portal:

The two boxes are the Campmate camp kitchen (green/tan) and the Beaver Tree camp kitchen (green).




Campmate Kitchen:

Specs:
Footprint: 20.5"x24.25"
Height (closed): 16.5"
Weight (empty): 23.6 lbs

Made of fiber-reinforced plastic and is very strong and solid. Lid is attached using 4 clips, is not hinged, and is completely removable. The front hinges out to each side and creates two small shelves on top. Room for dishes, stove, silverware, etc.






Beaver Tree Kitchen:

Specs:
Footprint: 17.75"x24.5" (15.75"x24.5" for the 'box' area not including the rear ribs)
Height (closed): 19"
Weight (empty): 19.6 lbs

Made of plastic which has some flex to it, but feels lighter weight and the integrated handles make carrying easy. The lid is secured with a metal twist-latch and is hinged in the back using removable pins. The front of the unit hinges downward to create a work surface. Room for stove, silverware, dishes, etc.





The Campmate seems to be the better built unit, but I like that the Beaver Tree kitchen is lighter and seems to fit in my truck better with the way I pack. Both can accommodate a stove on top for cooking. The flip down 'table' surface on the Beaver Tree kitchen is convenient for cooking off a tailgate or out of the back of a truck though the Campmate seems to have more useful storage capacity.

 

Impressive!

 

Thank you. I've changed setups quite a few times until now. This suits our style of camping pretty nicely. And, with more in the camper nice and secure, there's less to go into the garage or basement. The chuck box is nice for tailgating too- I don't need to bring the shelving unit- just cook from the top of the box.

Literally a chuck box and a cooler and it's a mobile site!

As a side note- If you ever need impromptu drawers or boxes, grab some of that corrugated plastic and some zip ties. In the last pic, you'll see a small white drawer with a black paracord pull in the chuckbox- took 5 minutes to cut and make it and I keep bowls and other stuff in there. You can buy it in sheets at Home Depot for like $15, OR you can make things out of campaign signs. It's strong, light, and very easy to use.

There are even plans online to make a chuckbox out of it!

 

https://norfolk.craigslist.org/spo/5979296487.html
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/spo/6000954263.html
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/spo/5967618003.html
https://austin.craigslist.org/grd/5988760515.html
https://denver.craigslist.org/spo/5994447823.html
https://austin.craigslist.org/fuo/5979043748.html

Here's a few for sale now around the country. Used http://www.searchcraigslist.org/

Also, here's someone selling mine on eBay- they're NUTS! $230???
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DOSKO-CAMPM...913886?hash=item21206cad1e:g:FzAAAOSwfVpYoeEQ

 

We have a Campmate we've been using close to 10 yrs. Awesome unit, nice when it's setup, a little heavy and bulky when loaded and folded. But worth it