It is much harder than one might think to get all the features and benefits you need in a camp kitchen chuck box.
Start with your camp kitchen checklist. After all, the main object of the chuckbox game is to get your camp cooking devices into one manageable chuck box that will set up quickly and offer a clean and stable working environment. This makes it easy to go camping quickly without forgetting important devices.
In fact, one person should be able to transport it, in it's fully loaded state, without strain. This is the mistake almost all chuck box builders and even most wood chuck box manufactures make. They use materials like 1/2" plywood which can weight around 50 lbs a sheet. Honestly, even 1/4 Baltic birch is too heavy as it weighs 28 lbs a sheet. The heaviest product we manufacture weighs 25 lbs total in it's empty state. That should be your weight rule because you know it can be done.
Additionally, vibration from roadways ( especially washboard dirt roads ) tends to loosen the mounting screws used for hinges and other metal hardware. This can happen very quickly. Thus, chuck boxes that have been designed by 'real campers' ( those who camp more than, say, ten times per year ) tend to not use metal hardware at all.
Also, be careful of things that 'look' like they would be cool to have. For example, a lantern hung over the cooking and preparation area may 'look' like a good idea but those of us that really camp have learned this also attracts bugs. This, almost certainly, will lead to an unwanted crunch in your food. ;-)
Attachable legs are usually a very bad idea because they either require a great deal of effort ( time ) to attach and/or form a wobbly support system. A stand is a much quicker and stabler means of achieving the right height. How quickly a chuck box sets up is a critical issue.
There are many other design and construction concerns that buyers should scrutinize and builders should consider. We have published a book that sums up the factors to be considered when building and even buying a chuck box. How to Design, Build and Outfit Your Own Camp Kitchen.
Remember also, your camping equipment should be at the center of your survival plan. Give me my camping gear and I can survive, with a large degree of comfort, almost anywhere, for an extended period of time.
And anytime you need a portable outdoor kitchen, be it for tailgating, picnicking, or just barbecuing out back, you'll have everything you need in your camping kitchen box.
The Blue Sky Kitchen Plans Book
is the easy way to get from your shop
to a campsite. It has exact plans to build any of our products.
- READ MORE
How to Design Build and Outfit Your Own Camp Kitchen Learn all the design issues, tricks and secrets before investing in building materials and gear. - READ MORE
