Archive - Aluminium Camper Forum

Everything Camping => General Q & A => Topic started by: catmanriff on February 10, 2016, 02:22:52 PM

Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 10, 2016, 02:22:52 PM
I had no idea what that even meant until digging into organization of my camping pack..  After looking at a number of incarnations, I may attempt something for our camp kitchen. We've had every meal outside so far in the past couple years. Something that could hold paper towels, cookware, utensils, spices, aluminum foil, heat pads, coffee pot, dishwashing stuff, etc may be pretty cool to have. 

http://blog.rei.com/camp/how-to-build-your-own-camp-kitchen-chuck-box/

http://mycampkitchen.com/product-overview/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqYfYo0kVSk
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: daplumbr on February 10, 2016, 04:14:06 PM
Cool. Sure beats dumping it all in a plastic bin and having to dig through it with a shovel to find a salt shaker, which will have spilled its contents in the bottom of the bin, creating a salty mess that means you give up on making dinner and have cereal for the 13th time in a row, which, for some reason, tastes very salty.   
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: admin on February 10, 2016, 04:52:59 PM
This is one of my favorite ideas. My only problem with it was that as I designed it I realized between the wood and the gear I would put in it, it would become heavy...very heavy. If I was just car camping I'd have done this in a heartbeat.

-Sean
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 10, 2016, 05:39:05 PM
[quote source="/post/18577/thread" timestamp="1455135246" author="@sandroad"]Cool. Sure beats dumping it all in a plastic bin and having to dig through it with a shovel to find a salt shaker, which will have spilled its contents in the bottom of the bin, creating a salty mess that means you give on making dinner and have cereal for the 13th time in a row, which, for some reason, tastes very salty.   [/quote]were you parked next to us last summer?  :)

I put everything into two plastic tubs but I got tired of leaning over and it wasn't at the right height on a table. It wasn't a horrible solution but I'd rather have the stuff I always need in something I can close up
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 10, 2016, 05:48:02 PM
[quote source="/post/18581/thread" timestamp="1455137579" author="@admin"]This is one of my favorite ideas. My only problem with it was that as I designed it I realized between the wood and the gear I would put in it, it would become heavy...very heavy. If I was just car camping I'd have done this in a heartbeat.

-Sean[/quote]Yea, I realized that as well. So, I was looking at a simplified version. Maybe a shell out of poplar plywood then plastic drawers. 

http://www.amazon.com/Sterilite-20439002-Drawer-Medium-Desktop/dp/B006VPLR7S/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0Q6MDDPYCWQ9WBSHDM3E


I'd probably mount a paper towel dispenser, then a divider, then drawers. I'd probably use bungee cords into eye hooks to hold things in, instead of wood shelves or drawers..

we'll see
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: peislander on February 10, 2016, 06:40:37 PM
It would be cool to try making one with a rugged, sexy, aluminum case like this:

[video src="https://youtu.be/vJPcp8dRyCc"][/video]
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: peislander on February 10, 2016, 06:59:04 PM
I thought this was neat too:


[video size="large" src="https://youtu.be/fYXYNXnPJeQ"][/video]
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 10, 2016, 07:26:15 PM
Aluminum would be great. expensive however. Those storage boxes are very cool. wonder if any have a removable lid so you could orient the box opening sideways?

Love the Jeep slide out design.

I'm going to leave the camp stove and cookware out of my attempt. 

included:
paper towels
coffee percolator
coffee
spices
oils/Pam
utensils-tongs, spatula, spoon, can opener
heat pads
over mit
knives
cutting board
colander
tin foil, plastic wrap
ziplock bags
matches/lighter
dish soap, dish brush, dish towels, scouring pads






Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: farmboy on February 10, 2016, 08:52:53 PM
This looks promising.  

http://www.amazon.com/Camp-Chef-Sherpa-Table-Organizer/dp/B005DTEM2U/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1455151598&sr=8-11&keywords=camp+kitchen
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 10, 2016, 09:10:57 PM
yea, good find. that's pretty cool. $100 seems really fair. Depends on the quality of zippers and nylon perhaps. Those zippers will be used a zillion times and undoubtedly I'll spill on the nylon compartments. 
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: mitch on February 11, 2016, 08:58:25 AM
I have friends that use these, both are nice but of course they take up travel space.


http://smile.amazon.com/Outdoor-Portable-Camping-Kitchen-Environment/dp/B00LMIWW1O/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1455195383&sr=1-1&keywords=camping+kitchen


http://smile.amazon.com/Camp-Chef-Sherpa-Table-Organizer/dp/B005DTEM2U/ref=sr_1_6?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1455195383&sr=1-6&keywords=camping+kitchen
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: admin on February 11, 2016, 10:03:10 AM
If we are going rugged why not add something like this http://amzn.to/1o28tCL
It fits the Jeep theme :)
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: admin on February 11, 2016, 10:10:16 AM
I also wanted to mention that after I gave up on the chuck box idea I still needed something to organize my "kitchen". The wife and I think we have a solution. We are going to use one of these hanging organizers ( http://amzn.to/1Q9mRQj ) in combination with these storage containers ( http://amzn.to/1QXX80k ). The idea being that each box will have a dedicated purpose such as cooking tools, cleaning, paper towel / bags. We even have a taller one with a integrated organizer that holds our entire set of plates/bowls/cups/silver ware. We figure we can hang the whole system from a tree, the typical lantern hook on site, or even from our 10x10 canopy. For us its all about being modular and this fits the bill. Oh and when its time to pack up, the storage bins stack nicely in the cabinets and the hanging thing collapses to nearly nothing.

-Sean  
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 11, 2016, 02:43:31 PM
those are great ideas. Many of the camping spots we will frequent have bears. I think I'd like a solution that at least closes up and latches...not that it will make it un interesting, but might possibly survive. Something that could sit atop a table, unlatched /unfolded and would be ready to access. That's the thing about the Sherpa table i'm uncertain about. As it stands now, the food goes into ice chests, into the truck, the "kitchen" goes into heavy duty plastic tubs.
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: admin on February 11, 2016, 05:19:52 PM
I should probably put more thought into setting up camp to avoid attracting bears, but I haven't had the need. I'm more concerned about keeping squirrels and raccoons out of our food. Those freak'n raccoons are smart, especially if they have been around camp grounds for a while. I keep as much food in the truck as possible while we are not actively eating, but with a little one running around and a dog, its not always easy to keep the food out of the way. Life was so much simpler while backpacking lol
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 12, 2016, 12:02:20 AM
I have a friend who makes furniture..and guitars. I might sketch out some plans and I'm certain he'll better them. The plastic tub I had most of this same stuff wasn't light either but i realize the plywood box will undoubtedly be heavier. But, I had two skillets and two sauce pans in it. So, If the Magma cookware idea works I may include those. The idea, in which I elaborated on in the other thread,  is to be able to pack everything up quickly, and maximize these two day, three night mini trips.

the "kitchen" setup might be two tables, grill on one, chuckbox on the other. Or, depending on what I decide on the grill, one table with campstove and chuckbox. Grill might be rolling cart type.

again, it's nearly as much fun planning and contemplating as doing!
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: admin on February 12, 2016, 09:47:37 AM
I like the chuckbox designs that have the camp stove on top, then the front panel folds opens towards you in the front. It is then supported by a small chain or rope, in essence giving you a small counter type area right in front of the stove. Then of course maybe a fold out side table or something as well :)

I see so many options in my head :)
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: tag9147 on February 12, 2016, 12:21:54 PM
With the toy hauler we are using a full size grill, but would love something with a small sink!
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: admin on February 12, 2016, 01:48:45 PM
@tag9147, you could integrate something like this into your system http://amzn.to/1TX7a4L
they are all over the place. I've used it and I like it, but i've taken it out of the camper simply b/c we dont use it enough.

-Sean
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: scout on February 12, 2016, 06:41:28 PM
http://uncrate.com/stuff/camp-champ-mobile-kitchen/


I think this one is my favourite so far. The price isn't though...
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 12, 2016, 09:05:50 PM
very nice. ouch $
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: admin on February 13, 2016, 12:12:28 AM
For that price it better come fully stocked. Talk about sticker shock.
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 13, 2016, 01:26:30 AM
yea. it should come with filet mignons and au gratin potatoes...and maybe some cash stuffed into compartments.

so, today I ordered an O grill by Napoleon . tomorrow the magma cookware. then we'll see if I can fashion a chuckbox..
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: peislander on February 13, 2016, 02:47:23 PM
For those times when a liquid lunch feels right I'd like to have one of these...



(http://s29.postimg.org/qp9vq26cn/089018765423.jpg)
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: scout on February 13, 2016, 02:52:49 PM
This one is a bit lighter, but again...ouch on the wallet. It's the airstream of kitchens/bar and would match well with the AL theme...

http://www.kanzoutdoors.com/field_bar.html

Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 13, 2016, 03:01:15 PM
[quote source="/post/18678/thread" timestamp="1455389569" author="@scout"]This one is a bit lighter, but again...ouch on the wallet. It's the airstream of kitchens/bar and would match well with the AL theme...

http://www.kanzoutdoors.com/field_bar.html

[/quote]gorgeous. I'm afraid the decimal point is way to far over to the right. 

I'm shooting for $200! So mine will have far less of..well, all of that beauty and materials. 
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: livinthegoodlife on February 22, 2016, 12:50:43 PM
We have something called a Campmate.  It came with lightweight dishes and cups.  The top fits a campstove.  The front swings open to reveal a place to put utensils a small coffee pot, tin foil and whatnot.  The two swing out doors hold seasonings.  Two flap up plastic pieces become a small table on each side.  It has a paper towel holder and the top when removed can act as a sink for dirty dishes.  The best thing we ever bought at Sam's Club a few years ago.  It is made of a heavy duty plastic.
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 22, 2016, 02:46:33 PM
this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Campmate-Organizer-Place-Settings-Green/dp/B0000B15CR
Title: the Chuck Box...
Post by: catmanriff on February 22, 2016, 02:51:05 PM
lots O pictures , ideas

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/128352658103392641/