Many four-wheelers will raise a toast to that statement. All chuckles aside, the point is well made: You can’t have a successful venture on an empty stomach. A typical weekend camper probably doesn’t give much thought to food storage and preparation. Load up a propane stove or a charcoal grill, throw some grub in a cooler and canned goods in a box, and away you go. That process works well for most camping, especially in developed sites. It’s a whole new world off-road, however. Experienced four-wheelers know they must prepare well for the trip. A fully functioning kitchen is a must. Without one, the trip could be a bust, regardless of the scenery and the climate. My camp box is as essential to my off-road driving as the spare tire. I purchased mine, but you can build your own. A quick internet search brings up links to numerous Web sites offering plans, including this one which offers a workbook for sale. http://www.blueskykitchen.com/Grubby_One.html |
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Regardless of whether you build or buy, make sure your box offers a sturdy flat work surface. On some models you can use the top. Others have a pull out shelf. Still others allow you to flip the box on its side and use the door as a work surface. Keep in mind that your camp box isn’t just for camping. If you’re every forced to evacuate, your camp box will become a very important survival tool.
A camp box is as unique as its user. Still, certain essentials are found in nearly all. Those include pots and pans, plates and silverware, cups or glasses, large knives and spoons, matches or a lighter, and even a corkscrew. Add in some non-perishable food items such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cooking oil, flour, salt and pepper. Make sure they’re in small packages or containers. Use a separate box for larger quantities. |
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No need to get fancy with the dishes. In fact, many people use hand-me-downs or goodies they found at garage sales. You’re going off-road, for crying out loud. Do you really want to pack your best stuff? How many pieces of each you need depends on the size of your family and amount of space. Many people pack for a group of four. Take a few moments to calculate your needs. You can always revise that later. |
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This box can be left in your garage. When needed, just toss it into your vehicle. Incidentally, I recommend you mark your cans with a purchase date, and rotate them every 12 months or so if not used. Canned goods actually last for years, but it’s a good idea to keep your stock relatively current. Opened boxes of cereal, crackers, and other dry food should be replaced. Bugs and critters will be in hog heaven at your expense.
An unintended flare up or cooking fire is always a possibility, so when preparing for a trip, remember to inspect your fire extinguisher. Is it still properly charged? Any cracked or broken parts? For more on carrying for and using a fire extinguisher, see Store And Use Your Fire Extinguisher Properly See more helpful Tips for Your Camp Box A properly designed camp box puts a small kitchen right at your fingertips wherever you are. The meal you prepare is so much more satisfying when you’re able to set up your camp kitchen quickly and effortlessly. If you don’t already have one, I suggest you add a camp box to your “honey-do” list. |
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Related Articles from Badlands Off-road Adventures |
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Did you miss the previous article? If so, read it here |
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And check out the new 4 minute video on the Badlands Off-Road Home page. |
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Winch Clinic June 5, 2010We are thinking about adding another Winch Clinic to the Schedule, if there is enough interest. We will hold it on June 5th near Mojave, CA. This one day clinic starts with the basics. By the end of the day you will be safely rigging some complex recoveries. Let me know if you are interested. More Details... You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Winch |
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Free Customer Appreciation Event & trail Ride
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I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.
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Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult
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Copyright 2010, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
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