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Cook Anywhere, Anytime With a Camp Box

Death Valley Warm Springs
“No soldier can fight,” the Duke of Marlborough once said, “unless he is properly fed on beef and beer.”
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.

Chuck Box
The foundation of your kitchen is the camp box. Sometimes called a chuck box, the camp box contains many of the tools and non-perishable food items you’ll need. Compact and rugged, it fits neatly into your vehicle and withstands the rigors of off-road driving. When opened up, it offers just about everything you need to get started on your next meal. A camp box turns an ordinary vehicle in to a meals on wheels.

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



Pelican Box
Many folks use Pelican™ cases for camp boxes. Check out their large selection at www.pelican.com.

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.

Pelican Box
A 1610 Pelican Case
What’s in a camp box?

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.



Camp Box
With the box open, this cooks has two surface levels.
As you can see in the accompanying photo, my camp box has a wide assortment of stuff in it. This assortment has worked well for me. Over time, you will find the right combination for your needs.

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.

Camp Box
Next is a box of dry goods, condiments and related staples. These include paper towels or napkins, tin foil, cereal, and bulk quantities of various items in your camp box. Toss in a can or two of soup, tuna fish, and beef broth (if you like making soup). You may also want to include a roll of toilet paper and some handy wipes.

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.

Pelican Organizer
A Pelican organizer for the lid is helpful.
The final container includes your perishable food items. These, naturally, stay in your refrigerator or freezer until just before departure. Pack your cooler with sufficient ice or freezer packs to last for several hours. Plan your trip so that you can get new ice on occasion.

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

Did you miss the previous article? If so, read it here



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Facebook

Badlands Off-Road Adventures now has a Facebook page.



And check out the new 4 minute video on the Badlands Off-Road Home page.


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Winch Clinic June 5, 2010


Winch Class Example

We 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
June 20

Customer Appreciation Event

Don't forget to join us in Hungry Valley SVRA on Sunday June 20th for the FREE customer appreciation event. We have teamed up with 5 of the local 4 Wheel Parts Stores (they are bringing raffle prizes and food). More details are posted on the web site. www.4x4training.com/Adventures/CustAppr.html

You are all invited June 20th! Everyone must register so we have enough food on hand - This is big! www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Cust





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Rocks & Spotting Clinics June 26 & 27, 2010


Rocks Clinic Example

The June Clinics will be in Johnson Valley. This is an introduction to Rock crawling but it is not on "baby" rocks. We take out time and stress careful wheel placement. We use spotters for difficult sections. You learn by inspecting the obstacle and predicting the line; by watching others try their line; by experiencing it yourself; and by the coaching. We recommend you repeat the training several times. You will be much more relaxed the second time over the same obstacles and you will pick up on little details missed the first time. More Details on Rocks...

Register directly at
http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Rocks


Sign up for the Spotting Clinic to be held the next day in the same area. We will hone your spotting skills. More Details on Spotting...

Register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Spotting


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Wine Safari July 24


Wine Safari



Don't miss the Wine Safari. Click here for all details.
Our Wine Master will have a whole new bunch of bottles and some old favorites to taste. Make it a get-away weekend. Camp with us or stay in a local motel.




Register now.
http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#wine.

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Rubicon Trail Adventure August 16- 19, 2010


The Rubicon Trail

The Rubicon Trails is the stuff of legends. It is considered the Grand Daddy of trails. If your vehicle has a weakness, it will find it. Any serious four-wheeler needs to "Do the 'Con" at least once. There is no guarantee of avoiding vehicle damage. Even the most skilled driver can succumb to the fatigue of 12 unrelenting miles of rocks. Just bring a good attitude and the best prepared vehicle you can. This could be a once in a lifetime trip but a lifelong of bragging rights. More Details


You can register directly at http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Rubicon


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Winching & Recovery DVD


Stuck

We have a high quality Winching DVD available for $19.95.

Read the press release

Enjoy!



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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Want To Use This Article In Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter Or Web Site? You are welcome to use it anytime, just be sure to include the following author/copyright information:

Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.

Copyright 2010, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.





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