I have always been somewhat of a purist when it comes to the good old stick built campfire. However, over the past several years it has become more common to encounter campfire restrictions in the locations that I tend to frequent and/or the level of dryness just gives me pause on whether I want to build a fire even when restrictions are not present. This past summer, I did not build a single campfire.
Approximately 6 months ago I made a modest investment in a portable fire bowl that allows me to have a nice fire instantly and just about anywhere. The bowl I purchased is considered "low profile" at 9" high which allows easy storage and access in the rear storage area of my 2004 IB. The low profile in combination with a 21" diameter also produces a more useable heat radius in comparison to some other fire bowls that I have been around that are taller and either the same or smaller in diameter.
It is awesome to enjoy that morning cup of coffee outside with a fire or even enjoy a comfy fire under the awning when the rain gods decide to pay a visit.
The unit that I purchased is an Outland Firebowl Cypress Model 863. The flame tubes are more of a helix rather than just around the perimeter shape which definitely makes for a more natural looking campfire flame. A standard 20lb. propane tank will last 8 or so hours on high but once the volcanic rocks are optimally heated(20 or so min.) a medium flame setting provides plenty of heat and ambience.
Never say never......:)
Matt
I do want to get a fire pit eventually and that one looks like a viable option. The bigger question in my mind it is where do you store the propane bottle in a MB while traveling?
These have become pretty common among the folks we camp with. Easiest tank storage is in the toad, if you have one.
Steve
Greg, we have two of these 1 gal propane tanks, they fit in the compartment under our frig. They are 11.5" high. Our Little Red Campfire unit runs about 8 hrs on one fillup
(https://www.lazydazeowners.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4404)
There is a 2 gal version which is supposed to be 11.75" high
(https://www.lazydazeowners.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4403)
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA
PS - We have also brought the larger 5 gal propane tank and it travels in the bathroom while we drive since there is no one in there.
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA
"...where do you store the propane bottle in a MB while traveling?"
Hmmm, very interesting! Since the Lazy Bones is already plumbed to fuel a BBQ from the main tank I expect that a propane campfire device such as these could be modified to make the same connection... have to give that some thought! ::)
I have the 2.gal version and it fits snug as bug in an old milk crate. I like the smaller 1 gallon but the.2 gal was full when I got it and free...amazing what people put on the. Curb...lol
We have been using a Camco Little Red Fire Pit for several years and have never looked back at burning wood.
http://www.littleredcampfire.com\
The fire pit is carried in the front passenger seat of the toad, sitting on a towel and seat belted in. The 20-lb propane tank sits on the floor, in front of the passenger seat.
The fire pit is one of our favorite accessories.
Larry
WOW I never thought of using anything but wood. I like the propane fire pits better. Thanks for sharing.
Ron
No more charcoal grilles, no more wood campfires.
Just wait until they ban propane and we are forced to use electric grilles and fake fires.
Curmudgeon Jota
Thanks for the photos and recommendations for propane fire bowls, I have one listed on my second tier, nice to have in a couple years.
Similar to Matt, I still love the whole campfire process, from gathering downed wood, chopping, arranging for the perfect one match ignition, then tending the campfire, feels primeval, a direct connection to my past and ancestors.
Not sure it would feel remotely the same to turn on and off a propane fire bowl like a light switch. But I see how others who hate the wood fire process and smoke would enjoy the bowls.
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Not sure it would feel remotely the same to turn on and off a propane fire bowl like a light switch. But I see how others who hate the wood fire process and smoke would enjoy the bowls.
I agree, learning the ritual of preparing and lighting a fire is a childhood memory that's still pleasurable today.
Most of us propane-pit users still love a good wood fire but our aging lungs, sinuses, and other breathing parts protest the smoke and have had to give it up.
The propane pits reduce the irritation and still provide the ambiance and primal pleasure of sitting around a fire, they are a compromise that brings more of our friends to the circle....not to mention being a lot easier and cleaner to use.
Whatever works.
Larry
I agree, learning the ritual of preparing and lighting a fire is a childhood memory that's still pleasurable today.
Most of us propane-pit users still love a good wood fire but our aging lungs, sinuses, and other breathing parts protest the smoke and have had to give it up.
The propane pits reduce the irritation and still provide the ambiance and primal pleasure of sitting around a fire, they are a compromise that brings more of our friends to the circle....not to mention being a lot easier and cleaner to use.
Whatever works.
Larry
We are always relieved when a campground prohibits wood fires.
Similar to Matt, I still love the whole campfire process, from gathering downed wood, chopping, arranging for the perfect one match ignition, then tending the campfire, feels primeval, a direct connection to my past and ancestors.
Not sure it would feel remotely the same to turn on and off a propane fire bowl like a light switch.
I too enjoy a good wood fire and agree a propane fire just isn’t the same but we will probably get a propane pit due to the fire restrictions in the West. And, anyway, I don’t want to be “that guy” you read about in the news that started a wildfire.
We do have a wood-burning fireplace at our current home so I get my “fixes” that way. At our last home, we had a natural gas FP with a remote controlled starter, the antithesis of a wood 🔥. Sure was convenient though, especially when you just wanted a quick warm up before going to work on a cold winter day!
For those that still love a wood fire, I recently spent a couple of evenings around one of the fire pits linked to below. As advertised, very little smoke, and a pleasant fire to watch because of the build design. It radiated heat well, and was easy to control. It's pricey, but there's a smaller, less expensive version too. Portable enough to be loaded up in a toad and carried around when camping, but either would be a great pit just for home. I'd never heard of them before, but was very impressed with it.
Bill
The World's Most Unique Fire Pit | Less Smoke, More Fun (https://www.solostove.com/solo-stove-yukon/)
Hi Bill; For a nearly smokeless fire, I've had a Flame Genie. It burns wood pellets.. It can be a 'batch' burn where it burns just the initial load of pellets, about 2" full, to start. Or it can be filled with more to keep it going. Almost no ash, very easy to clean, and it cools off fast so it can be put away quickly. I have only burned it once at Morro Bay. (best in the desert) Usually too cold or windy or wet there. The Home Depot Logo (https://www.homedepot.com/p/HY-C-Flame-Genie-13-5-in-Wood-Pellet-Fire-Pit-FG-16/300868807)
It is small to pack and inexpensive. Stainless Steel, and larger sizes available. Meager use of pellets too. RonB
edit: since I carry small propane tanks for the Bar-B-Queue, I carry a torch to light the fire, sometimes needed to get it burning. Amazon.com: Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch: Industrial & Scientific (https://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-TS4000-Trigger-Start-Torch/dp/B00008ZA09/ref=asc_df_B00008ZA09/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366418870502&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4111431669575135692&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061201&hvtargid=pla-382544015519&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=74513983565&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=366418870502&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4111431669575135692&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061201&hvtargid=pla-382544015519) Handy little device, even for other fires. RB
For those that still love a wood fire, I recently spent a couple of evenings around one of the fire pits linked to below. As advertised, very little smoke, and a pleasant fire to watch because of the build design. It radiated heat well, and was easy to control. It's pricey, but there's a smaller, less expensive version too. Portable enough to be loaded up in a toad and carried around when camping, but either would be a great pit just for home. I'd never heard of them before, but was very impressed with it.
The World's Most Unique Fire Pit | Less Smoke, More Fun (https://www.solostove.com/solo-stove-yukon/)
Looks like a very expensive commercial version of the free, old metal washing machine tubs we once used for fire pits. The washing machine tubs burn more cleanly, due to good airflow. In my experience, the tubs burn wood at a much higher rate than a typical wood fire.
Larry
"For a nearly smokeless fire, I've had a Flame Genie. It burns wood pellets.. It can be a 'batch' burn where it burns just the initial load of pellets, about 2" full, to start. Or it can be filled with more to keep it going. Almost no ash, very easy to clean, and it cools off fast so it can be put away quickly. I have only burned it once at Morro Bay. (best in the desert) Usually too cold or windy or wet there."
Thanks Ron,
I heat with wood, have a nice glass front stove, so I get all the fires I want at home. I haven't built a fire in a CG in years, but enjoy being around when someone else has one!
"Looks like a very expensive commercial version of the free, old metal washing machine tubs we once used for fire pits. The washing machine tubs burn more cleanly, due to good airflow. In my experience, the tubs burn wood at a much higher rate than a typical wood fire."
Yes Larry, it is a very nice, and expensive version of an old washing machine tub. This burns very clean for the same reason, though because of the way the gases and air flow through a 'secondary chamber' on the inside perimeter with holes near the inside top, the fire does dance around and is fun to watch. It can go through the wood, that's for sure.
I worry about making fires right after a rain, so if I were inclined to have a fire pit at my house, this would be great. A clean, controlled fire!
Bill
Hi Larry; The holes at the bottom, and double wall construction make a lot of difference how the fire burns. Most of the flame is at the top, not inside the 'barrel'. It's just over a foot across, and the stand goes into the inside for storage and travel. So not a washing machine tub. I keep a gallon zip-lock bag of pellets inside the stand when packed aeay in its box. A small fire for 4-5 people. I'll pull it out next time to show it off. It doesn't do well in wind or rain. The bigger one would provide more heat. RonB
When I go into a big camping/outdoor/home store I've looked at the propane fire pits for sale but hadn't yet found one with a cooking surface on it. It seems strange to me to have a fire pit but no way to cook on it. Looking at the one that Larry is using it has an accessory for a cook top, Little Red Campfire Cook Top. It also has a larger version with the Big Red Campfire Cook top. The reviews for it look good.
Anyone here come across any propane fire pits with cook tops besides the Little Red or Big Red?
JohnF
2003 T/K
Prev 1987MP with Roof Sleeper
We have the Little Red with the grate kit which is a stand and grate which allows you to put a pot or pan on top of the Little Red to heat water etc. We have used it once, it is easier to heat water on our outdoor stove or in our LD.
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA
Amazon.com: Camco 58033 Little Red Campfire Cook Top: Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/Camco-58033-Little-Campfire-Cook/dp/B004RNRAWW)
Just wondering if it is dangerous to carry a 20 lb propane tank inside a vehicle?
Just wondering if it is dangerous to carry a 20 lb propane tank inside a vehicle?
In my LD manual on page 14 it states, "Never carry or store portable propane containers or other liquid gas containers inside the motorhome." Only you can make that call.
"Just wondering if it is dangerous to carry a 20 lb propane tank inside a vehicle?"
Weight or capacity is not the determining factor, they are all dangerous if not handled properly.
Some jurisdictions will not refill a LP bottle if you transported it to their facility in a enclosed vehicle. I actually had that happen to me. Needing a refill I carried the bottle to the supply point and was refused service because of my SUV. A pickup truck would have been acceptable. Here in CA I've seen it done both ways. :o
"Just wondering if it is dangerous to carry a 20 lb propane tank inside a vehicle?"
I carry a portable approx. 5lb propane tank and store in the drivers side rear outside storage compartment, which is right next to the lazy daze installed propane tank. My approx. 5lb tank is stored upright, so that its relief valve can still function. You have to tilt it and rotate it a certain way to fit it in the compartment upright. I also store a few disposable propane cylinders in this compartment. I use metal caps on those tanks in event they were to start leaking.
Do you leave your lazy daze installed propane tank open going down the road? I do. I like to keep the fridge/freezer cold. I do turn it off at gas stations when filling.
JohnF
"I do turn it off at gas stations when filling."
JohnF
I am trying to picture you turning off the valve on the main tank every time you refuel. Is that accurate? Or did you mean to say that you turn off the fridge itself, which is what I do (most times) but since my fridge is on the opposite side of the rig from the fuel input I doubt if there is any danger! Seventeen years and counting. ;)
"I am trying to picture you turning off the valve on the main tank every time you refuel. Is that accurate?"
What I meant was I turn off the fridge itself (most times). That does involve instead of just exiting the driver side door, going back into the rig to turn if off.
My propane tank shut off is on the same side as the gas fill up. But I think your supposed to shut off the propane before you get to the pump. That's kind of confusing to other drivers as they might not expect to see a vehicle stop before the pump, get out to turn off the propane, then get back in and then drive up to the pump. Then after refueling, drive away from the pump, stop, get out to turn on the propane, go inside the motor home to turn the fridge back on, then back to the drivers seat. I'd say there is more risk in dying this way then just leaving the propane on while filling up.
My fridge is on the passengers side. I feel there is low risk of getting gasoline sprayed inside the refrigerator burner assembly, but still I try and turn off the fridge.
John F
"But I think your supposed to shut off the propane before you get to the pump."
That is a waste of time and effort! By turning off the LP at the tank you are merely interrupting the flow, it does nothing to depressurize the lines.
Your goal is to prevent a spark that might ignite the gas fumes. The proper way to prevent that is to turn off the fridge so that a re-ignition spark will not occur.
But, as I said, if the fridge is on the side opposite (passenger) the fuel intake it is unlikely that would happen due to the distance. I would be far more concerned about the water heater, but then I do not travel with it on! ;)
We have the Little Red with the grate kit which is a stand and grate which allows you to put a pot or pan on top of the Little Red to heat water etc. We have used it once, it is easier to heat water on our outdoor stove or in our LD.
Amazon.com: Camco 58033 Little Red Campfire Cook Top: Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/Camco-58033-Little-Campfire-Cook/dp/B004RNRAWW)
Using a grate over the propane pit produces a dirty coating of soot, it gets messy quickly, similar to cooking over a open wood fire.
A propane stove is a better device for cooking.
Larry
Well just burned a hole in my down jacket standing around a wood fire, got to remember to wear some flame resistant!
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
NinA