Chuckwagon Box For Stop-And-Drop Camping

Over the years I've done many camp-outs and I'm always looking for easier ways to pack gear. The Camping Chuck Wagon Box is a great idea for those who do stop & drop camping as it is easy to make, transport and move around. It keeps your gear in one place and can be a real-life saver when camping. As usual I am a big fan of Inventory Lists which I suggest you keep on the inside of the door of the box in a plastic document sleeve with an extra blank paper for restocking, additions or updates.

Here are some of the recommended items I keep in my box. This will also assist you in determining the size of your box.

Cooking Gear:

• A gas camping stove with at least 2 burners, maybe 3 or 4 and matches and a stove lighter. I store this in the very top of my box.

• 2 lanterns (stored in the large spaces below). 4 containers of gas for the lanterns and cooking (gas containers should be interchangeable between lanterns & stove).

• frying pan (make sure it fits on your stove easily),

• hot water pot, and 2 deep cook pans.

• 2 spatulas and large spoons, a cook fork & ladle, 2 tongs.

• Aprons and 2 potholders.

• 1 Can Opener.

Handy Stuff:

• 100' of nylon rope. Hammer & pliers.

• 1 or 2 rolls of paper towels and toilet paper and spade.

• Paper plates & bowls, forks knives and spoons and 6 steak knives.

• Drinking mugs.

• Instant coffee, hot chocolate,

• dish and hand soap, dish sponge, s

• storage bags.

Spices,Etc.:

What would the world be like without spices! Salt, Pepper, Lawrey's Season Salt, Pepper-salt, garlic salt, hot sauce, corn oil, tub of margarine.

The Box:

Now that you've gathered your materials let's focus on your custom-made container. I'm sure you can find one of these online that might be a fit for you and if you do, go buy it. However, making a custom box with your kids can be fun and educational at the same time.

Construction:

This box is constructed of ½" Plywood. I have metal handles on both ends for ease of carry, three hinges across the bottom for the front door to swing down on with chains connected to the door from inside the box to assist the door staying in place as a work surface when open it. I have a hasp at the top to keep it closed and locked.

I'd start by measuring your stove and then build from there. Here are the outer dimensions of my box. Length: 36" Width: 15 ½" Height: 20"

Inside the shelves are as follows:

Top shelf goes all the way across and spacing is 4.5" top to bottom. This fits my stove easily and many items such as plates & bowls next to it. Yours may be bigger due to a larger stove.

The bottom is divided into spaces for larger items. To the left are 2 cubbies with spaces 6.5" and 7" top to bottom and 6.5" in width. These cubbies hold all utensils, tools and smaller items.

The rest of the bottom space is divided into 2 larger areas approximately 14"x14". These areas hold lanterns, pans, paper towels and any other large objects you desire to fit in.

Back Home

When you return from camping, you're already unloading the vehicle and as you're probably dirty you may as well take care of the box.

One of the first things you should do is clean out the gear, clean it up, inventory and restock the box so it's ready for the next trip. No perishables should remain stored in the box when putting it away.

It's always a good idea to obtain a small wagon to place the box on when storing as this will facilitate moving the box to and fro. You can also put small feet on the bottom of the box or swing-up wheels for movement ease.

Your food would be in separate cooler units.

Enjoy your box and enjoy the great outdoors. LEAVE NO TRACE. 😉