Any chuck box users?

[shoeman]

I'm thinking I'd like to build a Chuck Box (Range Box or Patrol Box to the scouts that is) this winter.
Any of you guys have one we could see pictures of, etc?

TIA,
Geoff

[bobhenry]

" Patrol box " brings up about 100 hits and there are many good designs!

I tried a search because this has come up before about a year ago and there were several real pretty ones submitted. I built a clunky looking one then that I am still using. Was tired of a stiff back trying to use the picnic table and wanted something counter height ( 35 - 36 " ) Build it with light sandwich construction or it will weigh a ton like mine. Sorry no pics but there are others who will chime in.

[alffink]

Ya may want to check out "Blue Sky Kitchens" a modular system based on the traditional chuck box, but much lighter. They have several plans, kits and ready made. Build your own, simple when your building a tear and might give you some different ideas for the galley to boot.


http://blueskykitchen.com/index.html

[hiker chick]

Bought my steel chuck box from Cabelas 15 years ago. Still using it.

Would love to build a custom one (to setup on my teardrop's tongue). Many great designs on the web. Big Boy Scout thing to do.

Good luck!

[Gerdo]

I have one that I built "pre-TD". It is now tucked in a corner of my garage. If you want it you can come and get it.

[S. Heisley]

I bought a big plastic tool box and put all my utensils, dishes, and pots & pans in it. Paid $40 for it 15 years ago at the big box store and am still really happy with it. With what you've already got, you could get one of these and just hang a removable counter on your existing galley if you need extra counter space. When my trailer is built, I will probably convert this baby to food storage because I can wheel it to & from the bear box. The pull handle is shown out but it slides in, out of the way. Closed up, it measures about 15x23". I'll try to imbed a pic; but this'll be my first try and I may flub it:

[S. Heisley]

Okay, I flub-a-dub-dubbed it! Don't know what I did wrong. I used the IMG bar and thought I followed the instructions that I found. Maybe I hafta put quotes around the stuff before I highlight and click the IMG bar?

Oh, well...Here's the addresses:

http://www.mikenchell.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=41508
http://www.mikenchell.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=41509

[cuyeda]

Here is one from the Patrol sketchbook that everyone may have already seen. For convenience here are the classic plans. If there are any other good camp build plans that I could add to the collection, let me know.

Click Here.

[Eunice]

Ya may want to check out "Blue Sky Kitchens" a modular system based on the traditional chuck box, but much lighter. They have several plans, kits and ready made. Build your own, simple when your building a tear and might give you some different ideas for the galley to boot.


http://blueskykitchen.com/index.html

A member of our local dutch oven society has one of these. very impressive. If I were just starting I would get one of these.

[shoeman]

Come on... we build our TD's... so we should build our chuck boxes too. I'm leaning towards a modified BSA box design. The basic one they have used for many decades can be built out of one sheet of plywood and a couple of 2x4's I believe. That'll be cheap enough!
The Bluesky stuff is real nice but more than I think I need since I already have a galley in the TD.
Putting it on the tongue is a good idea. Cabela's now sells the current style stuff which is a fancy table/cook surface idea that is not so much a "box", just a glorified folding table affair. The few models that have storage use nylon bags that hang from the frames. None look like they actually store any gear when traveling. You empty it all when you're packing up, fold the rig up and out it in a carry bag. Seems self defeating unless all you wanted was a portable table. I want to have the capability of having a stove, dish pan, cooking pans, utensils, paper towels, table cloth, etc all in one place and one unit that I can load in the truck and place anywhere on a camp site as an adjunct to the galley.
And besides that...projects are fun! And being able to say you built it yourself when people ask is very satisfying!

[bobhenry]

Here is a couple





I kinda like the 3 piece modular one you not only have a camp kitchen but you can also utilize it as a table and the boxes as a stool

[bobhenry]

Here is the plans I used to build mine. It has removable legs

http://www.scouters.us/patrolbox.html

[Laredo]

I wonder if one of the rope-handled ammo boxes at AmSci&Surplus would make a good foundation for a project like this?

I like this design:


The http://home.earthlink.net/~hughmcveigh builder says you can email him if you have questions.

[bobhenry]

That was the one that was on the old post it's a real beauty.

[shoeman]

Now we're talkin'! Like TD's, your imagination is the only limit. Some good links here. It's fun to compare all the examples and figure out what features you like best from each one. And sometimes you get a "eureka" moment when you see something and wonder why you never thought of that.
I like the removeable wings on some of these that can hang utensils or a towel rack. I also think I like having both front and back fold down. Cook on one side, wash dishes on the other without having to move anything.