Here’s a look at how and why I’ve developed my kitchen centered around the cargo door of my Topo Toppers camper.
Other videos in the camper build series:
Part 1 – Goals & Ideas https://youtu.be/S_txPpzDhEg
Part 2 – Dust sealing https://youtu.be/4A8mB7Ku_og
Part 3 – Couch https://youtu.be/DgudnmWdlcY
Part 4 – Insulation https://youtu.be/PCuxmrI6124
Part 5 – Wall covering fail https://youtu.be/Woo7MtsFt0o
Part 6 – Cabinetry https://youtu.be/I5C1Wx1_lio
Or watch the entire series in the dedicated playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy61X2ncSOSfwOqvc9gF3_NTD9smtunkr
Topo Toppers Mesa wedge camper:
https://www.topotoppers.com/
Reign Outdoor 270° Awning:
https://reignoutdoor.com/store-2/p/style-01-ej5na-kj67d
Tailgater tire table:
https://amzn.to/46hABYp
Cast iron propane burner:
https://amzn.to/3LRJUpQ
Alldogs Offroad wheels for Frontier/Xterra:
https://www.alldogsoffroad.com/alldogs-offroad-rb6-16×8-alloy-wheel-for-nissan-frontier-xterra
de Buyer 9½” carbon steel frying pan
https://amzn.to/3iwQlky
Magnetic tool holder:
https://amzn.to/3rD5SpT
Wire basket drawers:
https://amzn.to/3Q6lDPs
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking one of my Amazon links, even if you ultimately choose another product. This costs you nothing, but the small commissions earned on referrals support the ongoing creation of content for this channel. Thank you!
————————–
If you enjoy my work and would like to more directly support my efforts, consider joining my Patreon page with a small monthly contribution. Patrons receive access to exclusive extra content, messaging priority, and other benefits:
https://www.patreon.com/softroadingthewest
—————————-
Intro: (0:00)
Series recap: (0:25)
Why cook at the side door instead of on the tailgate: (1:16)
My DIY table FAIL: (1:54)
Tailgater tire table: (3:33)
Kitchen storage / pantry: (8:11)
Final thoughts: (9:46)
source
@softroadingthewest Do you notice any issues with the locks on the Topo Topper? I've been looking at either the Topo Topper or the GFC but a huge issue with the GFC is the locks on the doors are known to be horrible after a few offroad trips.
All the weight is on the driver’s side, what is the reasoning?
Looks good Donald! Didn’t you mention once that the kitchen was gonna be accessible from the inside also?
Nice setup! How much water do you normally carry?
Hi Donald…build is lookin" good. How about putting a piece of tarp around the perimeter of the table to protect from wind…some velcro or snaps to hold it in place. Maybe some molly panel or tool roll on the working side to hold stuff…
Genius idea gor the stove table, could add a second burner and a collapsible sink tub and a cutting board
That is a pretty neat setup Donald!
Your build is really coming along nice Donald! SRTW! 👍
3 separate panels, with hooks hard mounted (not floppy like on your folding version), should be fairly easy to hang on any three sides, as needed to block the wind.
Donald why would you use an open flame near the vehicle's gas door?
A magnetic wind block might work nicely…… nvm didn’t read the comments before posting lol
I'm interested to see what you do with the heater setup. I have a Frontier with GFC camper and my current diesel heater setup is kinda a pain to setup/teardown. Been brainstorming some better approaches.
For the burner wind block: how about a steel pie or a square cake pan mounted on the underside of the burner? You would need to cut out a notch for the gas line but it could also double as a grease catch. You could just use safety wire or p-clamps to mount it into place.
We love watching the truck build progress.
😊👍 Cool!
That stove built into the table is downright genius.
It’s all looking superb. And the cat is always a welcome bonus!
Coming along nicely.
Being a steel table you may be able to make a curtain with magnets and even go close to the ground … and use under the table to store things while camping. Then the top around the pans use that foldable wind/heat guard. You gave some ideas I will ponder. Have a great day. pb
Things seem to be coming together. Just to pick a couple of nits: As someone else noted, I don't like flame next to a gas filler, but maybe it's far enough. Be sure to check the seal regularly. 2nd, the table on the tire looks good in your driveway, but what about when the tire is covered with slush and mud? O, & you'll find those knives will slide off the holder when you drive unless you put them on point down, so they catch on the handle before sliding off. Try cutting the bottom out of a deep aluminum pie pan to make a wind guard. I see someone else suggested this. Depends on how much wind there is. You can test this idea with cheap disposable ones. They can be cut out with scissors.
As others have mentioned for the wind block, magnets!! Should be fairly easy to rig something to surround the burner that goes on and off in seconds (even that foldable one you used with the hooks).
Ya, only problem all your weight is on one side of the vehicle, fuel tank, fridge, water tank, awning, and of course your weight while driving. This will make you feel like you’re dragging a anchor through sand, snow, mud. Hamper offroad ability not be able to float on top of soft surfaces. Not to mention Tire wear, suspensions and brake and barring wear.This has been the problem plaguing sports mobile vans with doors on side, often times you will find an extra leaf on the driver’s side ,sort of a band aid fix for the problem.
As always what a great video, thanks for always being through and real. I enjoy your build it connects with me better because you don’t have a bunch of unrealistic overpriced things that x amount of us can’t justify. Thanks, PW
Fantastic setup! I love how this is all coming together. Gonna be a great setup for long and short getaways. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Thank you for all the ideas.
Well, it looks like it’s coming together well. Looks like you’ve put a lot of thought into your design.😎👍
Your diy table looked good…why not a hinged, drop-down leg on the DIY table like the one you bought?
Love the constant attention to detail on the walkthroughs. Keep them coming!