Trunk Kitchen

[Mike Dubya]

Many of us struggle with the design and implementation of a kitchen setup for our overland adventures. For many that go solo, a simple single burner backpack stove is sufficient. Others are die-hard Dutch Oven aficionados, able to create the most complex of cuisine in cast iron, nothing short of artistry. I am somewhere on the other side of the spectrum. I would consider myself a “foodie” with a penchant for functionality. I frequently find myself cooking for my family and frequently for guests. Admittedly, some of my motivation for the scale of my kitchen setup is that my kids suffer from the “Hangry” debilitation, of which requires the ability to cook and serve a hearty meal quickly.

While most components are self-explanatory to the seasoned overlander, I will start by listing them to simplify the description. The components are as follows:

Blackstone 22” Griddle
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Blackstone-22-in-Griddle-with-Hood-Legs-and-Bulk-Adapter-Hose/179647360

ARB 50-quart refrigerator
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/arb-50-qt-portable-fridge-freezer-gray-blue-10800472/_/R-BHWQ-10800472?ecmp=p:google_219701836_4661033356__dsa-27927708436&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=DSA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImJ_LgqL43QIVBb7ACh1n2AnREAAYASAAEgILg_D_BwE

ARB dedicated 12-volt secured refrigerator port
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/refrigeration-coolers/10900028-arb-threaded-socket-surface-mount?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyKHeoqT43QIVDbnACh2wZQV-EAQYAiABEgLxoPD_BwE

C-Tek D-250-SA 12-volt DC-DC charger
https://smartercharger.com/products/dcdc/d250sa/

Blue Sea Systems fuse holder
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Blue-Sea-Systems-ST-Blade-Fuse-Block-12-Circuits-with-Negative-Bus-and-Cover/29860049?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227019753669&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=52502653631&wl4=aud-273067695102:pla-84063925031&wl5=9029626&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=29860049&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8q-c4aT43QIVk7XACh1zigwpEAQYAiABEgL_RfD_BwE

Duracell 12-volt AGM deep cycle 80-amp hour battery
https://www.batteriesplus.com/battery/sla-sealed-lead-acid/12/wkdc12=80p

Generic switch gear

Folding faucet
https://alexnld.com/product/360-rotating-single-cold-water-kitchen-bathroom-tap-foldable-caravan-boat-faucet-filter/

Collapsible buckets

500lb. lockable slides
https://truck-hardware.orrorr.com/viewitems/drawer-slides/s-heavy-duty-lock-in-lock-out-full-extension-slide

Fire extinguisher

10AWG duplex marine wire

A whole lot of 1 1/2“ angle iron, 1” square tubing, and expanded metal

We really wanted a kitchen we could pull out of the vehicle with minimal fuss. Everything is self-contained within the cage with only a power and ground from the starter battery left behind. We are able to switch this off with a manual breaker/fuse under the hood. The complete assembly is bolted to the third-row seat belt mounts (third-row seats have been removed) and the jacking equipment is retained in their stock position. It is heavy- I’m guessing 160 pounds without the fridge and griddle. A fire extinguisher seemed a necessity with the proximity of the griddle to the vehicle and overhead hatch; but don’t get too bent out of shape, the fuel filler is the other side of the vehicle.

Overall, I am quite happy with the outcome. The slides are heavy duty, there is ample prep space on the stainless-steel top, and components can be used independently of one another; with the exception being the griddle, which requires the counter to be pulled out. The C-Tek system functions silently and seamlessly. The fridge can run for about 2 days from my experience on the 80-amp hour battery if we are conscientious of how often we open it and the outside temps are not too high. I have a lot of open ports on the power system and would like to add lighting and a water pump in the future. It’s surprising how often we use the USB power ports when they are so easily available to us. We currently use a 5-gallon blue water container we place on the roof and then siphon pressure to the faucet. We would like to replace the blue container with a flexible water bladder under the countertop (like what is available from Fleximake) in the future. We are even considering an Ecotemp L5 instant hot water heater, which would be nice for showers as well. We’ll see. It is easy to cook for several people with the large griddle size, breakfast is fast and simple, and a super large square pizza is a quick crowd pleaser! I would like to make a grate to swap out with the griddle top for using pots or pans over the burners.



Let me know what you think! Any other product suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Drifterman]

Thats a nice set up

 

[chris_nc]

That's awesome! Really different, in all aspects - design, materials, and functionality. Nice job.

 

[Mike Dubya]

Thanks guys! It was a fun project. I hope to get a lot of use out of it next summer, and maybe bring it with for a day of skiing this winter. Bratwurst in the parking lot anyone? :)

 

[obvious_disaster]

It’s really nice and clearly well thought out. Nice work!

 

[Cpol]

Need fridge and Iam done everything else is extra..

 

[jeepers29]

Many of us struggle with the design and implementation of a kitchen setup for our overland adventures. For many that go solo, a simple single burner backpack stove is sufficient. Others are die-hard Dutch Oven aficionados, able to create the most complex of cuisine in cast iron, nothing short of artistry. I am somewhere on the other side of the spectrum. I would consider myself a “foodie” with a penchant for functionality. I frequently find myself cooking for my family and frequently for guests. Admittedly, some of my motivation for the scale of my kitchen setup is that my kids suffer from the “Hangry” debilitation, of which requires the ability to cook and serve a hearty meal quickly.

While most components are self-explanatory to the seasoned overlander, I will start by listing them to simplify the description. The components are as follows:

Blackstone 22” Griddle
Blackstone 22 in. Griddle with Hood, Legs, and Bulk Adapter Hose - Walmart.com

ARB 50-quart refrigerator
ARB 50 Qt. Portable Fridge Freezer (Gray / Blue) - 10800472

ARB dedicated 12-volt secured refrigerator port
ARB Threaded Socket Surface Mount

C-Tek D-250-SA 12-volt DC-DC charger
https://smartercharger.com/products/dcdc/d250sa/

Blue Sea Systems fuse holder
Blue Sea Systems ST Blade Fuse Block, 12 Circuits with Negative Bus and Cover - Walmart.com

Duracell 12-volt AGM deep cycle 80-amp hour battery
Duracell Ultra 12V SLA Sealed Lead Acid 80AH Deep Cycle AGM Battery - WKDC12-80P at Batteries Plus Bulbs

Generic switch gear

Folding faucet
https://alexnld.com/product/360-rotating-single-cold-water-kitchen-bathroom-tap-foldable-caravan-boat-faucet-filter/

Collapsible buckets

500lb. lockable slides
Heavy Duty Lock In Lock Out Full Extension Slide On Orr & Orr, Inc.

Fire extinguisher

10AWG duplex marine wire

A whole lot of 1 1/2“ angle iron, 1” square tubing, and expanded metal

We really wanted a kitchen we could pull out of the vehicle with minimal fuss. Everything is self-contained within the cage with only a power and ground from the starter battery left behind. We are able to switch this off with a manual breaker/fuse under the hood. The complete assembly is bolted to the third-row seat belt mounts (third-row seats have been removed) and the jacking equipment is retained in their stock position. It is heavy- I’m guessing 160 pounds without the fridge and griddle. A fire extinguisher seemed a necessity with the proximity of the griddle to the vehicle and overhead hatch; but don’t get too bent out of shape, the fuel filler is the other side of the vehicle.

Overall, I am quite happy with the outcome. The slides are heavy duty, there is ample prep space on the stainless-steel top, and components can be used independently of one another; with the exception being the griddle, which requires the counter to be pulled out. The C-Tek system functions silently and seamlessly. The fridge can run for about 2 days from my experience on the 80-amp hour battery if we are conscientious of how often we open it and the outside temps are not too high. I have a lot of open ports on the power system and would like to add lighting and a water pump in the future. It’s surprising how often we use the USB power ports when they are so easily available to us. We currently use a 5-gallon blue water container we place on the roof and then siphon pressure to the faucet. We would like to replace the blue container with a flexible water bladder under the countertop (like what is available from Fleximake) in the future. We are even considering an Ecotemp L5 instant hot water heater, which would be nice for showers as well. We’ll see. It is easy to cook for several people with the large griddle size, breakfast is fast and simple, and a super large square pizza is a quick crowd pleaser! I would like to make a grate to swap out with the griddle top for using pots or pans over the burners.

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Let me know what you think! Any other product suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I am looking at the blackstone set up but have a question. Can you use this to cook stuff that would go into a pot, such as baked beans or soup. I really like this set up but if you have to carry another r stove as well it will not work. Thanks for any info.

 

[Mike Dubya]

I am looking at the blackstone set up but have a question. Can you use this to cook stuff that would go into a pot, such as baked beans or soup. I really like this set up but if you have to carry another r stove as well it will not work. Thanks for any info.

The burner box is ideal for using the top as traditional burners, you would just need a grate of the correct size to sit over the top. That was one of my projects to find one for this summer. I'll take a picture with the griddle off and post it so you know what I mean.

 

[jeepers29]

The burner box is ideal for using the top as traditional burners, you would just need a grate of the correct size to sit over the top. That was one of my projects to find one for this summer. I'll take a picture with the griddle off and post it so you know what I mean.

Thank you. So, I take it you are happy with your griddle?

 

[Mike Dubya]

Thank you. So, I take it you are happy with your griddle?

Definitely, I use it at home a couple times a week.

 

[Mike Dubya]

I'm considering changing vehicles and this trunk kitchen will no longer fit in my new vehicle. Anyone interested in purchasing it?
What items do you want and how much?