Hot Tent Camping Convertible Pop Top Classic Truck 4X4 Camper 5" Firebox Stove Cooking Steak Chili
Camping is so many things to different people and what camping does for us changes with time. We can break it all the way down to recreation or survival but it goes so much deeper. When I first experienced camping as a kid, I liked it for the one on one time with my dad. As a teen, I discovered fishing. As a young adult, I loved how camping gave me a chance to feel independent and free. Being alone in the wild with only what I carried on my back and in my head built my confidence. Now I go to feel freedom from the noise, to recharge, and to remember where I was headed and why. A chance to be immersed in nature where everything is as it seems... where everything has been settled and sorted. Nature has no motive, only "cause and effect". So simple in the moment while being incredibly complex when all is considered. Being in the wild can feel like nothing when that's what you need yet offer abundance when you change your mind.
The camping experience is highly effected by the gear you choose. The range spans from a minimalist/survival style all the way to posh luxury in an RV. This "old truck" rig gives me something totally unique. It gives me an idea of what it may have been like to explore and camp before I was even born. I have other trucks that are a lot smoother and more convenient but I loose out on something fun and interesting. Sure, it can even be a bit tricky but mastering the art of driving these old beasts is fulfilling. Just like the stove systems I design... sure, there are easier/more convenient ways to cook outdoors, but I bet my mastery at using my wood fired systems allows me to cook, grill, or bake a wider variety of dishes and to a higher level of perfection than others using something that may be faster or easier. My opinion (as well as others) is that cooking with Firebox Stove products provides a very uniquely fun and fulfilling experience that fits in perfectly with a wholesome traditional camping experience.
When I bought the Firebox Ford, (1966 F-100 4X4 Single Cab Short Box) it was bone stock... I could do anything I wanted with it... Mechanically, I wanted it to be what the forest service may have built back in the 60's Heavy duty springs all around and the tall tires, "Pizza Cutters". That much was for sure. As for the camper aspect, That started when I had Vanya make a basic rack from some left overs. I needed a way of covering the goats in case it rained. We had enough marine grade plywood leaning in the corner to get the job done. Vanya and I hand bent some galvanized conduit and found the right (gold colored) waxed canvas at the farm store for the canopy. It worked well and looked period correct. One day I noticed that the canopy support legs extended all the way down to the bed of the truck. I measured 13 inched that the it could be raised and still be well supported in the stake pockets. That's how the camper project got started. I wanted it to look as though a handy / crafty outdoorsman made it in his car-port back in the 70's. The Hot Tent Canvas Convertible Pop Top Camper was handmade here at Firebox headquarters by our in house master-craftsman who also makes many Firebox products meticulously one at a time. The very talented Vanya Swap. By the way, he started his own YouTube channel where he takes on projects at his home shop: / @vanyaswapp3197
Give him a watch and a follow, he's a good hearted person who's humanity overflows with generosity.
Product Links for Firebox camp cooking gear used in this video:
5:G2 Folding Firebox Stove: https://fireboxstove.com/product/orig...
The Apocalypse Kit: https://fireboxstove.com/product/apoc...
Freestyle Campfire OCTA-PIT: https://fireboxstove.com/product/octa...
Air Bake Pan: https://fireboxstove.com/product/made...
Firebox BOX-POT: https://fireboxstove.com/product/box-...
Thanks everyone!
Steve