Escapees July-August 2023

rv gadget box

Calling All Gadgets I enjoy RV gadgets, and I’ll bet that most of you reading this have at least one special gadget that you can't live without. Why not share it? Contact me at techques tions@escapees.com and tell me about it. If I like it, I’ll review it in the “RV Gadget Box” column and credit you with discovering it! CHECK OUT THE RV GADGET BOX ARCHIVE : https://gadgetbox.escapees.com

Camp Chef Fire Pit By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor Send your questions via e-mail to techquestions@escapees.com

When it’s cooled down, fold the legs in and place it in the included carry bag. It stows fl at in a space as small as 16"x16"x6". The pit comes with a standard grill-tank-type regu lator with a long hose and a sturdy zippered carry bag. An optional low-pressure hose with quick disconnect is available as an accessory for folks who already have a low-pressure propane quick connector on their RV. Camp Chef Compact Fire Ring 3985 N 75 W, Hyde Park, UT 84318 800-650-2433, www.campchef.com Available at Home Depot, Camping World, Sporting Goods stores and various online retailers. MSRP $99.99 (But, you might fi nd them on sale for under $80!)

There’s nothing like having a camp fi rewhen you’re out camping. It makes a great con versation starter and keeps you happy out doors in cooler weather. The problem with a camp fi re is that it requires a lot of prepa ration and work, and everybody smells like smoke the next morning. That’s why I have switched over to a propane-powered fi re pit. It provides a nice amount of heat, and there’s no wood to chop and no ashes or coals left behind. Best of all, there’s no smoke to dodge! P ropane camp fi res produce no sparks, so you can usually use them even when there are fi re restrictions or burn bans in place. You can even toast marshmallows and make smores! The only downside is that most pits are big and take up a lot of space when stored. I have a small RV, and storage space is always a consideration. That’s why I’m so thrilled with my little Camp Chef Compact Fire Ring. Even though it’s only 15 inches in diameter, it produces a very nice-looking fi re and, as the lava rocks heat up, the warmth it produces is impressive! This little pit will run 10 to 12 hours on a 20-lb. grill tank and, when you’re ready to go inside, just turn it off.

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2023