I have often thought if I was going to re-build another camper I would use a high end stove like a Partner instead of a built in stove... find a storage place for it when not in use and the best part is having the ability to take it outside to cook when it is nice. I would rather cook outside anyway, it keeps the camper cooler, and less smelly:chef:
I would rig a quick disconnect and valve at the counter top and rig a longer hose and similar connector to the outside some where.
I have a suggestion for water as well...
My camper didn't have a pressure water system... it was a old style hand pump faucet... I tore the old 2 gal tank out and used the space for storage. I took the hand pump out and rigged a 12v RV water pump. But instead of finding another place in the camper for the water tank, I plumbed a inlet to the outside of the camper and use a 7 gal carry jug (sometimes 2) rigged with a hose and ball valve. When I setup camp I set the jug outside and hook up the hose to the side of the camper... turn the pump switch on and it self primes, then the ball valve keeps the water at the pump so the water reacts right when the sink faucet is turned on. I also plumbed a outside faucet, which I use for cooking outside and I even rigged up a hand shower for use with a pop up encloser. The jugs are cheap and easy to hand carry to fill when on the road.
There are a lot of ways to go... planning the build is half the fun
You are correct about the planning.
A Partner stove was also on my list, but there are a couple reasons I think a built in would work better for me.
- No setup or hooking up of propane lines.
- Most of the time I cook and eat in the dark. (The life of a photographer.) And usually after dark it is getting cold, so I will not mind the extra heat. As far as smell goes, well rice and pasta do not smell much. While food is cooking I am usually cleaning gear, looking over maps, that sort of thing. Easier done inside at night. And I will still be carrying a small backpacking stove, so if it is boiling hot I can heat something up outside, more likely I would just be eating a sandwich at that point.
- The SMEV hob puts out 40% less Co, uses 30% less propane, and fires a flame that is almost 500*. The three burner unit I have puts out a total of 15,500 BTU. Impressive specs.
So in the end the SMEV hob made the most sense for me. But having a Partner stove has its merit, and if I traveled differently it would be a good way to go.
I am still deciding on water tanks. I was planning on a custom 12 gallon plastic tank. But carrying two Wedco water jerry cans is looking like it might be a good way to go. In addition to the 10 gallon Front Runner tank that is going in the cab of the truck.
- The two Wedco's would weigh about ten pounds more than a plastic tank.
- They could be carried to the water source to be filled. As opposed to decanting gallon after gallon into a built in tank.
- They could be moved/removed to lighten the load if I was stuck.
- Wedcos could be used to pour large amounts of water on a fire.
- I already have two Wedco water cans.
So the water tank inside the camper is yet to be decided.
I think hand pumps and 12v pumps are a joke. I will post my solution shortly.
