Portable fires

[Mark S]

Ok, before the camping purists start yelling at me, I am considering a portable gas fire pit. For the way we travel, collecting and buying wood is a pain. Also, I spent 30 years preventing and putting out fires, so I am better at putting them out then starting them. I want the convienence of instant on and off. I kind of like the instant gratification thing.

Anybody have any experience with portable gas fires? Also, wondering if I should connect to onboard gas tank or carry a separate 10 or 20 lb tank, which takes up valuable compartment space. I am concerned with the gas consumption. Most of units are about 58,000 BTU.

Opinions please.

[Siamese]

We have our television outside and just play a loop of a crackling campfire. Not everyone always wants to participate, so earbuds and an iPad are a good solution for when just one of us wants to make that special, primal connection with our ancient ancestors.

[Mark S]

What a great idea! And if it’s cold we can use a propane heater. I wonder if any of this will fly.

[GrumpyDad]

The propane fire pits are neat, and as an added bonus if you are in an area that gets fire bans, they are usually still permitted.

The "decent" ones take up a lot of space, so male sure you have somewhere to store it.

I actually think one of those fancy backyard fire tables would be awesome, but would feel much less rustic.

[Wrascal]

I use one, love it. I opted to go with the separate tank style so I can place the fire ring where I want it vs. not tethered to the camper where the hose can potentially be tripped over in the dark.

[MD3]

Our camping buddies have a propane fire pit from Costco. Works GREAT.
They use a separate tank so they can move the fire pit to the ideal spot when using it. I would buy one if they didn’t already have it.

I prefer wood fires but it isn’t always practical and some places it isn’t allowed.


-

[Jay Dreamer]

I use this one:https://www.amazon.com/Heininger-599...=gas+fire+pits

Bought it with the cover and carry bag, also ordered some small ceramic logs to add.

It's great for chilly mornings....worth every penny.

[North of 49°]

We love our propane fire pit. For me, it's a lot easier than dealing with the firewood, and trying to start a fire with wet wood. For DW, she can sit around the fire without having to deal with her allergies. Plus, when it's time to call it a night, we just shut the propane off and that's it; no worries with smoke or embers. We also converted ours to run off the trailer's propane supply, and with 25' of hose, we can put it anywhere on the site we want. It was literally a matter of replacing the hose with the attached regulator with one that has a quick connect.

[Cannon]

need more flame and they don't burn sideways

[Jagiven]

No issues with a portable propane fire.

Wood is Gering had to move, and expensive. I'm hear more and more about CGs that won't allow burning.

We still use wood, as I love the smell. But someday, I might convert.

[MagooIsBoo]

We have a fire bowl and use a separate tank for it. Our Costco sells propane by the pound, which makes top ups between trips super cheap. Yes, the bowl takes up a bit of storage room, but we find it’s worth it... I just bring less shoes.

[Mark S]

Ok, I ordered this on Amazon along with a 12’ quick disconnect hose. Should be here Tuesday.

I ran the “video of a fire” idea past DW and as expected, she was very closed minded to the idea. ��

[SloPoke]

Mark... You already know how we roll, and there is nothing to warm ya up and gather the folks around like a campfire. Our experiences in FL were pretty mixed when we were there as most RV parks don't allow ANY type of fire in the individual campsites. Those that did allow a campfire were OK with propane, but would not allow any wood fires. It was iffy about using charcoal in a portable campfire bowl - as the rule was all up to the interpretation of the campground manager.

In Utah, we go thru an annual ritual where the Forest Service / BLM issues a fire-ban when the fire season is at the dangerous levels. That ban applies to Wood fires in open areas - but allows for Propane Campfires. When it is cold outside in the evening, we pull out our Camp-Chef https://www.campchef.com/fire-pits/p...-fire-pit.html and a portable cylinder to power it. (should have showed you when we were together earlier this year)

When we have the opportunity for a real wood fire - that is the preferred way we go. We even have loaded a trailer up with wood to supply us for a week in camp. When the wind is blowing, then we forfeit the wood fire and play it safe with the Propane fire.

As far as fuel use... we go thru a lot of wood... or propane. We can kill a BBQ cylinder in two nights, but as you might expect... the regulator on ours is not the stock setup. (think Tim Allen... more power)

I think the one you chose will work just fine... albeit the flame will be limited to what the regulator will allow. (( You can call me and I will give you the 411 on how we modified ours - I don't want to post that on the forum))

[GeorgiaRV]

Originally Posted by Mark S

Ok, I ordered this on Amazon along with a 12’ quick disconnect hose. Should be here Tuesday.

I ran the “video of a fire” idea past DW and as expected, she was very closed minded to the idea. ��

This is the one we have and really like it. Works well, easy setup and take down.

[pconroy]

We have that one too. Carry a 5lb bottle in the back.

[Mark S]

Originally Posted by pconroy

We have that one too. Carry a 5lb bottle in the back.

How long does that 5 lb bottle last you?

[SloPoke]

if that thing burns 65kbtu/hr a 5# bottle holds about 1.2gal of propane. One gallon of propane is about 91,300 BTU.

My math says about 1.6 hours or so.

[Quantum]

I really like the idea of the propane fire pit, but my guess is that a 20lb tank would last about 8 hours. That's maybe 2 nights of campfires?

[Chrisbn]

We have this one;

https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/...8412/cat100895

Like others, we use for those times we can't have a wood fire (campground/forest restrictions) or when we want the ease of flames without needing to worry about making sure it is out.. usually on a cool morning when we are heading out. Run the gas ring for a while and then it goes into the back of the pick-up to cool down.

And we carry a spare tank for it..

[Mark S]

Decided to use my spare 20lb tank and found a good spot for it. When it runs dry I can got to Home Depot or anywhere propane is sold or exchanged. Tried it out and flames will give an nice ambiance, which is really all we are looking for. Once it get cold my Florida raised DW will be inside. Waiting for dark to try it tonight.