I am in the process of producing a video for PHOTOVISION Professional Photographer’s of America’s education website. My video is called Beyond the Horizon. It explores Boondocking, AKA Car Camping. Below are the plans for the most asked about build I put together. Having a table at a height which enables you to stand is a luxury in my opinion. If you agree and are a bit handy with some tools you can craft one inexpensively yourself.
In this article I’ll share my measurements and materials list to save you some time working it out for yourself.
Size Matters
Before you begin your gathering and construction you’ll want to look at how you will be using your table. I initially made mine to hold a two burner stove. Turns out that the table was just a wee bit too small for that. It was a squeeze after adding the propane cylinder which I failed to take into consideration. There turned out to be just a little less space for plates and bowls with the assembled stove aboard than I thought. Turns out that this is the perfect size for how I use it now. It’s not too big nor too small. Overall weight is a bit over three pounds.
My Table Uses
Preparing food is the main way I work with my set-up. There’s room for multiple plates and bowls. I currently use a Jet Boil unit to heat water for coffee and freeze dried meals when a want a hot meal. I find the freeze dried meals to be tasty enough and way less hassle than when I had the two burner propane stove. If you want to cook a bit more than I do you can make your measurements just a bit longer or use a single burner stove. The table is also helpful when working on various projects doing the day.
The Materials
If you have a circular saw or a table saw and a power drill you’ll be good to go for tools. If you are not quite so handy you can bring your measurements to the big box hardware store and they will cut your materials to size. Some include it as part of the service some may charge you a little for each cut.
The top is 1/4 inch plywood, 17 X 27 inches. you can often check the scrap area and may be able to find a piece that fits your needs without having to buy a large sheet. Make sure you you get a quality piece of ply that is very flat. Oak Sanded Plywood in a 2 X 4 foot size can be purchased for around $25. To support and give the top strength I line the bottom with 1 X 2 inch Furring strip. Adding two more strips to the sides Get two 8 foot strips as they are under $2 a piece.
You’ll need 16 3/4 inch wood screw to secure the top. 8 1 1/2 inch screws for the side reinforcements. Four 2 1/2 inch by 1/8th inch eye bolts with nuts and eight washers. Four S hooks. Four Guyline tension hooks. 1 package of Guyline rope. (it’s good to have a lighter or match when you cut the lines to keep them from fraying) Two Velcro straps to attach to the roof rack. I found the Keeper Wrap-It-Up 1 inch X 6 inch Grey Bundling Strap at Ace Hardware.
Final touch is layering with carpet. I use a black/gray utility mat. A 24 X 60 inch goes for about $20Big box hardware stores sell this by the foot. I staple a layer on top. Also a strip across the back of the table on the edge that rests on the car.
