Maintenance & Restoration

Gina D. · 07-12-2009, 10:22 PM

This might be better under "Mods" but.. it's a fun toy that really doesn't require any modification.. unless you consider connecting to a propane bottle a mod.

I like a campfire as much as the next Joe or Jane.. I DON'T usually have one, however because:

1. It seems hardly worth the bother when you are camping alone
2. It is more common than not for them to NOT be allowed outside of established campgrounds, and private parks (Such as the one I am working in now) don't allow them.
3. I don't like buying questionable wood, and toting it along is a weight issue I don't want to deal with.
4. Cleaning up after one is a pain.. When I am ready for bed, I am ready for bed and don't like waiting for the fire to burn out and dousing it is messy.
5. I have lung issues and really should limit my exposure to smoke.. and campfire smoke ALWAYS seeks me out :-P

The solution (Albeit a silly one)

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This little puppy is a Fire Dancer Portable Fire Pit w/ Log kit

I paid 139 for the kit at Amazon.com.

It is small, but gives a big flame, and the vermiculite spreads it out evenly under the logs, which are light as a feather.. they *feel* like Styrofoam, but I am sure that's not what they are. They are delicate when new, but burning them hardens them.. but does not change the weight.

The whole thing goes together easily.. the lid has a screw handle on top, remove it, dump in the vermiculite, set the logs on top. Attach the hose and regulator (All built in) to a tank, open the inline valve.. light. Walla. No muss, no fuss no bother. All the "stuff" once, installed, stays put for transport under the lid.

I haven't weighed it, but I am guessing it is under 10 lbs.

Here is a perspective on it's size

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Big enough to be pleasant, but small enough to be portable and easy.

One of my fulltimers here has another brand, larger, and he has made a nice surround for it out of river rock. I have seen weekenders come in with other brands, all are about the same in this size range.

Campfire in a Can

is a popular one.

I like the Fire Dancer better because of the lower profile and weight, but both are good.

Phil Underwood · 07-13-2009, 05:55 AM

we use "little red campfire"

http://www.adventurerv.net/little-red-camp...ire-p-3270.html

We think its an excellent purchase /mod

BC Paul · 07-13-2009, 08:27 AM

"Little Red Campfire" for us as well.

Lizbeth · 07-13-2009, 08:43 AM

Awwwww, it's cute!

Pamela S. · 07-13-2009, 11:17 AM

Gina, You always find the neatest camping gadgets! I looked at their website, and that stone surround they sell would look really nice in a semi-permanent installation, like a summer-long site. Hope your summer is going well. (Isabella the Italian Greyhound sends her best regards to your menagerie.) Pamela

Weinel, Alan · 07-13-2009, 01:47 PM

General question.. are they allowable even where "campfires" are prohibited??

Ron Stewart · 07-13-2009, 04:32 PM

It's an outdoor gas fireplace. How about that!

Gina D. · 07-13-2009, 05:12 PM

Alan, yes, they are. It is considered a propane fired cooker by the Forest Service and it is (Or generally *isn't*) regulated as such. If a stove permit is required, you have to have one for this.

I actually did this a long time ago with an old Coleman propane kettle grill. I used left over fireplace rocks and logs. Had a ranger screech into my dispersed site and laugh once he saw what it was. "Thats a GREAT idea" he said and left it at that.

It was too heavy to carry around tho. I abandoned the idea.

Brenda Novakovski · 07-13-2009, 07:14 PM

Hi Gina,

Brenda here from Saskatoon. We met you at Bandon with Dewey a few years ago (gone to new owners now).

Nolan wants to get one of these gizmos. He saw one and can't get his mind off it. He likes to sit and watch and campfire until the wee hours. I'll have to show him this post.

When we camp in our favorite northern Sask. campsite, the fire permit is $8 per night....yikes.

Good for you!

Brenda Novakovski
Saskatoon, SK
Canada

Karalyn · 07-13-2009, 09:23 PM

a REAL camp fire is one of my reasons for camping. The smell of wood burning, and the friends around the campfire Personally, I could not do one of these and feel I am camping. Sorry, but I need a real camp fire.

BC Paul · 07-13-2009, 11:06 PM

The only time we use ours is when it's "peeing" rain, there isn't a stick of wood anywhere within 5 km that's dry enough to burn, the free-standing awning is up with the propane fire under it and we need something to take the chill and dampness off. Oh yeah and the kids like it when there is a fire ban on and they can still roast marshmallows.
We usually dry camp so going into the bush with a saw and coming back with a truck full of wood is not a problem.

Weinel, Alan · 07-14-2009, 08:49 AM

Karalyn... I noticed you are a Minnesotan with a Casita... Since Casita defected to Texas, isn't it against Minnesota State Law (or something) to own a Casita instead of a Scamp??? lol.....

Quote:

a REAL camp fire is one of my reasons for camping. The smell of wood burning, and the friends around the campfire Personally, I could not do one of these and feel I am camping. Sorry, but I need a real camp fire.

Phil Underwood · 07-14-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

a REAL camp fire is one of my reasons for camping. The smell of wood burning, and the friends around the campfire Personally, I could not do one of these and feel I am camping. Sorry, but I need a real camp fire.

good luck with that when there is a fire ban or when its raining. The "little red campfire works great under the "EZUP" when its pouring down rain

Gina D. · 07-14-2009, 01:03 PM

OK guys... quit pickin on poor Karalyn. I understand the real campfire thing, there is nothing like it.

BUT..if ya can't have one, these are great, and I will most likely use mine under my awning too, even if I have a fire ring. (Carefully, of course)

I use my awning area as a second living room, and dragging my chair to the fire pit when I am by myself is goofy sometimes. This will make the Burro "Homey".

I don't understand folks that simply WON'T go camping if they can not have a fire.. I have had tenters leave the park here when they find out it is not allowed. This sort of thing would open up new places and times for them, me thinks.

The Hobo · 07-14-2009, 01:34 PM

We use/Love ours.

In fact, we have even used it at certain car shows at night,when we stayed overnight.

Love it,Love it, Love it.

Did I say we Love it,??

Weinel, Alan · 07-14-2009, 02:50 PM

Well, Gina, you sold ME. I just have to get it approved by our Chief Financial Officer / Budget Officer.

Or I could just buy one ... easier to obtain forgiveness than approval... hehehehehe

David & Leslie · 07-14-2009, 03:35 PM

Oh, boy - your "Fire Dancer" gadget looks terrific! While nothing can be as nice as a 'real' campfire, for all the reasons you stated, it isn't always practical. I think I'll work on adding one of these to our outfit. Thanx for the post. Take care, L 'n D

Pamela H · 07-15-2009, 09:04 AM

We bought one last year and love it. Camp chef-has a bag, and while I prefer a wood fire, when you can't have one, this is nice for a cold night. It really puts off some heat.

Pam