Do you have a "car stove"?

Discussion in 'Stove Forum' started by Marc, Jul 19, 2020.

  1. Ed Winskill

    Ed Winskill United States Subscriber

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    Looks like it's out on old Highway 99. Our last one to go under, the Starlight, was on Hwy. 99 on the southern outskirts of town.
     
  2. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    What is that?
    I have only had access cabs since I had a regular cab 88 Ford Ranger.
     
  3. Marc

    Marc Subscriber

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    It has a fold down center arm rest, that when folded up is a third center seat. I'd send you a pic, but haven't even picked up the truck yet.
     
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  4. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Oh, I got it.
    Thanks.
     
  5. Marc

    Marc Subscriber

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    Coming back to the subject of the car stove, which Coleman do you guys think would handle auto gasoline/petrol the best, if needed? I'm leaning towards the 502, as it has a straight cleanable generator, new generators are available, and........I already have a 502.

    Sunni and I did date night at the "local" drive in, seeing Polar Express and the new Dune movie. We didn't take the truck, as we weren't sure a wide dually would have fit through the entrance. Being older and (ahem) calmer, we did actually watch the movies this time. Polar Express was OK, a bit weird. Being neither a Christmas nor a movie person, I will definitely skip it if given the opportunity to watch it again. Dune was quite good, looking forward to seeing the next installment. This first movie encompassed the first half of the first Dune book, according to Sunni. Well worth the trip, will definitely be making it a regular date night.
     
  6. BradB

    BradB United States Subscriber

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    +1 on the 502 for reason stated. Or any Coleman suitcase if you have the room. My fumble fingers have ruined the pricker needle on more than one 502 generator, but I have not ruined any of the more robust suitcase generators.
     
  7. Marc

    Marc Subscriber

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    Thanks Brad.

    I should have clarified with that last post, I don't plan on running car gas at all. Just an "If we have to, which would be best" type of scenario.
     
  8. itchy

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    Hard to beat the 502, but one advantage of the suitcase Coleman, if there is room in the car/truck, is that you can pick up a used one in good working condition for the cost of replacing a generator on the 502. For 3 summers I used a garage sale Coleman 413H to heat large volumes of water (not for cooking) -- I'm sure I went through a couple gallons of E10 and probably only cleaned the generator once.

    If it is just a matter of using a tank or two of gasoline in a pinch, I think you can get away with which ever stove you prefer to keep handy.
     
  9. Lance

    Lance Subscriber

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    You can always use E-85 in your Coleman stove.
     
  10. Murph

    Murph United States Subscriber

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    I'll take my 502, hands down!

    It simmers, easy to light, not touchy about it's fuel, CF, auto fuel, kerosene, gotta try E-85 soon.

    It's also stable, decent amount of fuel in the fount, easy to maintain, and if I have to break camp and leave the vehicle, it goes with me - a touch heavy, but not like those damn suitcase stoves!!!

    Murph
     
  11. Simon4043

    Simon4043 Australia Subscriber

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    I have a Lane's Thermil, 3 Coleman 533's, a 1945 6J, a 502, an Optimus 123, a double burner marine Ravia and a couple of Trangias, but the one I always have in my car or bike is this.
    Two thick-walled aluminium tins, one crimped inside the other, weight 44gm. The hollow of the crimps wicks up alcohol between the inner and outer walls by capillary action, which boils and forms 12 beautiful jets.
    Not very sophisticated I know, but there's satisfaction in knowing something you've made yourself can give you a hot cuppa in the morning!

    upload_2022-1-15_22-40-50.jpeg upload_2022-1-15_22-41-18.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2022
  12. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    What lighter, fire starter, do you keep with your car stove?
     
  13. bikamper

    bikamper United States Subscriber

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    I used to carry a stove in my 95 F-150, a Prentiss-Wabers angled job(don't recall the model off the top of my head). Came in handy one time when I'd been blown off an icy road into a field. While waiting on a tow, I fired up the PW on the tailgate and made some coffee and breakfast. A local sheriffs' deputy stopped to see if I was okay. Invited him over for a cup.

    I don't carry one now as my current pick up doesn't have a cap. I miss that F-150.
     
  14. Marc

    Marc Subscriber

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    Thanks folks!

    Ken, there's at least one Bic lighter in a glovebox or center console, another in my pocket (mini Bic in the summer, full size in the winter when I may need to thaw out the gate padlock at work), and the get home bag has two Bic lighters, a ferro rod, and tinder which will take a spark. Should probably add some lifeboat matches as well.

    A Coleman suitcase will definitely be the choice when a need is expected. For just normal running around, I don't want to carry it all the time. Murph's comment about packing it along in case of needing to leave the vehicle is a great point too.

    I love the simplicity and ease of an alcohol stove, but would prefer something which can use the fuel from the truck, if needed.

    Seems like the 502 is it! Thank you all.

    I've attached a few pictures of the beast. Not sure if I'm keeping the winch bumper - leaning towards not.
     

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  15. G1gop United Kingdom

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    One of the reasons I keep an esbit stove 0plus tabs etc) in the car is that they will sit there until needed and not complain. I still have other stoves in the car (butane/alcohol/WG etc) but they change depending upon the temp and where we are going. The Esbits just sit there.
     
  16. snwcmpr

    snwcmpr SotM Winner Subscriber

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    I saw a coglahns tab stove and a cup in a box in the truck and am not sure if I have a lighter there.
    Thats why I asked.

    I like the Clipper refillable with a removable flint.
    (I just put a Clipper in the truck)

    I also like a peanut lighter and extra fuel container.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2022
  17. Marc

    Marc Subscriber

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    I prefer Bic because I've not found anything more reliable. Just a happy coincidence that they're inexpensive and ubiquitous.

    Never found a liquid fueled lighter that would keep it's fuel without drying out, either Zippo or peanut style. I don't smoke, fire is only an occasional need for me, so not something I'll be messing with and maintaining constantly. Just want it to work when I need it.
     
  18. G1gop United Kingdom

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    @Marc I have many 'Zippo's' etc and they are all dry and in my drawer for that reason. I love them but as a non smoker they are not really what I need. Bics are so cheap and tbh I find so many smokers have dropped/lost that I have no bought one in decades!
     
  19. Marc

    Marc Subscriber

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    Great score, Alan. Hope you're feeling better.
     
  20. G1gop United Kingdom

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    Yes thanks. got my first neg test today. If the same tomorrow, then back to being free!!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 15, 2022