Propane Campfires?

[casa3805]

OK, there are a couple of threads on here right now about campfires. One started by someone who hates 'em, and then the September photo contest that, (possibly coincidentally, definitely ironically) is "Campfires and Airstreams". And there are some beautiful photos on that thread...

I have no desire to start another debate on campfires, you either like 'em or you don't. I get it.

We are living thru a darn long drought here in Texas, resulting in extremely destructive fires up around Bastrop and other areas. Fire bans in most parks and counties. And every time I look at some %!*& tossing a cigarette butt out the window I wonder if my town is going to catch on fire.

So we have started to look at propane campfires as a clean, spark free, smokeless alternative, for the dry times. Looked on-line a bit and then I remembered...The Forums...where we all know everything! And at the Vintage Rally in Glen Rose recently, someone had a very nice propane fire pit that I thought worked really well. Naturally, I do not remember who that was.

Brand and size recommendations? Endorsements? Experience anyone? How easy are they to pack and carry? How much fuel can I expect t use? And on, and on, and...

[dznf0g]

I got a "Campfire in a Can" brand unit last spring. I also have wood campfires when weather and the mood strikes. I like the propane for times when fires are not allowed or time dictates not having one. For example, I took the propane fire to the races this summer. No ground fires allowed.

Presently, I carry a 20# tank to fuel it, but I will probably look for a way to plumb it into the AS gas lines or bottles.

The flame looks relatively natural after the unit heats up for about 20 minutes, but does not look as natural as my home gas fireplace, let alone a natural fire. They do come with a grill grate which allows for simple pan cooking or water heating. They are not for roasting marshmallows, or grilling meat or dogs or the like.

If it is a still evening, you can warm a little by the flame, but even a minor breeze negates any warmth.

They are pretty much for visual effect only. They pack away neatly and cleanly, so you could travel with it in the AS or in the TV. The gas bottle, of course goes in the bed of the truck. I guess-timate it consumes about 1/2 pound of propane an hour with a relatively low flame.

[azflycaster]

We have a "fire dancer" propane campfire which we use when burning wood is not allowed. It's small and travels well. It uses about a pound of propane an hour and we use a 20 lb propane bottle.

[ModernVista]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

We have a "fire dancer" propane campfire which we use when burning wood is not allowed. It's small and travels well. It uses about a pound of propane an hour and we use a 20 lb propane bottle.

I picked up the fire dancer and have a 2013 Airstream which has the external LPG connection. However, I haven't been able to find an adapter so I don't have to drag along an 20lb tank.. Anyone know where I might order one? I contacted fire dancer and they wouldn't help!

Cheers

Cb

[soldiermedic]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

We have a "fire dancer" propane campfire which we use when burning wood is not allowed. It's small and travels well. It uses about a pound of propane an hour and we use a 20 lb propane bottle.

This is the model we have that you guys saw first hand at the Wurstfest event Chuck. It is a blessing here in the Burn Ban areas of Texas.

Steve

[nvestysly]

We have a Yukon Legend and have enjoyed it for several years. We bought it over 5 years ago and I think we paid about $150.

I've not taken time to figure out how much gas it consumes. We plumbed it into our two 30# tanks. When we hook it up we generally only use if for 30 minutes to an hour at a time so propane consumption did not seem to dramatic.

We can roast a hot dog or toast marshmallows over the flames. Or, warm a skillet or coffee pot with the grate provided in the kit. This does not work as well as a pit of hot coals but it does work.

I love the fact that propane fires are turned on an off at will. No sparks, no coals to worry about.

The Yukon Legend is large and takes up lot's of room. In that regard it does not travel well. I've considered Campfire in a Can (and others) due to the size of the Yukon. However, I think the Yukon is a much more realistic fire.

I generally try to "disguise" the Yukon by locating it in the campsite fire pit. I put some logs or rocks around the base of the Yukon to hide the base of the propane ring. I think you could do the same with Campfire in a Can and others.

Lucius

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by ModernVista

I picked up the fire dancer and have a 2013 Airstream which has the external LPG connection. However, I haven't been able to find an adapter so I don't have to drag along an 20lb tank.. Anyone know where I might order one? I contacted fire dancer and they wouldn't help!

Cheers

Cb

You should be able to get one at most propane distributors (the places that supply hardware stores, campgrounds and gas stations with propane).

[RUMSHIP]

It never made seance to me to pay for propane over and over again for something which produces no heat. Not sure if anyone here went to the region 12 rally in 2011 in Jackson, but I had a fux fire. I took my regular fire pit that I use to burn wood when I'm able. Lined it with red l.e.d. Halloween lights and an 10' or so orange rope light. In the center I put in a, what I call a Hollywood fux fire. It's a fan with l.e.d lights and a silk cloth blowing upwards and flickering. I did revive many nice comments. We could all still sit around and visit with each other, and only a one time cost for use, minus the zip ties to attach the lights to the inside. I'll post a pic later, don't have one on my phone. My bad.

http://www.indoorcampfires.com/

[thomp]

I have the Fire Dancer also and I would recommend it. Bought a small Fiberglas propane tank to use with it that makes it even more portable. The top screws down on top which makes it easier to store.

[RUMSHIP]

This does look better at night and with no hoses to trip over.

[KirkBoy]

We've had good luck with Quikfire. We bought the ceramic log set and it looks good and puts out a lot of heat when cranked up. index

[RUMSHIP]

Propane campfires have no soul.

[AWCHIEF]

I have a Fire Dancer and used it for the first time at the Canopener Rally. I was really surprised at how much heat it put out. Visitors sitting around the fire also commented on that. It was very convenient being able to fire it up and turn it off quickly when I no longer wanted the fire. Another nice benefit is no worries about sparks or burning ash accidently starting an unintended woods fire.

[jdalrymple]

We like our Little Red Campfire.

I know, I know.

I am a 25 year career firefighter with a background including the big forest fires on TV.

I like fire.

But still, no smoke and no issues with burn bans.

I light a real fire when I can, but the pill-box shaped thing from Camping World has it's place.

Little Red Portable Campfire - Camco RV 58031 - Campfire & Outdoor Fireplaces - Camping World

Regards,

JD

[aftermath]

Originally Posted by RUMSHIP

Propane campfires have no soul.

Bingo. Having a propane "campfire" is like having a DVD that play the scene of a fish tank if you can't afford a fish tank. It is an illusion, nothing more.

I respect campfire bans. When one is in place I don't try to fool myself. If it isn't a real campfire, it isn't a real campfire.

[thomp]

My fire dancer is a real fire with soul!

[KirkBoy]

We bought our Quikfire when we had a truck camper. There was no place to carry wood, so we had a choice of sitting in a circle staring at each other or getting a propane rig. We chose the propane! And now that we have a trailer, it is just more convenient than carrying a bunch of wood. We use wood in our woodstoves at home almost everyday in winter, so it's not like I don't like a wood fire; I just don't like the hassle when camping.

[Wazbro]

Don't forget the potential cost savings for propane compared to wood.

In some areas they have restrictions on bringing wood in from outside the area (I believe to prevent insect transportation) even a state park I've been to stating no wood to be brought in from outside the park.

This can make it cost $5-$25 in wood a night for that cheap primitive campfire, depending on size of the wood piles you buy, the size of your fire and how long you have it going.