receiver hitch "kitchen"

[arlon]

Has anyone done a kitchen mounted off of a receiver hitch? I was just thinking if I could use the hitch for a box mounted kitchen instead of the back of my van, it would allow me more "living" room in the van. Afraid a "hitch haul" type of kitchen might take a beating. Still might have to consider building something like that from aluminum frame but it would be nice to know if the idea has already succeeded or failed for someone else..

[AFSOC]

I have seen a few receiver hitch BBQ grills and tables geared for the sporting event tail gater crowd but don't recall any set ups geared toward the trail rider/camper set. I love the idea and would enjoy seeing it executed.

[arlon]

My thought is along the lines of cutting the back off a teardrop trailer and sticking it on a receiver (figuratively, not literally). Build up to the bottom of the rear window, fit between the tail lights, bottom height to actually sit on the bumper (and narrow enough to not destroy approach angle), airbag on the back in case I get rearended. I have a hitch hauler rack I could just set a box on but it already weighs a ton with nothing else on it. I'd want it light enough that wife and I could easily unhitch it and stand it on it's own folding legs... (-:}

[Herbie]

For $99, here's your aluminum starter kit:
http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-...ier-92655.html

[arlon]

There ya go. And one of THESE might give me the clearance I want..

[Elseanno]

My thought is along the lines of cutting the back off a teardrop trailer and sticking it on a receiver (figuratively, not literally). Build up to the bottom of the rear window, fit between the tail lights, bottom height to actually sit on the bumper (and narrow enough to not destroy approach angle), airbag on the back in case I get rearended. I have a hitch hauler rack I could just set a box on but it already weighs a ton with nothing else on it. I'd want it light enough that wife and I could easily unhitch it and stand it on it's own folding legs... (-:}

A couple ideas for you.

Check out Drifta Kitchens for clever ways to maximize space and useability.

Using adjustable drop down wheels might help with loading/unloading. Trailer jacks or other home built options would work.

You could build it with marine plywood, plywood clad with sheet metal or if you can weld aluminum you could weld a frame & skin it with aluminum.

Since this is to be mounted on the back of your van, are putting some sort of awning above for shade/rain protection?

What ever you do, post pictures. I'm sure we are all interested in seeing the results.

[NothingClever]

http://www.hitchkitchen.com/

[arlon]

That hitchkitchen is a little over the top from what I was thinking but great for reference. I do weld aluminum and that was going to be my first thought. I don't weld pretty but that's what a grinder and paint is for. I'm a total hack but it would probably stay stuck together.. I like the idea of aluminum just to keep the weight to a minimum and since it would be outside, maybe less damage from the elements. I also like the outside/hitch idea just for storing propane cylinders. I just don't like storing any gas cylinders inside the vehicle.

I'd have to consider a "market umbrella" for shade. I have used one in several places and they just seem to work better than most would give them credit for. Not very high tech but shade is shade.

[Elseanno]

That hitchkitchen is a little over the top from what I was thinking but great for reference. I do weld aluminum and that was going to be my first thought. I don't weld pretty but that's what a grinder and paint is for. I'm a total hack but it would probably stay stuck together.. I like the idea of aluminum just to keep the weight to a minimum and since it would be outside, maybe less damage from the elements. I also like the outside/hitch idea just for storing propane cylinders. I just don't like storing any gas cylinders inside the vehicle.

I'd have to consider a "market umbrella" for shade. I have used one in several places and they just seem to work better than most would give them credit for. Not very high tech but shade is shade.

My exact feelings about Hitch Kitchen. Too big and the execution doesn't seem thought through. Why would you put the umbrella in front where you need to work?
(I've been planning to build something like this myself)

On the shade/umbrella question I've been thinking that either home made or (more expensive) store bought awnings like guys are using on their rigs around here mounted on two adjustable posts attached to the back of the kitchen might be useful. Some where on this forum (I think) I saw a thread where a guy built his own fold out awning.

[Mark Harley]

This is how I mounted my offset umbrella
I bought a couple 2" and 11/4" hitch tubes off of ebay and mounted them under my trailer.
" You could mount them to the vehicle or side of the hitch rack"
I cut the mount off the umbrella stand and mounted it to a piece of square tubing.
It slides in the receiver and pin holds it in place.
Pop the umbrella up and you have instant shade.
I used an off set umbrella so it would not hang over the trailer.