Kuma Outdoor Gear
Portable propane fire pits are handy no matter where your travels take you. Seen here is the 19” Bear Blaze from Kuma Outdoor Gear.
Words by Steve Fennell
A big part of RVing is the quintessential campfire. Roasting marshmallows or s'mores and sharing moments around a ring of fire is always enjoyable after a day in the outdoors.
Building a fire while camping is almost a rite of passage at a campsite. Finding and then burning wood provides a sense of ruggedness that mankind has been doing since, well, the dawn of fire. Even though the sweet scent of cedar or maple still fills the air at RV parks, portable propane fire pits are a growing trend among enthusiasts on the road.
There are a few logical reasons for their popularity and learning about their function and convenience just may entice you to consider one for this year’s RV season.
Outland Living
Stylish and practical - just one of the propane fire pits from Outland Living.
What are their Benefits?
Portable propane fire pits are basically high-powered propane burners - think of a camp stove but with much larger, durable parts, robust construction, and aesthetically pleasing designs. Some even have heat outputs of more than 50,000 BTUs.
But why do you need one and why are they popular? Simply put, portable propane fire pits offer fire on demand despite wet or windy conditions and without the need for dry wood. Unload it from your RV, hook up the propane tank and voila - instant flame. They also eliminate the endless cost of firewood or scrounging around for it and chopping it up.
There’s no substitute for the crackling sound of a campfire, but it’s important to note that the fire is sourced from propane and uses artificial logs or lava rocks to distribute the flames so many models are smokeless. This means no one will be smoked out when the wind changes direction or your clothes and RV won’t stink of a ‘wood campfire’ the next day.
Another benefit is they are safer at campgrounds, government parks and boondocking sites (see sidebar). The size and strength of the flame can easily be controlled without getting too high and the common floating sparks. Plus, the fire can be shut down pretty quickly by simply turning the burner and propane off.
Kuma Outdoor Gear
Many - if not most - operate similar to a barbecue.
Determine the Best Portable Propane Fire Pit
Whether you plan on shopping the spring RV shows, your local RV store, or through Amazon, you’ll find a variety of models ranging in size, style and BTUs. The intended use and storage space available in your RV will dictate the size and BTUs that you require. For instance, if you commonly entertain large crowds or camp in colder regions, models with a diameter of 69 to 81 cm (27 to 32 in) with a heat output of 50,000 to 55,000 BTUs may be preferred.
While some of the larger fire pits do have a lightweight or a space-saving design to easily travel with, others can tip the scales upwards of 23 kg (50 lbs), which may be a little cumbersome for your designated RV storage. Many have regulators to handle the flow of propane from 20 lb DOT/TC cylinder tanks so it’s important to also consider the space (and weight) of an additional tank.
Some models, however, are as compact as 38 or 41 cm (15 to 16 in) (or even smaller). They are lighter weight, easier to transport in an RV and still generate enough BTUs to keep a family of four warm and cozy on cooler summer nights.
But it’s best to shop around to find the right portable propane fire pit for your needs on the road. One of the models that caught our attention was the Standard Firebowl from Outland Living of Surrey, BC (part #: 823 (FMPPC2-2). At 48 x 48 x 28 cm (19 x 19 x 11 in ) and 10 kg (22 lb) it’s not the largest or the most compact of models but it has a travel-friendly design, can crank out 58,000 BTUs, comes with a safe 3 m (10 ft) hose, plus regulator, and stainless steel burner and fasteners.
Outland Living
Circular or square designs are also available.
Other Details to Consider
- Hose Length and CSA-Approval
Safety needs to be a priority with any type of campfire in any location. Even though portable propane fire pits offer convenience, it’s important to understand that propane cylinders are sensitive to heat. When the tank gets too hot, its pressure increases. While relief valves are designed to limit this pressure, precautions still need to be taken.
Having a cylinder tank too close to an open portable fire pit just spells disaster. So be sure your unit has a hose length of about 2.5 to 3 m (8 to 10 ft) from the firepit to ensure the utmost safety. Additionally, always be sure to inspect the propane tank for wear and tear, damage to the valve and/or regulator as well the hose itself.
As an added safety measure, consider a unit that is CSA-approved, which is an internationally-recognized association that ‘rigorously tests and certifies’ a range of products for safety and performance, including portable propane fire pits. The certified model will typically indicate the CSA designation on the product and in the user manual.
Outland Living
They are even an attractive addition to outdoor living spaces.
- Lava Rocks or Artificial Logs?
Many models come with lava rocks. They look nice, are inexpensive, effectively radiate and disperse heat, and provide a nice soft flame. Although, one aspect to consider is they are not secure in the fire pit’s base, which means the lava rocks can fall out if the unit accidentally tips over when in use or during travel.
To prevent this, look for a model with a strong base, quality storage bag and locking lid. Artificial logs are also popular as they look nice as well, resemble real logs and usually come with a more secure, one-piece design that fits securely in the base.
- Materials, Construction and Features
Regardless of the size, make and design, portable propane fire pits generally operate the same way with many similar features including a large burner, regulator, connector hose, and propane tank. Many also use a standard 20 lb propane cylinder (but more compact models may only be used with smaller tanks).
Lost Coordinate
If you commonly visit cold, damp environments, choose a model that has a high heat output.
You’ll also come across a range of aesthetic designs. Your choice may come down to personal preference, but some of the styles have added benefits. Patterned and vented exteriors or fire-rated stainless steel mesh on the bottom are common (that allow for optimal airflow) and many are manufactured with high temperature, heat-resistant powder-coated steel, iron and some have rubbed-bronze finishes. Solid bases and frames to withstand the demands of the outdoors and travel are trends as well.
A portable propane fire pit that also caught our attention with good looks and function was the CSA-certified 19” Bear Blaze Fire Bowl from Kuma Outdoor Gear (model #449-KM-BBFB-BB). Rugged at 10 kg (22 lb), the Bear Blaze doesn’t require tools to set up and has a convenient width of 48 cm (19 in) and height of 28 cm (11 in), which makes it easy to stow. It also uses lava rocks to disperse flames and we like its maximum output of 58,000 BTUs, 3 m (10 ft) hose and stylish vented sides. The handy tank stabilizer ring is a nice added touch. Offering more convenience is the available Bear Blaze Carry Bag (model #449B-BBFB-BB) making it easy to transport. If you are looking for a larger option, the 24” Bear Blaze Firebowl is also available (part #503-KM-BBFB-L-BB).
With many portable propane fire pits available, your decision should be based on your needs at a campsite, function, and safety. They are an ideal option if you spend a lot of time in the evening socializing with friends or family. Most importantly, they are convenient and can save some effort on the road, which results in more quality time spent relaxing and enjoying the RV lifestyle.
Using a Propane Fire Pit during Fire Bans
Considering the forest fires that are experienced in Western Canada (and elsewhere across the country) every year, it’s always best to verify with park authorities or campground operators about local fire ban restrictions and the use of propane fire pits or similar systems.
While fire ban restrictions vary across Canada throughout the year, the BC Wildfire Service states “that a portable campfire apparatus is a free-standing fireplace that burns liquid fuel or gaseous fuel and is designed to provide ambiance and heat during campfire prohibitions. Only a CSA-approved or ULC-approved portable campfire apparatus may be used.”
The BC Wildfire Service also states that the size of the flame must not exceed 15 cm (6 in) and during certain conditions, the use of portable campfire apparatuses or outdoor stoves may be further restricted and prohibited. Here are some other important guidelines to follow:
- Only operate the apparatus as specified by the manufacturer
- Take precautions to ensure the fire is contained (i.e consider purchasing and using a lid for your model).
- Always closely monitor the fire and be present while in use.
- If the fire pit is used on the ground be sure to place it on mineral soil, gravel, sand or other non-combustible surfaces.
- Always make sure the area is cleared of debris (or anything else) that is combustible and there is a fuel break around the fire pit.
Be sure to visit www.bcwildfire.ca for more details, safety precautions and fire ban regulations.