Camp anywhere with RooBox

What do you get when you cross a picnic basket with a camper trailer-style slide-out kitchen?

Something that looks like the RooBox, a new portable camp kitchen unveiled at this year’s Sydney Caravan Supershow.

About the same size as your average esky, the all-in-one box opens up to reveal a mini-kitchen including a single burner gas butane cooker, water tap, LED lighting, cooler box and storage for cooking and eating utensils.

According to RooBox founder Luke McMahon, the prototypes on display at the Sydney show are based on original versions built by his father-in-law in his home workshop as gifts for his six children.

Sensing a business opportunity, McMahon is hoping to bring the unique product to market in the near future as he believes there’s no other product that offers the same all-in-one convenience in a lightweight package.

“We’re marketing it as almost a day tripper or overnight picnic box,” he said.

“We’re at the show to find out what people like and don’t like about it, and we’ll make some changes before we go ahead and manufacture them.”

The RooBox incorporates a rechargeable lithium battery to power the LED strip lights, as well as the pump for the five litre water tank that spouts water at the front.

There’s a control panel for the lights, battery and water tank level, while the chiller box with removable ice brick will hold a small amount of perishable food and drink.

Various drawers and compartments hold a pot, pan and kettle for the cooker, as well as enough plates, bowls, cups and utensils for four people. A BBQ hot plate and windbreak, and other cooking items like a spatula, tongs, cheese grater and peeler, are also included.

There are also compartments to store washing up items and condiments.

All up with a full tank of water it weighs around 22kg, and has two handles to carry it around.

As well as budget campers heading off for the night, the RooBox should also appeal to caravanners, boaties and 4WD enthusiasts wanting something lightweight, portable and easy to set up for side trips.

The home-made prototypes are built from pine, plywood, and aluminium, but production versions are likely to be made of high density plastic and aluminium. There's a good chance they'll cost around $500 or less.

To get the product to market RooBox will seek either corporate funding and support (OzTent founder Joe Viglione has already expressed interest), or start a public crowdfunding campaign.

For latest updates and to watch a video of the RooBox in action, click here.