Anyone using/used the Partner Stretcher Table?

[jsmoriss]

Seems like a good idea to me, if you have a place to stow it (it's 72" long). It would be nice if the legs were adjustable though, for un-even ground -- or even to lower it for other uses (than a kitchen/cooking table). What was your experience, good or bad, with this table?

Thanks,
js.

 

[jsmoriss]

A little more info...

Here's a site selling it, with more info on the table:

http://www.riverconnection.com/partner-steel-camp-table-p-300.html

They also appear to have good pricing on the stoves:

http://www.riverconnection.com/kitchen-cooking-partner-stoves-c-4_74_86.html

And here's a picture of the table in action:

The Partner table is rather (very) pricey, but it's also a 6' stretcher.

Here's another similar table that's available in 68" and 72" lengths:

http://www.riverconnection.com/camb....html?osCsid=6a4df8692e509669f72e97921dad8073

js.

 

[jsmoriss]

Bump...

So will I be the first ExPo member to try this table?

js.

 

[Bergger]

I just picked up one of the Genius Tables and they are quite nice, but can't double as a stretcher. I've got the 4 foot model but they also make them in 6.5 (about $70) and 8 foot models. The Partner Stretcher Table looks very nice but you could get an aluminum folding backboard for less money and just set it up on some storage boxes for a table. If you get the table please let us know what you think of it.

 

[jsmoriss]

So will I be the first ExPo member to try this table?

I must be crazy or something, but I just can't resist an excellent piece of kit. I suspect others here also suffer from the same malady, but how many would plonk down $400 on a kitchen camp table?

I'll take some pics of it in action and let you know what I think of it. At 72" long, I suspect it'll ride on the roof rack.

js.

 

[mizedog]

Not trying to be negative, just pragmatic. I'm certified in CPR, First Aid and using an AED. I carried a huge first aid kit for years so I care about first aid. But, stretchers don't have to be that expensive. Most are just a piece of 3/4" marine plywood (no voids) with slots routed in them. You could do this for under $75 bucks, table legs included. And, it won't heat up in the sun like aluminum and burn your arms, or the back of the victim. Besides, how many times have we really had to use a backboard. And if we did, once back at the vehicle, we'd still have to bend the victim onto the seat since our 'expeditions' are not within reach of most ambulances. Yes, it's possible that you'd try to strap a full length stretcher in a vehicle for the ride to safety, but many of our rigs can't accomodate this anyway. My Jeep is one example. Even though it's a 4 door, I'd still have to rope the tailgate open with the victim sticking out unprotected. The victim would also get a good dose of exhaust during the trip. I know there's a place to spend a dollar where a dime will do (airlines pay $4,000 for a coffee maker). But, camping is not the place (ok, winches and tow hooks may be two examples).

I do like the dual-use idea. However, it's just a rip off waiting to happen. Better idea: Rig a regular table as a backboard if necessary with rachet straps. Improvising is the key in first aid, not being a fully functional hospital. If you're that worried about a first aid, build a complete dufflebag first aid kit and include a bedsheet (many uses), femanine nampkins (absorbant), tons of 4x4s and a battery powered AED.

My final answer: That company's charging a 600% profit and we don't really need that.

I'm loving this site. I'm excited about getting back into the kind of adventures this site is all about. Thanks.

 

[mizedog]

Hey all. Ya know I'm new to the forum (lurked on and off a long time) and don't want to get off to a bad start. I truely considered killing my post from the 6th for fear it may seem like product bashing. Unfortunately, it seemed I may have killed this thread. My apology as this was unintended.

I have to remember that my perspective is just mine (budget-minded).

Please, feel free to ignore my psot from the 6th...

 

[Martyn]

Hey all. Ya know I'm new to the forum (lurked on and off a long time) and don't want to get off to a bad start. I truely considered killing my post from the 6th for fear it may seem like product bashing. Unfortunately, it seemed I may have killed this thread. My apology as this was unintended.

I have to remember that my perspective is just mine (budget-minded).

Please, feel free to ignore my psot from the 6th...

Don't be bashful, you said what you though in a level headed manner. I think the thread was dying out before you said anything.

One comment Partner Steel, who makes that table, is a low volume, high quality company. There product are hand crafted by artisans, so they don't get the price point from mass production or sending production overseas. So suggesting profit margins for US hand made product is difficult and the 600% you suggest is more in line with what an importer of a Chinese made stove may be making. I’d imagine gross profit before labor and over head might be 65%.

I've never seen one of these tables, but if you told me I could take one stove to a desert island for 10 years I'd take one of theirs.

 

[jsmoriss]

Unfortunately, it seemed I may have killed this thread. My apology as this was unintended.

No worries. Everyone has their take on gear, so you're no different. I was waiting until I had the table to post a follow-up. I got it last night, and will post pictures next week. $400 isn't that bad if you compare it to any other vertical/niche market product. It's well built and probably worth the price, but I wish they could have spent just a _little_time on the finish. It's very 'utilitarian' looking. Nothing's been polished or 'finished' -- the aluminum sheet and tubing is as-is. They could have at least done a little 'engine turning' pattern with a rotary sander on the top or something. No biggy though, a natural 'patina' will develop over time. I have to say, it's pretty sturdy. I sat in the middle and it barely flexed. At 6 feet, it should fit nicely under my Hannibal 8 foot awning too. <grin>

js.

 

[Nullifier]

well I am pretty sure that this is the table that comes with the Campa trailer system. It even has an extension that houses some wash tubs for doing dishes. If it the same table then I can tell you it is really well built. We had 2 of them on our baja trip and they came in really handy for cooking and serving meals for our group of 8 on that trip. You might call Campa to confirm but I am 99% sure it is the same table.

 

[Green Ganesha]

well I am pretty sure that this is the table that comes with the Campa trailer system. It even has an extension that houses some wash tubs for doing dishes. If it the same table then I can tell you it is really well built. We had 2 of them on our baja trip and they came in really handy for cooking and serving meals for our group of 8 on that trip. You might call Campa to confirm but I am 99% sure it is the same table.

For what it's worth, the table which came with my Campa trailer isn't the Partner stretcher. Mine is not so long or narrow, but more the shape of a traditional table. It's stainless, and looks like it was made by the Campa folks themselves, rather than a third-party vendor.

 

[highlandercj-7]

For those looking for a cheaper alternative, but still great quality. I like the Lifetime Plastic tables. They are reasonably priced have a lifetime warranty and take serious abuse. I just weighed mine and at 6' long x 30" wide it weighed 33.4lbs. It's only $69.00 to boot. Wally World, Sam's and Lowe's are a few places I've bought them. We use them for everything including selling tools at swap meets. I know I've had a least 300lbs of tools on them. They also make one that folds in half, but I got the room for them in full 6' so I didn't bother with the folding.
Here's a picture:

 

[jsmoriss]

Alright, so this past week-end Melanie and I _finally_ got to try that Partner table... We usually go canoe-camping this time of year, but Melanie wanted to try some of our 'Overlanding' stuff -- even if the Jeep build isn't _quite_ done (for example, the backup battery isn't installed yet). I was given an ETA of Spring 2009, but Melanie's enthusiasm couldn't be contained.

So, first off, this table is rather long, so it had to go on the roof rack...

There are handles on each corner, so I tied these down, then piled on various bags that didn't fit in the cab, then threw a net over the whole thing. It worked as expected and wasn't much of a hassle to stow.

The table was a big success with Melanie. She loved the fact that there was plenty of room, and she didn't have to sit while cooking (our usual canoe-camping gear setup).

Doing the dishes was also a lot less hassle, since there's plenty of room and we can hang the dishes to dry...

And on a related note, Melanie also loved the new Partner stove, ARB Fridge, Kermit chairs (we might take these canoe-camping from now on!), and Snow Peak bamboo tables.

js.

 

[Overland Hadley]

js.

Looks like you have a nice camp setup.

(I want a Partner stove!)

 

[j_nigrelli]

.... it's possible that you'd try to strap a full length stretcher in a vehicle for the ride to safety, but many of our rigs can't accomodate this anyway. My Jeep is one example. Even though it's a 4 door, I'd still have to rope the tailgate open with the victim sticking out unprotected. The victim would also get a good dose of exhaust during the trip......

this made me think of some WWII Army Jeep pictures i have seen with wounded on stretchers across hoods, stacked 2 high, & strapped across the rear seats both front/ back + side to side. must have been a helluva ride back to the hospital tent.