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Front Runner Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table review
The Front Runner Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table is one of those upgrades to your camp that you should have done years ago, but one that you should do together with the initial outfit or rebuild of your vehicle. After using cheaper camp tables for years, it took us until now to really appreciate the value of a high-quality one. Making the switch from cheap and wobbly to somewhat expensive and sturdy, has made us appreciate the change even more. This might be one of those upgrades you’ll never regret, but only if you’ve thought it through and actually have space to bring it along.
What is the Front Runner Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table?
The Front Runner Pro SS Camp Table is a full-size, fixed-surface camp table with foldable locking legs and a stainless steel worktop. Its strong aluminum frame keeps it sturdy, while rounded nylon edges add durability and protection. Measuring 113 × 75 centimeters, it offers plenty of workspace for cooking, repairs, or spreading out maps. It’s something we were missing out on before, and what we really love now. But, at 11.8 kilograms, it’s no lightweight. However, its build quality results in minimal flex and a stable, reliable surface in camp.
While the stainless top requires regular care to prevent staining, it’s hygienic, easy to clean, and large enough to serve as the hub of camp life, whether you’re cooking dinner or sorting gear. This is one of Front Runner’s most visual camp products, one that people often rave about, but it definitely has pros and cons.
Specifications
- Front Runner Pro table
- Full-sized camp table
- Foldable legs, fixed surface area
- Black powder-coated aluminum frame and locking legs
- Stainless steel top/work surface (0.9 mm thick)
- Rounded glass-reinforced nylon edges and corners
- Dimensions: 113 x 75 cm (LxW) x 3,2 cm / 73 cm (H-closed / H-open)
- Operational height: 73 cm (relatively high)
- Weight: 11.82 kg
Pros
- Very large surface area, which is what you want to have when camping long-term
- Extremely sturdy design
- One of the easiest and most usable tables on the market
- Made from materials known they can handle abuse (you will be abusing it when overlanding)
- Barely any components that can break or cause play over time
- Roof rack storage brackets are available, although dust and possibly stains would be a worry for us
- Hygienic and easy to clean
Cons
- Very heavy for a camp table
- Fixed format, and therefore large to store
- If left untreated, the stainless steel top tends to rust or at least stain easily. Ours got stained within the first week.
- Scratches are easily made on the stainless steel surface
- The work surface flexes slightly
- A supportive brace in the middle of the surface makes it flex less, but it’s also prone to collecting dirt
- The stainless steel top looks professional, but as said, it scratches easily, and also reflects sunlight very brightly. Adding a film or a tablecloth against that is almost mandatory.
Would we buy this camp table again?
During the past twelve or more years, we have used a range of tables, from plastic to aluminum versions, but all below a price tag of € 75,-. We have to say most of them did very well, although with limitations and drawbacks. Some fell apart after one season, others lasted many years but lacked surface area and stability. It was always good enough, but definitely far from perfect.
Now that we have upgraded to the Front Runner Pro Stainless Steel Camp Table, we can only assume we never want to go back to the others again. Having a large surface area that’s easy to clean is such a game-changer. It allows us to live around camp with more ease. Also, as two storytellers at heart, we both love writing, and this large space allows us to sit with both laptops and multiple hard drives at the same table with ease. When cooking, it allows us to work together, and chopping isn’t a burden anymore; the table stays where it is, and you don’t risk imminent collapse or a cut in your fingers.
There are some minor drawbacks, like the stains, scratches, and reflection of the stainless steel top. Especially the latter was somewhat annoying when working on our laptops or having breakfast. And, on top of that, it is a large and heavy thing to store. But, Front Runner does provide a bracket for it, making storage underneath the roof rack possible, and you might even be able to customize those for underfloor storage in your vehicle, or build a gliding system in your truck (Nineties Nomads have done that outstandingly!)
Overall, we come out on the positive end of things and can highly recommend it, as any sturdy and large worksurface around camp is welcome, and this one tackles that with pleasure.
Our approach for gear reviews
As long-term overlanders we fully understand the need for high-quality and reliable gear. We know that if gear isn’t up to standard it can hinder your adventures, resulting in discomfort or a dangerous situation.
We write our reviews after extensive testing and with you – an adventurous overlander – in mind. We hope you appreciate our information, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Pro Tips
Due to very stubborn stains and the ease with which the work surface scratches, we recommend applying some sort of film to protect it. Although the table comes with a film from the factory, it isn’t visually appealing. Front Runner would do well in applying a fun, visually appealing film (contour lines, etc.) from the factory, so people have the option to use it with the film or exposed.
Front Runner advises you to clean the table in a specific way. We strictly adhered to it, but not daily. It is as follows: wash the table with a light soapy solution with a damp soft cloth. Wipe along the grain of the table top. Dry excess moisture with a dry towel and polish the surface by dabbing a small amount of mineral or baby oil, wiping with the grain of the stainless steel surface.
If desired, combine it with the bracket kit to stow the table underneath the roof rack. A minimal clearance of 65 mm is necessary to accommodate the table, including the brackets, and leave room for slight flex on the corrugation.
Check out these product shots
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Wouldn’t buy it again: heavy, slight rust on the aluminium after a couple of days, aluminium plates start to make their own life.