NOMAD KITCHEN USER MANUAL
Please read through this manual in its entirety before you mount or operate your Nomad Kitchen. Improper installation, mounting, or operation can lead to damaging the kitchen, or your vehicle, and could lead to injury. Any damage caused by improper installation, including, but not limited to, anchoring your kitchen to points that cannot support the proper load, may void your kitchen’s warranty.
INSTALLING THE UNIVERSAL MOUNTING SYSTEM
Before installing your Nomad Kitchen for the first time, you will need to attach the universal mounting system hardware. (You will only have to do this once.) Please make sure the Nomad Kitchen can be properly installed in your vehicle before attaching the universal mounting system. Please consult our “Does it fit?" page before installation. As a safety precaution, Nomad Kitchens cannot be returned once the mounting system has been installed or installation has been attempted.
With the help of a friend, remove the kitchen from its packaging and place it on a large flat stable surface such as the floor. Push down on the top outer red lock tab and pull the drawer open ONLY HAlFWAY until you can easily remove the cutting board, but no further.
Remove the cutting board and protective foam.
There you will find:
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Four (4) ratchet straps with loops (A),
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Four (4) straps with hooks (B),
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A bag of hardware containing four (4) metal bars known as footman loops (C), and
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Eight (8) #8-32 x 1/2” machine screws (D),
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One rubber strap (E) which, for now, you can leave in the basket
The kitchen also comes with:
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Two (2) shims for leveling and raising the kitchen (F)
Replace the cutting board, and close the kitchen (make sure to push the drawer all the way in until you hear it click into the locked position).
Take the footman loops (C), and thread each one into the strap loop on the ratchet strap (A). Using a #2 Philips screwdriver, use two (2) machine screws (D) per footman loop (C) to attach the mounting system to the threaded holes (G) on the top of the kitchen.
Hand tighten - do not use a power drill or overtighten screws.
Make sure the mounting straps always remain seated in the notches found on the top of the kitchen frame.
MOUNTING YOUR NOMAD KITCHEN IN YOUR VEHICLE
Before mounting your Nomad Kitchen, make sure you have 3-4 tie down anchor points in your cargo area that are within 3.5 feet of where you will be mounting the Nomad Kitchen.
The Nomad Kitchen can support up to 200 lbs. However, make sure to check your vehicle's user manual or with your local dealership for factory load ratings to confirm the weight that can be supported by your vehicle’s cargo tie-down anchors. Keep in mind the Nomad Kitchen weighs just under 60 lbs itself.
D-rings make ideal anchor points; however, child seat anchors and folding row seat anchors work well too.
The anchor points near the back of the kitchen will be used to prevent the kitchen from tilting or sliding out of your trunk, and all anchor points must be properly secured to prevent the kitchen from swaying while in transit and while using the kitchen.
If your cargo area does not come with factory anchor points in an ideal location, (adjacent and/or close to the back and front of the kitchen), you will need to install them.
Some vehicles come with threaded holes for adding aftermarket D-rings. If adding aftermarket anchor points, please ensure that the D-rings have been properly installed to your vehicle’s user manual specifications. Please do so at your own risk.
Many pickup trucks and other vehicles may only have enough anchor points in ideal locations, or even none at all.
For details on installing anchor points into a vehicle’s frame or truck bed, please visit our website’s FAQs: Does the Nomad Kitchen fit in a pickup truck? section.
Please note that drilling holes and installing bolt on anchor points in your vehicle should be done by an experienced professional and at the vehicle owner’s risk.
If your vehicle has a dropdown trunk, you will need to place your Nomad Kitchen on a riser high enough for the drawer to clear the trunk sill. Most dropdown trunks range between 3 and 4 inches deep.
We recommend building a simple 20” x 25.5” x 3” to 4” frame to help clear the trunk sill.
To make accessing your cargo area anchor points easier, it is recommended that you flip your rear seats down.
In smaller vehicles, like the Subaru Crosstrek or Mazda 3 Hatchback, it is recommended that you mount the Nomad Kitchen to the 60% side of the vehicle’s 60/40 seat so you still have access to at least one rear seat.
Choose the side of your cargo area that you want to mount your kitchen on and place your kitchen as close to that side and as close to the trunk door as possible, making sure the trunk can still close without hitting the kitchen.
Failure to confirm that the trunk can close without hitting the kitchen may result in damage to your vehicle, or the Nomad Kitchen.
The Nomad Kitchen can be installed on either side and you can always change your mind. This isn’t permanent.
For rear anchor points to the sides of the Nomad Kitchen:
If the anchor points closest to the back of the kitchen are on the sides of the cargo area, start the mounting process with the back corner of the kitchen closest to the side of your cargo area.
Thread one strap with metal hook (B) through the ratchet (A) as shown and hook the other end to the anchor point. Pull the strap tight and give the ratchet one or two open/close ratchet movements to secure it in place, but do not tighten the strap. You will need the slack.
On the other side, thread the strap (B) through the preinstalled side footman loop and up through the ratchet (A) as shown. Then run the hook across to the other side of your cargo area to the closest anchor point.
For rear anchor points directly behind the Nomad Kitchen:
If the anchor points closest to the back of the kitchen are closer to the center of the cargo area, or center of the Nomad Kitchen, instead of against the sides (like in the 4Runner shown here) thread both straps (B) through the ratchets (A) without using the preinstalled side footman loops, and attach both hooks to the anchor point on the side you’ve chosen to mount your kitchen to.
In either case, make sure the strap connecting the ratchet (A) to top of the kitchen stays inside the notch on the top edge of the kitchen.
For the front mounting straps, thread the straps (B) through the preinstalled side footman loops and up through the ratchets (A). Attach the metal hook end to the nearest anchor points and give the ratchets one or two open/close ratchet movements to secure. Do not tighten yet.
If your trunk sill is raised with a slight lip, if your cargo area is sloped, or if your vehicle has a tailgate like a pickup truck or the Honda Element, you may want to place one of the provided shims (F) under the front of the kitchen to ensure the kitchen drawer does not rub against the trunk sill or tailgate.
These shims can be inserted under any of the 4 sides of the kitchen to help level the kitchen on slightly uneven surfaces.
Further information on leveling your vehicle can be found in the Operations Section of this manual.
Now that the kitchen is clipped in, reposition it as close to the trunk door and chosen side as possible. Make sure your trunk can close all the way without hitting the kitchen. Failure to do so properly can result in damage to your vehicle and/or kitchen.
Taking turns tightening all four ratchets until the Nomad Kitchen is secure.
Note: the kitchen’s position will shift towards each anchor point as you tighten the corresponding ratchet, so make sure to micro-adjust the kitchen's position and take turns with each ratchet to get it into the desired position.
Tighten the straps until they are taught enough that when you give the kitchen a wiggle, the car wiggles with it.
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
It may take a moment to get the hang of this process, but once you've done it a few times it should only take a couple of minutes to mount your Nomad Kitchen.
REMOVING THE NOMAD KITCHEN FROM YOUR VEHICLE
Warning: Make sure the drawers are securely closed in their fully locked position before opening any of the ratchets, or attempting to move your Nomad Kitchen.
Open the ratchet (A) to the fully open position by pushing on the interior pressure tab and pulling down on the metal clasp. Once the ratchet is fully open you can pull the ratchets up and away from the kitchen on each strap until there is enough slack to remove the hooks (B) from your vehicle’s cargo tie-down anchor points.
Detach the strap hooks (B) from your vehicle’s cargo anchors and place the straps (B) in a secure location so they don’t get caught on anything, or scratch your car.
With a friend, using all four of the handholds, move the kitchen from your trunk to a flat secure storage area.
For long term storage, you can either thread each strap through the side footman loop and ratchet strap, and then tighten the ratchet and tuck the excess straps under themselves, or you can remove the straps and store them in the basket. You can store your kitchen in its original packaging without removing the mounting system. However, if you plan to ship your kitchen in its packaging for any reason, we recommend removing the mounting system entirely and returning it to the same configuration as when it was delivered.
OPERATIONS
PRO TIP: LEVELING
If you have to park on a steeper slope that prevents you from leveling your kitchen with just the shims (G), we recommend leveling your vehicle by driving the lowest wheel onto a stable riser like a traction board. This should be done slowly and carefully at your own risk with the help of a spotter.
OPENING THE KITCHEN DRAWERS
To open, push down on the red tab on the drawer you wish to open. While the tab is depressed use the handhold to pull the drawer open. Once the drawer is partly extended you may release the red tab. The drawer will automatically lock in its open position once it is fully extended.
Warning: make sure the drawer is locked in the fully open position before you insert your stove or operate any of the kitchen’s other features.
CLOSING THE KITCHEN DRAWERS
To close, push down on the red tab of the drawer you wish to close. While the tab is depressed, push the drawer closed toward your vehicle. Once the drawer is partially closed you may release the red tab. Once closed, ensure the drawer locks securely by giving it a firm push until you hear the drawer click into the locked position.
Note: drawers should be opened and closed individually.
WASHBASIN
To remove the washbasin, make sure both drawers are locked in their fully open position and your water tank is clear of the washbasin. Place your hand through the hole in the side of the middle drawer and lift the washbasin up from the bottom until it has cleared the edge of the countertop by enough that you can grab the ledge of the sink with each hand. Be careful not to let your fingers get caught between the washbasin and the countertop.
Once the washbasin is removed from the kitchen, disperse greywater away from your campsite by draining it into a proper drain or sump.
Warning: empty the washbasin at or before it fills to the half-full point otherwise it may become too heavy to remove. Also, ensure that water in the washbasin is cold or cool before you remove it to avoid touching a hot washbasin or from being splashed with hot water.
WATER TANK
The Nomad Kitchen is compatible with any water tank, jug, or carboy with spout or spigot. Just place the water tank of your choice on the top of the Nomad Kitchen and direct the spout or spigot into the washbasin. Make sure to store your water tank in a secure position while in transit so it does not spill or leak. Remember to close the spigot.
PRO TIP: PREVENT YOUR STOVE FROM MOVING AROUND IN THE DRAWER WHILE DRIVING
Grab a couple of extra rubber straps (E) from our store and daisy chain them together. Secure the stove by wrapping the straps around the stove lengthwise and through the two slots on either end of the drawer. Tighten the straps to prevent the stove from sliding around while driving.
Note: most stoves require 3 straps to reach all the way around.
PRO TIP: PREVENT YOUR STOVE FROM RATTLING
In most camp stoves, whether your stove is stored in the Nomad Kitchen or out in your vehicle, the grate and the side wind deflectors tend to rattle around.
Throw a hand towel in between the moving parts to prevent them from rattling while in transit.
CUTTING BOARD AND DRYING RACK STORAGE BASKET
To remove the cutting board and/or dish rack, simply pull up from the handle or any of the basket’s wires.
ATTACHING YOUR PROPANE TANK
To install your propane tank, attach your stove’s gas line to the stove pursuant to the manufacturers’ instructions.
Attach the rubber propane tank support strap through the hole on the left side of the drawer face and through the hole found in the baseplate.
Secure the rubber propane strap to the last link, making it as large as possible while still clasped.
If you are using a Coleman brand stove, the strap and propane line will be reversed. Place the strap around the top of the kitchen face through the large hole.
You will need to tighten the strap until it can support the weight of the propane tank.
Once the strap is attached to the kitchen and the propane line is attached to the stove, place your propane tank through the rubber strap and screw it into the propane line. Make sure the propane tank is positioned so that the valve end of your propane tank is higher than the bottom of the propane tank.
Warning: Do not operate your vehicle or leave the engine running while your kitchen is open or a propane tank is attached to your stove. Make sure when operating your stove and removing the propane tank you do so pursuant to the manufacturers' instructions.
Cleaning
The Nomad Kitchen is water-resistant, but it is not intended to be left out exposed to the elements. Make sure to clean and dry your Nomad Kitchen of all food and liquids thoroughly between uses.
NOMAD KITCHEN WOODEN PANELING
Dry and clean the surface with a clean cloth. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive pads to clean the surface as they may damage the finish.
CUTTING BOARD
Your Nomad Kitchen Cutting Board is made from bamboo. Bamboo is more resistant to bacteria than wooden cutting boards. Clean your bamboo cutting board with soapy water before its first use and after each subsequent use. (we recommend biodegradable soap in the wilderness). Rub with mineral oil between trips to help retain moisture and prevent cracking.
WASHBASIN AND DRYING RACK STORAGE BASKET
Make sure your washbasin has been wiped out and dried before closing your kitchen up in a vehicle or storing at your home. This will increase the life of the Nomad Kitchen and prevent spilling. Wash the washbasin and drying rack storage basket with soap between trips.
STOVE DRAWER BASEPLATE
Be sure to wipe off the baseplate between uses. To clean the stove drawer base plate, remove your stove and wipe with a clean damp towel.
Warranty
Terms and Conditions
Your Nomad Kitchen is guaranteed from all manufacturing defects for the first year to the original owner. Warranty does not cover any damage caused by dropping, vehicluar accidents/collisions, or using the kitchen in any way other than suggested by Nomad Kitchen Company LLC. Product failure or damage due to improper installation will not be covered by this warranty.
The Nomad Kitchen is a piece of wooden cabinetry and should be treated with the care associated with such products. Check your vehicle’s tie-down anchor point load rating before installing your Nomad Kitchen. Please use caution when moving, installing, or operating your Nomad Kitchen. Improper use can result in injury or damage to your vehicle.
Extent of Warranty Coverage
This Warranty will be null and void if:
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Installed improperly
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Any unauthorized modification or alteration is made
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Any unauthorized or non-standard part is installed
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Any maintenance or repair is performed during the warranty period by anyone other than an authorized repair shop
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The suggested weight limit is exceeded
Exclusions
This warranty does not extend to any products: (a) that have been subject to misuse, neglect, abuse, improper storage, accident (other than an accident caused by the product itself), or that have not been properly maintained; (b) that have been modified by any Third Party; or (c) that have been disassembled, serviced, or reassembled by any Third Party. THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND EXCEPT FOR ANY EXPRESS WARRANTIES STATED HEREIN, NOMAD KITCHEN COMPANY LLC EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF QUALITY, CONDITION, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.