Spring Project: Build a Thunder Box!

A thunder box is a great thing to find. Tucked back into the woods, down a narrow little trail, and often with a great view, thunder boxes are placed near campsites for the toiletry convenience of the campers. The boxes are placed far enough away from water to eliminate human waste contamination of our waterways.

Have you ever arrived at a favourite campsite at the end of a long paddling day to discover it is uninhabitable because the previous occupants left unmentionable refuse everywhere? Now is your chance to return that sight to its pristine beauty. This is a knock down design for assembly in the field.

Adjust dimensions to ensure a good fit before mass production begins.

FRONT AND BACK 8 pieces of 31 inch long 1″ by 6″ tongue and groove boards.
SIDES 8 pieces of 22 inch long 1″ by 6″ tongue and groove boards and 4 pieces of 18 inch 2″ by 2″ (or 2×3)
SEAT 5 pieces of 32 inch long 1″ by 6″ tongue and groove boards and 2 pieces of 22 inch long 2×3
LID 5 pieces of 32 inch long 1″ by 6″ tongue and groove boards and
2 pieces of 25 inch long 2×3, 2 pieces of 29” long 2×2
About 130 1½ inch deck screws, Two 4″ Strap hinges and 1 inch screws.
2.5 linear feet of 3/16″ by 1¼” zinc plate link chain, 2 2″ by 5/16″ lag bolts, zinc plated
At home: Screw the 22” pieces to the 2x2s, flush to the edges and ½ inch from the bottom.
Screw the lid pieces to the 2x3s and 2x2s.Screw the seat pieces to the 2x3s.
Cut the hole 9″ by 11″ like a toilet seat opening, rounded edges.
Bundle the 32’boards together to transport to the site.
On site: Screw the 32” boards to the side pieces. Set the seat into the top, then use the hinges to attach the
top. Attach the chain to the side and lid with the lag bolts
Find a beautiful location….far from the water, away from the tent sites. Dig a hole as deep as possible.
Place the box so that when the lid is lifted, it gives some privacy.

1 thought on “Spring Project: Build a Thunder Box!”

  1. Why 32″ wide by 22″ back? Why not 24″ x 24″? Would the width be to allow a hole to be dug and the box to straddle the hole?

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