COOKING OUTDOORS WHILE CAMPING comes with plenty of perks. It helps keep your RV cooler, makes it easier to keep an eye on the kids playing outside, and lets you spend more time outdoors—the main reason many people camp in the first place. In this guide to RV grilling, we’ll explore the best outdoor grill options for RVers, how to connect a grill to an RV’s LP quick connect, and other helpful tips.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the Right Grill: Lightweight, portable propane or charcoal grills are best for RVers, with top brands like Blackstone, Pit Boss, and Weber recommended based on ease of use, flavor preferences, and fuel efficiency.
- Mountable vs Portable Grills: RV mountable grills save storage space and simplify setup, but require weather protection. Portable grills are more protected when stored, but take up cargo space and require additional setup gear like tables.
- Connecting to RV Propane: Many grills can connect directly to an RV’s LP quick connect using the correct hose or adapter. Compatibility depends on the grill’s configuration—check manufacturer guidelines for safe conversions.
What Are the Best Grills for RV Campers?
The best grills for RVers are lightweight and portable. Most campers don’t have enough storage for a 36” grill-griddle combo, although it could be an option for toy hauler garages. If they don’t already have a grill or griddle built into an outdoor kitchen, most RVs only have space for a small portable outdoor grill.
The two best fuel sources are propane or charcoal. Here’s a quick comparison of propane vs charcoal grills:
| Propane Camping Grills | Charcoal Grills |
| Easier to start and heats up quickly | Provides a more distinct, smoky flavor |
| Requires less cleaning after cooking | Capable of reaching higher temperatures for searing |
| Able to control temperature | More versatility for direct and indirect heating |
| More environmentally friendly due to fewer carbon dioxide emissions | Generally more affordable |
Each camper will prioritize those factors differently to select the best camping grill. However, our favorite grill brands include Blackstone, Pit Boss, Broil King, and Weber. For more options, check out the best portable outdoor grills for RV camping.
Portable Camping Grills vs an RV Mountable Grill
Images by Camping World
For campers without an outdoor kitchen, adding an RV grill mount expands your cooking space and clears up storage for other camping gear. Manufacturers like Jayco offer innovative mounts through their JayPort™ system, but aftermarket RV outdoor grill mount options generally mount to the RV’s rear bumper or a hitch receiver.
Mounting a grill to your RV has two main benefits: freeing up cargo space and reducing grill setup and breakdown time. However, a mounted grill is more exposed to the elements when you travel, requiring a secure cover to prevent water and road debris from damaging the grill.
Keeping a portable grill in your RV storage reduces its exposure to the elements. However, it means you have less space for other camping equipment and will take longer to set up and break down. You’ll also likely need a folding camp table for a convenient place to set the grill.
If you choose an RV mountable grill:
- For bumper-mount installations, you must have enough clearance around the bumper to accommodate the mounting hardware. Your bumper must also be rated to handle the combined weight of the mount and the grill.
- For hitch-mount installations, weight capacity and receiver tube size are the determining factors. However, you must consider if you’ll use that receiver for accessories like an RV bike rack or cargo carrier. If you need this added storage capacity, a hitch-mounted grill might not be the best for your camping style.
RV Pro Tip: Some owners install a grill mount and store the grill in a compartment between uses. This minimizes weather exposure while providing a dedicated place to secure the grill when needed.
How To Use a Propane Grill with an RV LP Connection
The steps for using a propane grill with an LP quick connect on an RV will depend on the grill’s configuration. Grills with a quick connect attachment will be easiest. Per the grill manufacturer’s recommendation, you’ll need a compatible quick connect hose assembly.
Here’s how to connect a propane grill with an LP quick connect attachment:
- Ensure the valve on the RV’s quick connect is closed, but the valve on at least one LP container is open.
- Set up your grill on a table (if applicable) near the quick connect. Ensure you have enough hose to reach from the quick connect to the grill without straining the hose or connections.
- Connect the female end of the quick connect hose to the grill’s male attachment.
- Connect the male end to the RV’s LP quick connect.
- Open the valve on the quick connect and test the grill’s operation.
If your propane camping grill didn’t come with an LP quick connect, you’ll need to explore conversion kits or propane adapters. Some grill manufacturers make kits to convert the traditional braided pigtail connection (for various LP container sizes) to an LP quick connect.
Technician Tip: Due to the wide selection of propane camping grills, grill manufacturers are your best resource for information on compatible conversion kits and installation requirements.
What Size Are RV Propane Quick Connects?
Most propane quick connects on RVs come with a female LP inlet compatible with a ¼” male quick disconnect. Hose lengths for conversion kits and quick connect assemblies vary, with standard sizes ranging from six to 12 feet.
Can You Use an RV LP Container for a Grill?
Depending on your grill’s connection type, you can use a portable RV LP container for a camping grill. Your options include removing a container and placing it on a flat surface where your grill’s LP hose can reach it or using an extended hose to connect a grill directly to containers while they remain mounted.
In either case, you should ensure the switch on your LP changeover regulator is positioned towards the container that will NOT be removed. The valve on the container that you WILL remove must be fully closed before unscrewing the pigtail and connecting the hose for your grill or moving the container to your grill’s location.
If your RV has enough storage, you can bring a separate LP container for your camping grill. This eliminates the need for an extended LP hose or the hassle of removing and replacing one of your RV’s containers whenever you want to grill.
Can You Use a Gas Grill Under an RV Awning?
Using a gas camping grill under an RV awning is not recommended. While ventilation may not be an issue, grilling under an awning poses a serious fire risk. It can also lead to smoke or grease damage. Always position your grill a safe distance from your RV. If you must grill under an awning, maintain at least eight feet of clearance, and NEVER use a charcoal grill in that space.
If camp cooking is one of your favorite pastimes, explore these additional resources:
- Camping Pellet Grill Guide
- Pit Boss Pellet Grill Review
- What’s the Best Blackstone Griddle?
- Blackstone Grilling Accessories
What tips do you have for creating the perfect RV grilling setup? Share them in the comments below.
