I want to get a small outdoor grill for steaks, burger, shish kabob, etc.Would you use charcoal or propane?If using propane would you get a separate tank or use a tap off the main tanks.Figured cooks would know better about this.

When we were traveling FT we used a Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal BBQ with 14" grill.Load it up first night with briquettes then close vents/place lid on to snuff out charcoal. Fire it up next night...repeat each night adding briquettes as needed. Then last night of use leave vents open/lid off and let charcoal burn to ash.Dump next morning, close vents/place lid on and stow in side compartment with bag of charcoal.Grill surface is big enough for 4 steaks, or 6+ burger patties, bunches of hotdogs etc.They also have an 18" version Love charcoal..........propane just doesn't do it for usWeber Smokey Joes

We use a small weber and charcoal for all of our BBQ'n. Since we are primarily weekend campers the process works great for us. If we were full timers, we probably wouldn't use the charcoal every dinner like we do now.We do have an LPG tank that I bring out to the picnic table that I use with a stove that I can use with our cast iron frying pan for breakfast cookin.

It depends upon how much you plan on using it. If only once in a while, a small disposable charcoal unit is easiest to deal with. If using it all time and needed to prepare a LOT of stuff, then something like Weber-Q is good.If using a gas grill, taping into your camper lines can be a challenge. Not so much tapping into the lines, as much as the pressure regulator differences with the trailer and your gas BBQ. If we were to do it again, we'd do it like we did before, a separate propane tank and small BBQ. That way, you can position the BBQ anywhere. With a hose attached to the camper, you are restricted only the distance equal to the length of the hose. That's not always the best spot to set up a grill.In the end, both need to be clean up. I think cleaning up a gas grill is more difficult than a charcoal grill. But, if you don't mind black soot touching everything when you pack it way, this it really doesn't matter. Shove it in a black trash bag and stow it away!HOWEVER, we got tired of both gas and charcoal clean up, and got rid of both. We use an electric griddle now, or over an open fire.

At home we use gas mostly. because I am in a hurry. Butwhen camping its no stress and time has no place on the campground. charcoal is best, flavor smokey

At least here in WA State and the State Park campgrounds we go to during the summer, if there is ever a burn ban, you can't even fire up a charcoal BBQ.. Gas only in those cases..Got my propane stove and firepit for those times! :)good luck!Mitch

Propane or Charcoal : Seperate Tank or trailer Fed?

Shadow_Catcher
Explorer
Feb 11, 2017
We have identical small gas grills that we use at home and with our teardrop trailer both are tank supplied. The one used with the tear has a Bullfinch gas point I imported from the UK and a ten foot hose with gas quick disconnect.
There are times and locations where fires are not allowed that may include charcoal.
TANDDANDBIGE
Explorer
Feb 19, 2017
I really like my Weber Q2000; even heat and very adjustable, but no "indirect cooking" though. I clean it thoroughly when ready to pack up; I keep it in a large tote with lid. This way, there is no smelling up the basement and anything else stored there.
Vintage465
Nomad
Feb 25, 2017
I would say that Charcoal is always my favorite. But there are a lot of RV parks that Charcoal can't be used so gas grill is a necessary evil(my opinion, not looking for a fight) and I have one. I ran a separate line off the coaches gas system to feed the gas grill. I still keep a couple small bottles to feed the gas grill if I needed to move the grill to a locations that the "trailer system connection hose" won't reach. Best to have a couple options on hand.

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Propane or Charcoal : Seperate Tank or trailer Fed?

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