I would like to know the downside of mounting a BBQ on the side of an RV. I have heard talk about the heat causing problems on the side of the RV, but see a lot of campers using this configuration. I am interested in hearing only from those who actually use or have used a BBQ this way. I am not interested in replies with opinions. Thank you.

I would like to know the downside of mounting a BBQ on the side of an RV. I have heard talk about the heat causing problems on the side of the RV, but see a lot of campers using this configuration. I am interested in hearing only from those who actually use or have used a BBQ this way. I am not interested in replies with opinions. Thank you. \Heat and grease all over the side of the RV.My new RV had one. Cooked one time on it and got the tools out and removed it from the RV.And BTW: I actually had a side mount BBQ which qualified me, 'per your instructions', to be able to reply, but it STILL is just my opinion.

From experience, if you received one with your RV and/or purchased after market to specifically mount via the slide mount to the side..... They are low heat grills due to the problems that CAN happen. You will also notice the thinner metal. Theses are low quality units and will never compare with a real BQ grill.

might attract wildlife ? in bear country its a no-no to leave any temptations outside.

Our trailer came with a "RVQue", which is one of the thin metal lightweights mentioned above. It does the trick for just the two of us, but would not be big enough or hot enough to feed a crowd. Never had any problems with heat or grease on the trailer - but we do need to remember to close the kitchen window when we use it! We are going to use it until it dies, then get a quality unit that is designed to hang on the trailer to replace it.

One of those BBQs came with my Jayco 19RD TT (metal sided TT) The bracket was already installed on my Jayco TT. We used that way for a year and never had any problems. However, I wouldn't go out and buy one just to mount to the side of any RV. JMHO. The inconvenience is no work area along side of the unit and since I close off some air and smoke my chicken there is too much smoke too close to the RV. That is important for me.The unit that came with my TT was of such good quality that I kept it and still use it on a table. It has that option. Many of the BBQs I have seen on the market that are portable don't have enough room to BBQ a whole chicken. Being specific, I looked at Webers. Fancy rounded cast 21st century design but not enough room for a whole chicken or much else in them. Bottom line, I would be looking for a BBQ with lots of interior space, i.e. large square design, and has a thermometer. Home Depot sells the thermometer. Just drill a hole and bolt it in. Take off the regulator and get a long hose that connects to your RV propane tank with the quick disconnect. I have a 23 ft hose.

Mounted propane BBQ | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

Veebyes
Explorer II
Oct 27, 2015
DutchmenSport wrote:
Delete .. sorry.
Veebyes wrote:
Problem solved using a Magma marine kettle grill. It mounts various ways depending upon situation. It locates on the pullout basement tray using a deck surface mount holder. It mounts on any picnic table using a block of wood ,& simple spring clamps. It mounts in the truck reciever hitch using a block of wood in the hitch.

Cooking on the ground or at some inconvenient height is never happening. Neither is a risk of trailer damage or picnic table damage.

You peaked my curiosity so did a Google search. Unfortunately, I found this:

MARINE KETTLE GRILLS
The World's Most popular Marine Grills

INACTIVE models are no longer in production.
All mounts, replacement parts, and accessories are still readily available.

Click here :(

Look in www.defender. com. Lots of other good RV stuff there too
LJAZ
Explorer
Oct 27, 2015
My TT came new with an RVQ. I used it one time and was totally underwhelmed with the performance. I cooked a steak and it took forever. Haven't used it since.
Dog_Trainer
Explorer
Oct 27, 2015
We have a Weber baby Q. That we had for 7 years. We also Have a Grill that came with our new TT that mounts to the side of the TT. We have used it many times over the last year It does ell for 4 adults and great for just the 2 of us. It came with the pkg. on the new TT. I have not got rid of the Weber as I think they are great.
derh20
Explorer
Oct 27, 2015
I thank everyone for their feedback. I have not done anything yet, but plan to research the models mentioned.
myredracer
Explorer II
Oct 26, 2015
If the BBQ is under your awning, that will tend to trap odors and as mentioned, need to close nearby windows and door(s). We thought about a side mounted factory option grill but quickly abandoned the idea after thinking more about it and looking at comments online.

BillsbumperQ makes a swinging bracket for mounting BBQs on a bumper. Seems rather expensive at nearly $300 tho. If you can weld, you could make something similar for less. Don't like the idea of travelling with the grill hanging onto the bumper plus it could easily get stolen.
4x4van
Explorer III
Oct 26, 2015
I made a mount out of 1" square tubing that bolted (w/ large wingnuts) to a base mounted inside the rear wheelwell of my class C. It positioned an inexpensive propane grille about 12" away from the side of the RV. It actually worked well, was easy to install/remove, quite stable, and I used it for a number of years without any heat damage to the RV. But, there were 2 downsides; First, it was a fixed location, so I could never "cook" anywhere else. Second, it was under the awning and under the dinette window, so there was constant smoke issues both inside and outside the RV.

2 years ago, when I purchased a more expensive grille, I decided to forgoe the mount (rather than modify it to fit the new grille). I have a small outdoor folding table that I put the new grill on, and I can now cook wherever is most convenient, be it next to the RV or out by a picnic table, AND I don't smoke out anyone inside the RV or under the awning.

So after using an RV mounted grille for years, I have since moved away from the setup and am glad I did. YMMV.
bid_time
Nomad II
Oct 25, 2015
I had one on my last rv. No problems. Used it for 12 years and had zero issues with it. They are smaller then most though so make sure the size isn't going to be a concern.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Oct 25, 2015
Delete .. sorry.
Veebyes wrote:
Problem solved using a Magma marine kettle grill. It mounts various ways depending upon situation. It locates on the pullout basement tray using a deck surface mount holder. It mounts on any picnic table using a block of wood ,& simple spring clamps. It mounts in the truck reciever hitch using a block of wood in the hitch.

Cooking on the ground or at some inconvenient height is never happening. Neither is a risk of trailer damage or picnic table damage.

You peaked my curiosity so did a Google search. Unfortunately, I found this:

MARINE KETTLE GRILLS
The World's Most popular Marine Grills

INACTIVE models are no longer in production.
All mounts, replacement parts, and accessories are still readily available.

Click here :(
mgirardo
Explorer
Oct 25, 2015
derh20 wrote:
I would like to know the downside of mounting a BBQ on the side of an RV. I have heard talk about the heat causing problems on the side of the RV, but see a lot of campers using this configuration. I am interested in hearing only from those who actually use or have used a BBQ this way. I am not interested in replies with opinions. Thank you.

Our last 2 RVs came with the Sidekick RV Grill. On both it was mounted under the awning. We used it a lot more on our Motorhome, but we never had any issues with grease or heat on the camper or the awning. On the Motorhome, it was mounted under the dining room window allowing smoke to easily enter when grilling, that is the only downside for us.

Our current one lasted 4 years before rusting out. I thought it cooked pretty well. I grilled and smoked on it and never had any issues with cold spots. It came with the RV, so we used it, but we weren't about to spend the $200+ to replace it. There are much nicer portable grills out there for that kind of money.

If you are looking to buy one, don't waste your money. If it came with the RV and it suits your needs, by all means use it until it wears out. You can buy a small table and a really nice portable grill for the amount of money the SideKick, RVQ, etc. cost.

-Michael
Dandy_Dan
Explorer
Oct 25, 2015
derh20 wrote:
I would like to know the downside of mounting a BBQ on the side of an RV. I have heard talk about the heat causing problems on the side of the RV, but see a lot of campers using this configuration. I am interested in hearing only from those who actually use or have used a BBQ this way. I am not interested in replies with opinions. Thank you.

Mine came from the factory equipped with an onboard BBQ. I open a compartment and the BBQ is mounted on a sliding tray (like some propane) pull it out and rotate the grill and hook up the line. Have had no problem with heat on the side as most area behind is the compartment and the grill is setting probably 10" away from the side of the 5er. the only thing I wish it had a little more pressure. Not a real high flame but cooks good.