Grill Re-Model for Full timing

[4X4Dodger]

Has anyone modified their large patio grill to be taken along full timing? How has it worked out for you? What modifications did you make to make it more useful?

I am thinking of taking my large 4 burner Charbroil Grill, taking it off it's stand and removing the side tables so I can use it on the road.

I am not impressed by the little portable grills I see at CW and elsewhere.

As for hauling it and storing it I will put it on the carrier at the back of my trailer next to my Generator.

[4X4Dodger]

RayUSMC wrote:

4X4Dodger wrote:


As for removing the base, if I do, the grill will sit on a small metal folding table easily. However I am considering just leaving it on the stand and wheels. Tying it down securely is a no-brainer. Since it will travel on a "cage" platform on the back of the trailer via a hitch and reciever it will just roll on and off that as an assembly. (as one poster pointed out to me instead of removing the stand) And I expect it will stay in one place for a while once removed from it's storage. I can see why it's a PITA if you store it in a storage compartment...something I never intended on.

Glad you're considering my suggestion. When mobile in Iraq, we didn't break down our equipment too much between bivouacs. Smaller sections and pieces meant lost pieces. It's better if you can transport it whole when you roll. Except for the BATS.

I have decided to put a "basket" platform on the back of my trailer with a receiver hitch to the frame and carry my BBQ as it now stands (not broken down) and my Generator back there. Both will fit and will be way under the 500lb rating of the basket.

thanks for all the ideas and replies.

[Indy_Bob1]

A long time ago, 1st camper days, I cut the legs down and moved the bottom "shelf" up to the now stub legs. It didn't have side shelves so I mounted a couple of cheap handles on the sides. My setup then was such that I could leave the tailgate on my truck. Used it as a "porch" for the camper. I was able to strap the grill onto it when in transit and I could even use the grill sitting on the gate. Otherwise it could sit on a pic nic table, the ground or one time on a boulder. I was very happy with the setup.

[dirtyhandz]

I was doing the same thing with loading the big grill into the Toy Hauler or Cargo trailer with my TC. But what I found works better for me than the big grill is using a Camp Chef two burner stove and a Weber Q 200. I have a flat top for my Camp Chef which really works well for breakfast! I cook a ton of bacon and my eggs on there, sausage on the Q.

Good Luck!

[Ron3rd]

4X4Dodger wrote:
Let me try to clarify my original question a bit. I am afraid I left it a bit too general.

I am hoping someone who has taken their full sized Grill from home with them on the road will comment and talk about how they use it and are they happy with the decision, have they experienced any issues, and of course I m curious about how they carry them, although I have a plan for mine.

While I am open to any and all comments those that directly address this question will be especially appreciated.

Like I mentioned earlier, I've seen it done many times at the beach campgrounds. If you've got room in the back of your pickup, I see no reason not to do it.

[RayUSMC]

4X4Dodger wrote:


As for removing the base, if I do, the grill will sit on a small metal folding table easily. However I am considering just leaving it on the stand and wheels. Tying it down securely is a no-brainer. Since it will travel on a "cage" platform on the back of the trailer via a hitch and reciever it will just roll on and off that as an assembly. (as one poster pointed out to me instead of removing the stand) And I expect it will stay in one place for a while once removed from it's storage. I can see why it's a PITA if you store it in a storage compartment...something I never intended on.

Glad you're considering my suggestion. When mobile in Iraq, we didn't break down our equipment too much between bivouacs. Smaller sections and pieces meant lost pieces. It's better if you can transport it whole when you roll. Except for the BATS.

[RandACampin]

As long as it's not for 15 people:S I would think a weber 22.5 charcoal kettle grill would work. I indirect and cook whole meals on mine all the time. Do you prefer gas? Or charcoal? A kettle could be easily modified to fit in a metal table or just remove/reinstall the legs with "set screws" on the bottom of the kettle.

If you prefer gas I would think the same kind of arrangement would work.

[4X4Dodger]

Old-Biscuit wrote:

Sprink-Fitter wrote:

RandACampin wrote:
So what kind of grilling do you do that requires a full size home grill?

I don't know about the op, but we are grilling at times for 15 people, a big grill is nice, and at times you only need one burner.

15 people full timing........man where do they all sleep :B

OP

Hauling around a full size grill can be done.
Issue if you remove stand/legs so you can strap it down....what are you going to set it up on when you get somewhere?

We tried to take a large grill with us........
Turned into a PITA ie: setting it up, cleaning it up good enough to store etc.
Found out I was spending way too much time messing with it unlike at home where it just sat there ready & available.

Ended up with a 22" Weber Smoking Joe BBQ

Good luck with that grill.....

Well while I dont plan on grilling for 15 the type of grilling I do requires more space. I often need indirect heat for some things. For other meals the entire meal will be done on the grill, roasted asparagus/peppers, potatos, meats all at the same time. I have tried the smaller grills and they are just not sufficient. Secondly the smaller grills just cant produce enough heat to properly grill a steak. My four big burners can get up to 700 plus deg.

As for removing the base, if I do, the grill will sit on a small metal folding table easily. However I am considering just leaving it on the stand and wheels. Tying it down securely is a no-brainer. Since it will travel on a "cage" platform on the back of the trailer via a hitch and reciever it will just roll on and off that as an assembly. (as one poster pointed out to me instead of removing the stand) And I expect it will stay in one place for a while once removed from it's storage. I can see why it's a PITA if you store it in a storage compartment...something I never intended on.

[Old-Biscuit]

Sprink-Fitter wrote:

RandACampin wrote:
So what kind of grilling do you do that requires a full size home grill?

I don't know about the op, but we are grilling at times for 15 people, a big grill is nice, and at times you only need one burner.

15 people full timing........man where do they all sleep :B

OP

Hauling around a full size grill can be done.
Issue if you remove stand/legs so you can strap it down....what are you going to set it up on when you get somewhere?

We tried to take a large grill with us........
Turned into a PITA ie: setting it up, cleaning it up good enough to store etc.
Found out I was spending way too much time messing with it unlike at home where it just sat there ready & available.

Ended up with a 22" Weber Smoking Joe BBQ

Good luck with that grill.....

[Sprink-Fitter]

RandACampin wrote:
So what kind of grilling do you do that requires a full size home grill?

I don't know about the op, but we are grilling at times for 15 people, a big grill is nice, and at times you only need one burner.

[RandACampin]

So what kind of grilling do you do that requires a full size home grill?

[Hiking_Hunter]

If you're really serious about it, Belson Outdoors (Belson.com) makes a commercial propane portable grill (Porta-grill). 12 sq. ft. of cooking area. Looks like the legs fold up. But get out your wallet.

[psuce]

4X4Dodger wrote:
I am hoping someone who has taken their full sized Grill from home with them on the road will comment and talk about how they use it and are they happy with the decision, have they experienced any issues, and of course I m curious about how they carry them, although I have a plan for mine.

I used to take our grill from home. It is an older cast aluminum Char Broil model. I hauled it in the bed as we have a TT. I ran a ratchet strap around it to hold the lid down and put mountain bikes on each side of it and a generator behind it and the whole mess was then strapped down. Towed 750 miles round trip each time we did it, never had a problem. To prep for the trip I simply pressured washed it to remove the grease/char, make sure the tank had some propane in it, and then loaded it up.

Last year we switched to a smaller portable tabletop grill, since we now take a stack of plastic lawn chairs, but I definitely missed the room when cooking for everyone. I cook every night on it when we're camping and that includes steaks, chicken, shrimp, fish, hot dogs/burgers, corn on the cob, kabobs, and so on. The only problem with the table top grill, was it took longer to get it all cooked due to its smaller size.

This looks like the one I have, only nicer. :B

[Ron3rd]

I have a Weber Q dedicated to our TT camping and also have a large Weber Genesis for home bbq'n. I don't have the room in my small 5.5 bed (or the need) to take the Genesis camping, though I see it done all the time. Just personal preference and if you've got the room to take a big bbq, I see no reason not to do it, other than the inconvenience and size.

[cjoseph]

I took an old gas grill in the bed of a PU truck on my annual fishing trip four or five times. The trip was only 100 miles, but it was on some really twisting WV roads. Every trip required re-aligning the burner tubes.

That was not hard to do. Actually, it was really simple, however, it was a really messy job. All that char and grease down in the grill is a pain to deal with. The worst part was taking the grill off to get down in there.

So, no, I have never taken the top off and configured a grill for full-time travel. My suggestion that you will experience increased breakage and early wear out was based on that experience.

I have also seen lots of stuff strapped down to the back of TTs and 5th Wheels. That stuff is at the end of a long lever. No matter how well you strap down the grill, the stuff inside the grill will still be bounced around.

Don't get me wrong. I still think it can be done. I'm just trying to throw out some pre-warnings so maybe you can prepare for some things you will have to deal with full time, every time you move.

If you are full timing and moving often, that would be a pain and more miles equals more stress on the grill. If not moving very often, I think it's a great idea.