Best Ideas on LP Gas Grills/Burners

[poodlepeople]

When we bought our new Sabre fifth wheel it did not come with one of those hang-on-the-side grills or even a connector for an outside grill. We started thinking about getting a connection installed when a friend, who also bought a new Sabre (different model) that had an external connection, mentioned that his grill had a pressure regulator on it and that, and the fact the external line came after the regulator on the trailer LP tanks, caused a very limited flame at his grill.

What is the best way to hook up an external connection - before or after the regulator? Obviously you must have regulation in the line somewhere, but where is the right spot or do all external grills have built-in regulators?

Also, what are the best thoughts on a gas grill that will serve as an external burner for pots and pans as well as having a (removable) grilling surface?

An electric product will not work for us when dry camping.

[NWJeeper]

Originally Posted by poodlepeople

When we bought our new Sabre fifth wheel it did not come with one of those hang-on-the-side grills or even a connector for an outside grill. We started thinking about getting a connection installed when a friend, who also bought a new Sabre (different model) that had an external connection, mentioned that his grill had a pressure regulator on it and that, and the fact the external line came after the regulator on the trailer LP tanks, caused a very limited flame at his grill.

What is the best way to hook up an external connection - before or after the regulator? Obviously you must have regulation in the line somewhere, but where is the right spot or do all external grills have built-in regulators?

Also, what are the best thoughts on a gas grill that will serve as an external burner for pots and pans as well as having a (removable) grilling surface?

An electric product will not work for us when dry camping.

Having had lots of portable grills, my latest criteria was for stainless steel as it is easier to keep clean. I prefer the little bottles for their convienience but have bought the adapter that allows you to fill them from a larger tank. I don't have to continuously buy new bottles but instead have 3 of them that I rotate through and fill at home as needed. We also just bought a Cameron's Stovetop Smoker that we can use on top of the grill or at home for smoking our food. We have used it several times and it's the best $50 I have spent in a long time. We love it. Great smoky flavor for our steaks, burgers, sausages, you name it.

[bdb2047]

I added an external connection.It is after regulator I have a Weber Q took regulator off it and installed a 10' hose with quick connect for gas.Grill works fine.

[poodlepeople]

I had not thought about refilling the small bottles. I might still want to do that on the road, however. Is there any problem with overfilling the small bottles from the large LP tanks?

[huntr70]

I use a Coleman Roadtrip grill with the adapter hose to use on my RV tanks.

Love having the interchangeable grills, griddles, and coils for pots/pans.

I don't have a dedicated connection, just unscrew one pigtail from the Rv and use that tank.

[NWJeeper]

Originally Posted by poodlepeople

I had not thought about refilling the small bottles. I might still want to do that on the road, however. Is there any problem with overfilling the small bottles from the large LP tanks?

Not at all, I have filled many of them with the adaptor. The trick is that you have to put the small bottle in the freezer for about 15 minutes first. It's the temperature differential that really allows the bottle to fill fully otherwise you get about a 1/3 to 1/2 full bottle. There are directions with the adaptor for it's use.

[poodlepeople]

Since seeing your first response, I have looked at several sites discussing this and all say this is easy, safe, and economical. Some even suggested scrounging for empty small bottles in campground trash bins to avoid even the initial purchase! That may be going too far but I get the picture! Thanks.

There is some dispute on the freezer/refrigerator thing and some others talk about releasing the over-pressure valve to get trapped air out but nothing much else except that the main valve may start to leak after many refills. WD-40 was recommended for that on one site. Oh well, nothing lasts forever.

Another interesting side issue is whether this is legal (crossing state lines with refilled bottles, that is). The consensus seems to be that since no one has ever heard of a highway check point for refilled LP gas bottles, this should not be an issue. Another view is that this is an issue for commercial resale only so I guess setting up a side business in campgrounds doing this may be a bad idea.

[NWJeeper]

Originally Posted by poodlepeople

Since seeing your first response, I have looked at several sites discussing this and all say this is easy, safe, and economical. Some even suggested scrounging for empty small bottles in campground trash bins to avoid even the initial purchase! That may be going too far but I get the picture! Thanks.

There is some dispute on the freezer/refrigerator thing and some others talk about releasing the over-pressure valve to get trapped air out but nothing much else except that the main valve may start to leak after many refills. WD-40 was recommended for that on one site. Oh well, nothing lasts forever.

Another interesting side issue is whether this is legal (crossing state lines with refilled bottles, that is). The consensus seems to be that since no one has ever heard of a highway check point for refilled LP gas bottles, this should not be an issue. Another view is that this is an issue for commercial resale only so I guess setting up a side business in campgrounds doing this may be a bad idea.

Yeah, realistically you can't look at a bottle and tell that it has been refilled. I would think it would be encouraged more. Think of the amount of those bottles out there filling up our landfills. I think those people that are worrying that much about it are just over thinking things.

I would think the intent of the law is that you aren't supposed to buy propane in your state at say $1.69/gal. and transport the containers to the next state and re-sell it where their propane would cost much more due to the state and local taxes there.

I have been refilling mine for over a year now and no problems. Sure is convenient and much cheaper. I just take my 20lb bottle to the farm supply and re-fill it when it runs out and it will keep my little bottles full for the entire year or more. Much cheaper than buying the bottles all the time

[flyrotor]

I'm still a huge fan of the Coleman white gas stoves, I have been using two stoves for 7 years now and they have never let me down even once, Usually a pot of coffee brewed on the TT stove (only cause we are not morning people), anything cooked on a griddle is done on the Coleman stoves. My outdoor lanterns are also white gas, they last all week on a small tank of gas. I can easily camp with two stoves and a lantern a whole week on about 1/2 gallon of gas. I don't have any of the multi fuel stoves, but they will burn unleaded which is even cheaper than white gas.

[08flagvlite]

I have the "Sidekick grille" that came with my Flagstaff. It does a good job for us, plenty of power/pressure for cooking, and it does hang on the side of the camper, and there is a retractible hose under a cap/cover on the side as well. Easy to set up and use, and the awning overhead is not an issue with heat. The only drawback I see is cleanup after cooking something like Rib-eyes that drip fat. Other than that- Great grille, and you could put a pot on there to cook, I suppose. Randy

[Pourme]

Originally Posted by 08flagvlite

I have the "Sidekick grille" that came with my Flagstaff. It does a good job for us, plenty of power/pressure for cooking, and it does hang on the side of the camper, and there is a retractible hose under a cap/cover on the side as well. Easy to set up and use, and the awning overhead is not an issue with heat. The only drawback I see is cleanup after cooking something like Rib-eyes that drip fat. Other than that- Great grille, and you could put a pot on there to cook, I suppose. Randy

I need a grill in a couple of weeks. I already have the quick disconnect.I was looking at the sidekick at my local camping center. Could you not insert a 'drip' pan somewhere in the bottom, I haven't had a opportunity to examine one for a remedy.I do like everything else I've seen about that particular grill.

Anyone else? Recommendations...?

[2Susan]

Camp Chef - Camp Chef Expedition 3X Triple Burner Stove Product Demo

So far I really love it. It claims 90,000btu or 30,000 per burner and I believe it. A pot of water for corn came to a full rolling boil in record time. The nifty thing is that you can actually turn the flame way down and get a gentle simmer. Some stoves are all or nothing. It sets up quickly and the pieces (legs and windscreen) are secured to the underside for storage so no loose pieces to lose.

I probably would have gotten a 2 burner model had it been available at the store, but now I`m glad we have the 3 burner unit. We`ve now been to a couple of camping sites where fires are not allowed and keeping the heat outside in the summer seems like a good idea.

The list price on this website says $399 but I got it at Costco for $179. I do not have the grill box or griddle, or carry bag yet. I sew and making a carry bag wouldn`t be that complicated but for the price I might just purchase one instead. My time is worth something after all (grin).

[revrnd]

Whatever you do, stay away from the RVQ. I had 1 w/ my Jayco (OEM connection) & was never impressed w/ its performance.

[firedude01]

i tried to hook my coleman roadtrip grill to my external line i had a hose made but it doesnt work due to having 2 regulators i couldnt even get enough gas through to lite it .