Installing side mount grill

[Tyohnk]

Hi, I’m new here just purchased a 2023 Heritage Glen 22RBHL. I would like to install a side mount grill near the propane hookup. My question is how do I find a spot that will support a grill, and any advice on what type of fasteners I should use is greatly appreciated.

[NavyLCDR]

It looks like the propane quick connect is at the rear? What about this as an alternative, it's what I use:

https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Product...dp/B09Y9G9527/

As far as mounting devices, I use these on the inside for permanent mounting, I don't see why they would not work on the outside. Inside my trailer, I have the window shades that pull down on strings on the side with tension on them. One of the posts for that string pulled out of the wall, and I used the plastic pop toggle to reattach it to the same hole. It has held perfectly. I also have towel bars and rings mounted in various locations in the trailer using these toggles, and they are rock solid.

https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group...dp/B002YGY7F2/

A little dab of glue on the pop toggle will also help, but it really doesn't need it.

[GolfingDave]

I just removed my factory installed grill mount temporarily(for other work). I think the butyl tape they used is strong enough to hold the darn thing up without the screws. Screws did not appear to be in any support nor would they have to be as most of the load is vertical and static.

I would make sure that is what you want first, in my opinion having the grill on a fold up table is a much better set up. A table with fold out wings to hold your cooking supplies. I use my grill mount as a shelf. Did not want grease getting on the camper sides.

They do make bumper grill mounts also as your port is near the rear it looks like.

[aceinspp]

My opinion is this is not a safe practice and dangerous. I refused to use attached to the side of camper. Most newer campers use a swing out bracket mounted on rear bumper which would be safer. Later RD

[Flybob]

Something to think about. Although it sounds like a great idea to have a grill mounted to the side of your RV, the downside is the greasy mess on the side of the camper.

[GolfingDave]

Much more versatile than a single place for one grill and probably around the same price.

https://gcioutdoor.com/products/slim-fold-cook-station

[NavyLCDR]

Originally Posted by aceinspp

My opinion is this is not a safe practice and dangerous. Later RD

Perhaps you should advise the manufacturers that put the side rails on at the factory. My Geo Pro came with a grill and the side rail already mounted. There is nothing dangerous about it.

[5picker]

I too, tend to disagree with those saying using a side mount grill is messy and dangerous.

I've had side mounts on everything from pop-ups (that had canvas within inches of the grill) to my current 5th wheel and never had a greasy mess or felt anything was going to catch fire. Many say don't use them under awnings either and I say that's exactly where I want to use it, not off some back bumper arm in the rain!



For the OP... you can often find side wall structural supports in the AM when dew is on the side of the R/V.

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by NavyLCDR

Perhaps you should advise the manufacturers that put the side rails on at the factory. My Geo Pro came with a grill and the side rail already mounted. There is nothing dangerous about it.

Agree. I had to work to get my bracket off.

I suppose if you tripped and grabbed the grill while falling down it could come loose.
That could be said for tripping and grabbing most anything though.

Think of the weight and forces on a slide cover when the wind is blowing wicked, they stay up pretty good. I guess there is more backing up there but not a whole lot more.

[Tyohnk]

Wow, I didn’t expect that many replies. Thank you all for the great ideas and advice as it turns out as I sit and stare at my brand new camper. I cannot bring myself to run screws through the side of it. (at least not yet) so it looks like my ultimate solution will be to order a bumper mount, but for this weekend, it will be set up on the folding table.
Thank you all so much great to hear the different perspectives and experiences.

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Many say don't use them under awnings either and I say that's exactly where I want to use it, not off some back bumper arm in the rain.

That is a good point. And I think you can add in the sun also. Extension LP hoses are cheap.

I would definitely set up a table at the rear for the weekend and at the same height as what a bumper mount would be at. See how you like the feel of cooking there and at that height. Looks like some extend up and others do not.

P.S. I have looked at my camper numerous times to try and find the frames but mostly on frosty mornings. Have not seen the outline yet.

[KyDan]

Have you tried an electronic stud finder? This one from HF has decent reviews and at a price that won't hurt too bad even if it doesn't work.
https://www.harborfreight.com/prosen...xoCITwQAvD_BwE

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by KyDan

Have you tried an electronic stud finder? This one from HF has decent reviews and at a price that won't hurt too bad even if it doesn't work.

I have not. Figured they work on density and not sure how well it would pick up aluminum. I don't even recall why I wanted to know where the frames are anymore, maybe it was just curiosity after seeing it mentioned before on how to find them?

[rollscanardly]

My camper is older. It did not have an auxiliary propane hookup, but when I replaced the steel propane line with a stainless line, I added one.








Then, I made up a receiver hitch, and an arm with frame to hold the grill...





























Rich

[leeshearer]

Originally Posted by Tyohnk

Wow, I didn’t expect that many replies. Thank you all for the great ideas and advice as it turns out as I sit and stare at my brand new camper. I cannot bring myself to run screws through the side of it. (at least not yet) so it looks like my ultimate solution will be to order a bumper mount, but for this weekend, it will be set up on the folding table.
Thank you all so much great to hear the different perspectives and experiences.

I use a table for the flexibility of putting my cooking surface where I want depending on the site.

[Semperfi24]

We had the side mounted grill on our previous trailer and we liked it. New trailer didnt have that option, but I just didnt want to install anything on the side, so we bought one of these and just set it up next to outdoor kitchen (where the propane supply is). They were a lot less expensive when we purchased it, but this is just an example of what we use, there are many grill/stand combos that would do the same thing without drilling hole sin the side of your trailer

https://www.amazon.com/Blackstone-Ta.../dp/B08FYVFLJ5