Is an RV grill mount a necessary accessory or more of a luxury? The answer to that depends entirely upon how often you like to grill out. In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the many different styles of grill mounts and how to attach them to your camper for stress-free grilling. Let’s get into it.
What Is an RV Grill Mount?
An RV grill mount is a way of mounting a grill to your RV, camper, or travel trailer. There are many ways to mount a grill to your rig, depending on your type of camper, your grill, and your personal preference. We’ll take a closer look at grill mount types in the following sections.
What Are the Benefits of an RV Grill Mount?
Mounting a grill to your RV comes with many benefits, especially if you love grilling out while you’re camping. It eliminates the need to carry a table or set up specifically for your grill. It’s versatile, remains in place, and is a great addition for campers who don’t have outdoor kitchens.
What Are the Drawbacks?
Mounting an RV grill takes a bit of work and elbow grease. It’s another part of your RV that you’ll need to take care of and maintain. Depending on where you mount it, it might get in your way sometimes. There aren’t really any major drawbacks to a grill mount other than minor inconveniences.
Types of RV Grill Mounts
There are several ways you can mount a grill to your rig. Let’s take a look at the most common types of mounts.
Swing Out Bumper Mount
Swing out bumper mounts attach to the bumper of your RV and sit on a swivel arm that swings out while in use. While not in use or during travel, the grill mount locks in place and sits above your bumper.
This is one of the most popular RV grill mounts for trailers due to the ease of use.
- Made of black powder-coated, 14 gauge steel
- Mounts on any 4" box beam bumper with U shaped brackets providing...
- Arm pivots in 2 points, allowing the arm to extend up to 40" away...
Side Mounting Rail
A side mounting rail is a rail that you install on the side of your rig to support poles that hold your grill or griddle. This type of grill mount isn’t as convenient as others, but it’s a good option for supporting a grill on the side of your camper. You should definitely have a professional install this type of grill mount.
These are most common on boats as they already have railings that can be attached to. On an RV a railing would need to be added.
- Can be used with any Kuma grill
- Can be used on 7/8" - 1-1/4" round horizontal railings or on...
- Hang your grill outside the rails to protect fiberglass from...
Hitch-Mount
A hitch-mount RV grill mount involves the least amount of work to install because it attaches directly to your hitch. These grill mounts aren’t permanent, but they are stable, secure, and easy to use.
- Height can be adjusted to desired height for comfortability;...
- Vise mount plate dimensions: 7-7/8" L x 7-7/8" w
- Vise mounting holes: 5/8" x 2"
DIY RV Grill Mount
If you’re a handy person or avid DIYer, a DIY grill mount might sound appealing to you. You can make DIY RV grill mounts in a variety of ways, depending on your skill level. DIY mounts might be hitch mounts, bumper mounts, or other kinds of mounts.
Pro Tip: Are you a DIY kind of person? Even the best DIYers struggle with these 9 Purported RV Hacks That Just Don’t Work.
How to Determine the Best Grill Mount for Your Camper
Now that you know the different types of RV grill mounts, how do you decide which one is best for your specific camper? Let’s consider a few options.
Positioning
Where would you prefer to have the grill mounted on your camper? Would you like to cook near the rear of your camper, behind your camper, or on the side? This will be a major determining factor.
Construction
A side-mounted grill rail mount consists of rails on the side of your rig with poles that extend to hold your grill. Does this sound like it fits your needs, or do you prefer a heavy-duty steel grill mount? Bumper and hitch mounts are best for you if you want a heavy-duty steel RV grill mount.
Grill Type
What type of grill do you want to use? The type of grill and specific dimensions should also be a major determining factor in where you should mount your RV grill.
RV Type
If you want a bumper-mounted grill, you need to have a bumper that can support the weight of the mount while in use and while traveling. If you want a side-mounted grill mount, you need to ensure there’s enough supporting material in the camper wall for the rails and the weight of the grill itself. Finally, if you want a hitch-mount, you need to ensure your RV has a hitch receiver that you aren’t using for something else.
Pro Tip: Don’t have a grill, but still want to make great meals on the go? Try out these 5 Best Instant Pot Recipes for Easy RV Cooking.
Tips for Mounting an RV Grill to Your Camper
Hitch-mounted and bumper-mounted grill mounts are pretty simple and straightforward to attach. Two large bolts that resemble staples hold a bumper mount in place. The staples go over your bumper and secure with locking nuts. A hitch mount goes directly onto your RV hitch. This is probably the most simple RV grill mount on the market.
If you decide to go with a side rail RV hitch mount, the manufacturer suggests having a professional do the installation. This is important because if your grill mount fails while in use, it could lead to catastrophic injury.
Is an RV Grill Mount Worth It?
Do you want to have a permanent setup for your grill without lugging along a table and doing all the prep work when you get to camp? If so, an RV grill mount might be a perfect option for you. But if you don’t mind setting up your grill station and don’t want to deal with installing another accessory, a grill mount might not be the best option. For those who love to cookout and like RV life to be easier, a mount is a worthwhile addition to any RV camper.
Have you ever used an RV grill mount? Drop a comment below!
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