Did your RV come from the factory with a quick connect propane port conveniently mounted to the side? Fantastic! Just grab your low-pressure RV grill, and let’s get cooking! But, if your propane grill isn’t a low pressure gas grill, that conveniently mounted RV quick connect isn’t going to work for you.
In today’s post, we’ll explain why, and we’ll give you some options for setting up the perfect cooking area right next to your RV, using your rig’s onboard propane tank to fuel your propane grill.
Let’s get those steaks sizzling!
- 1) What Is a Low-Pressure RV Grill?
- 2) Why Doesn’t My Propane Grill Work With My RV Quick Connect?
- 3) Where Can I Get a Low Pressure RV Grill?
- 4) Can I Convert a High-Pressure Grill to a Low-Pressure Grill for Use With an RV Quick Connect?
- 5) Can I Connect My High-Pressure Grill to My RV’s Propane Tank If My RV Doesn’t Have a Quick Connect Port?
- 6) Final Thoughts
- 7) Free RVing Tips, Tricks, Reviews, Giveaways & More
What Is a Low-Pressure RV Grill?
A low-pressure gas grill for RV use is designed to work using the low pressure propane from your RV’s onboard propane tank (i.e. plumbed in downstream of, or after, your RV’s onboard regulator). This means that you don’t have to carry an extra propane cylinder to use your portable propane grill or gas-fueled camping griddle.
Low pressure grills for RV use are great because they allow you to simply grab the quick connect hose, connect it to the propane quick-connect mounted on the side of your rig, and start grilling!
Why Doesn’t My Propane Grill Work With My RV Quick Connect?
Unless you have a low-pressure RV grill, you won’t be able to simply connect your portable propane grill to your RV’s propane quick connect port and start cooking.
Here’s why:
Like all of the propane-fueled appliances on board your RV, RV quick connects are connected to low-pressure propane. However, not all propane BBQ grills will work with that low-pressure supply.
Most BBQ grills are designed with a built-in regulator that’s expected to be connected to high-pressure propane directly from a portable tank. If you connect these grills to a low-pressure propane supply, one of two things will happen.
- The grill won’t work at all because the regulator won’t allow any propane to flow. This occurs because the pressure of the incoming propane supply isn’t high enough to force the regulator to open.
- It will work (sort of), but very poorly. This is because the low pressure supply isn’t enough to heat completely.
That’s where low-pressure RV grills come into play. They will either have the correct regulator (designed to be supplied with low-pressure propane) or they won’t have a regulator at all, instead just controlling the flow of the already low-pressure propane being delivered by your RV’s regulator.
Where Can I Get a Low Pressure RV Grill?
Some RVs that come with the low pressure quick connect will also come with a low-pressure grill to go with it. But if yours didn’t, you may need to get one. (There’s also a secondary solution that we’ll look at later in the post.)
First, let’s take a look at some quality low-pressure RV grills to consider.
Flame King – YSNHT500 RV Or Trailer Mounted BBQ
This is a 12,000 BTU low pressure RV grill with 214 square inches of cooking surface and an adjustable flame controller. It has an upper grill deck and a bracket for mounting to the side of your rig. The hanging rack can also be used as a set of foldable legs, allowing the grill to be used as a free-standing unit (instead of mounted to the side of your RV).
This Flame King low-pressure gas grill for RVs comes with a mounting bracket, three handles, and a carry bag for easy transport.
Note that no hose is included with this grill. The seller recommends using Flame King hose model #100395-72 to connect to your RV’s propane system, or Flame King hose model #LPRH8 to connect to a standard propane cylinder.
As always, we suggest checking reviews from experienced users of the product.
- RV/TRAILER COMPATIBLE: This BBQ and Grill station comes with a bracket to mount right onto the side of your motorhome, RV or trailer so you can have a...
- COMPLETE GRILLING STATION: This incredibly convenient motorhome compatible gas grill w/ 12,000 BTU includes an adjustable flame controller, upper...
- 1/4" ID Thermo Plastic Hose Assembly including a 1/4" Model 250 Male Quick Disconnect Plug x 1/4" Model 250 Female Quick Disconnect
- 72" Overall Length
- 90 Degree Low-Pressure Regulator with a QCC Type 1 Tank connection and thermo-plastic hose terminating in a 1/4" Model 250 Female Quick Disconnect
- Solid Brass Pre-installed Fittings on an 8-ft Regulator Hose (96 inches overall length)
Camping World Low Pressure Gas Grill
The grill features a 214 sq. in. grilling surface with a 10,000-BTU stainless steel burner. The grill mounts easily to the side of your RV but can also be used on a tabletop with a provided rack. It has an electronic ignition and an easily adjustable flame, as well as a temperature gauge.
This low-pressure RV grill also features insulated handles, a grease drip tray, a locking lid with a dual clasp, and a carry bag for compact storage and portability.
This Low Pressure Gas Grill from Camping World will run you $100.
Camping World’s Low Pressure Gas Grill is designed for use with your RV’s onboard propane system via quick connect. It can be mounted to your RV or used on a table. (Photo source: Camping World)
The grill above is designed for use with an RV’s built-in propane system, but it doesn’t come with the necessary hose and/or adapters needed to connect it to your RV’s quick-connect fitting.
Some RVs may come with everything needed for use with the quick connect fitting on the side of the RV, but even then some adapters may be needed to connect the hose to the grill. These are usually available at big-box hardware stores.
Camping World also has an RV propane connection hose available. Here’s an 8-foot-long hose:
A hose like this one from Camping World is necessary to connect your low pressure RV grill to your RV’s propane quick connect port. (Photo source: Camping World)
Can I Convert a High-Pressure Grill to a Low-Pressure Grill for Use With an RV Quick Connect?
In many cases, you can! We’ll use the very popular Weber Q grills as an example. These high-pressure grills come with a hose and regulator for use with portable propane canisters. For this reason, you can’t simply connect a Weber Q (or any other high-pressure grill) to your RV’s low-pressure propane system via the quick connect.
Let’s take a quick look at a Weber Q, and then we’ll show you exactly how you can connect your high-pressure grill to your rig’s low-pressure onboard propane system.
Weber Q1200
This is one of several Weber grills that are extremely popular with RVers and campers everywhere… maybe because the Q1200 comes in a variety of colors?
This porcelain-enameled grill offers a single stainless steel burner that produces 8,500 BTU to heat the 189-square-inch cooking surface. It features folding side tables, a lid thermometer, electronic ignition, and a removable grease catch pan.
- One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area. Dimensions - Lid Open and Tables Out (inches)-24.6 H...
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
Now… out of the box, you can’t use this high-pressure grill with your RV’s onboard propane system. It’s designed to be used with high-pressure portable propane canisters.
However, if you want to convert a Weber grill for use with your rig’s built-in low-pressure connection to the onboard propane tank, you’ll need a quick connect conversion kit (it comes in lengths of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 feet).
Note: this conversion kit will only work with Weber Q models 100, 1000, 1200, 200, 2000, or 2200.
Here’s the 10-foot version:
- BUY AMERICAN QUALITY! Converts a Q Grill to allow connection to the low pressure system on a Travel Trailer or Camper and converts the regulator to...
- This conversion kit will work on the Q 100, 1000, 1200, 200, 2000 or 2200 grill.
The kit will allow you to remove the grill’s onboard regulator and then connect the grill to the low-pressure quick-connect port on your RV. Additionally, it includes the parts needed to convert the grill’s regulator to attach via quick-connect… so you can easily revert the grill to it’s normal state, allowing you to then use a high-pressure propane source (like a disposable or portable propane tank).
For a step-by-step tutorial on how to use this conversion kit to convert your Weber Q for use with your RV’s onboard propane system, we encourage you to watch this video.
Can I Connect My High-Pressure Grill to My RV’s Propane Tank If My RV Doesn’t Have a Quick Connect Port?
You can, and we did! We use our portable grill all the time, so it only made sense for us to convert our grill for use with our onboard propane tank.
To see how we did it, please have a look at our post on converting our BBQ grill connection.
If you prefer a more visual tutorial, here’s how we did it, step-by-step, video style!
Final Thoughts
We love our BBQ grill and use it daily. We can’t really imagine traveling without it, but we also can’t imagine hauling around a bunch of small propane bottles in order to be able to use it. That’s why we wanted to get this post out.
There are lots of options for connecting to your rig’s onboard propane tank(s) for use with your portable grill. We hope this information is helpful to you if you enjoy grilling like we do!
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Todd
Saturday 9th of September 2023
Hi, I duplicated your set up from my motorhome on board tank with a 15psi reg at tank from tee. When I didn’t have the regulator I had oil dripping out of my regulator. The problem is that I think my Weber regulator on my q2200 is in bypass mode and won’t get hot. I’m thinking that 15psi isn’t enough for that regulator. You said that yours works like that. I took off the regulator but way too much gas was supplied. I can’t find the answer so hopefully you know the answer. I’m thinking I may need a 0-60 psi regulator instead of the 15 psi. FYI the bbq works fine with a small green 1 lb bottle.
Thanks, Todd
Todd
Sunday 10th of September 2023
@TheRVgeeks, yes I thought about moving the tee, so will probably be the next step. I used 1/2” stainless tubing to lots of supply to quick connects and hose. I even drilled out the orifice a little. Now it heats up real fast with the small 1lb bottle. The only thing about the oil filter is that I still have high pressure gas at bbq. Thanks so much for your help as I’ve tried several ways to get info and nothing. Safe travels
TheRVgeeks
Saturday 9th of September 2023
Hi Todd,
Sorry to hear you're having trouble with your setup. We actually upgraded our Q1000 to a Q2200 a few years ago, but haven't noticed any problem with it heating. Our guess is that it may not be the 15PSI regulator that's causing the problem, but might be one of the other pieces/parts that isn't allowing a high enough FLOW of propane. If you purchased the pieces/parts using our links to Amazon, etc... occasionally, they send the wrong (low-flow) part (either a picking problem in the warehouse, or a part put in the wrong bin during stocking, or something similar). Now, that can be hard to track down, since there so many pieces that go together to make this all work.
Replacing the 15PSI regulator with a higher pressure one MAY help... but it could also result in your having the oil issue return (the propane distributor we spoke with was fairly adamant that 15PSI was the max to avoid that particular issue). So... there are a couple of ways you could go (in no particular order):
Try and identify which part(s) may be restricting the flow too severely... though, as mentioned above, that could be a real PITA to complete Remove the 15PSI regulator and install an inline propane filter (near the grill end) to catch any oil that develops, before it can clog the grill's regulator (just remember to change it on some regular schedule, otherwise the filter will allow oil to bypass and clog your regulator again. Or, you could remove the grill's regulator and move the source of the propane supply downstream of (after) the RV's onboard regulator. You said you took off the grill's regulator already and it was too much gas supplied. That's because the GRILL'S regulator normally reduces the pressure to the same 11" water column that's used by all of the other onboard propane appliances... and, without it in the flow, the full 15PSI was too much. But, moving the T to AFTER the RV's onboard regulator would mean you were supplying only the 11" water column (roughly about 0.5PSI) pressure, which wouldn't be a high enough input for the grill's regulator to open... so removing the grill's regulator would then solve that problem.Again, sorry to hear you're having an issue, but hope that one of the above options solves it for you!
Dominic
Thursday 20th of July 2023
I have a 2022 Flagstaff trailer that came with a Suburban elite portable griddle. It connects into one of two quick connect ports that are in a gas line running from two 30lb propane tanks at the front of the trailer. The line runs the length of trailer because the griddle connects about two thirds of the way back and a two burner stove connects at the back of the trailer. The burners do not have a regulator on them but the griddle has a suburban 161140 regulator. The griddle never got particularly hot and now it stopped working (won't light). I did a bubble test on the regulator and it is leaking. I'd like to just connect the quick connect hose to the griddle without the regulator because I understand the regulator at the propane tanks is already reducing the pressure to an acceptable level. Do you think this will work? If not, do you have other suggestions? Thanks.
DFL
Saturday 13th of May 2023
We have a quick connect on our new Jayco Greyhawk, would one of these extension hoses work with our old Coleman propane stove?
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 16th of May 2023
It might. The issue could be that the supply of propane at your Jayco's quick connect will undoubtedly be LOW pressure (i.e. after the onboard regulator on your RV). That means it may be too low for the regulator on your Coleman stove to open, since it's expecting a source of HIGH pressure propane (either a disposable canister or a portable 20lb tank like for a home BBQ). You COULD give it a try, but if it doesn't work... you'll know why! ????
Sandy
Tuesday 25th of April 2023
Will this device work on a portable fire pit?
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 25th of April 2023
Good question, Sandy. Most fire pits require high-pressure (and high-flow) propane to operate correctly. So connecting one to a low-pressure quick connect (i.e. one that comes installed on the side of the RV from the manufacturer) likely won't work (or, at best, will only work at very low flame/output).
Using a fire pit may then require use of a dedicated portable tank... or for you to install an Extend-A-Stay adapter (like we used in the video embedded in this post) installed before (upstream of) the RV's onboard regulator so that it provides full-pressure propane to the fire pit.
Dan Roach
Wednesday 19th of April 2023
The video showing how to convert a Weber grill to the RV low pressure system was great. However, you didn’t show it actually working while connected this way. And since Weber says it can’t be done I’d really appreciate seeing it in action before purchasing the Sturgis conversion kit. Any chance you can add that? Thanks!
TheRVgeeks
Thursday 20th of April 2023
Sorry, Dan. That was an oversight. Unfortunately we can't go back and edit the video. But, we've been using the setup exactly as shown in that video for the past 7+ years without issue. Just keep in mind that WE connected our Weber Q to the HIGH PRESSURE side of things by using the Extend-a-Stay kit (which is installed between the tank outlet and our RV's onboard regulator... meaning we have a source of HIGH PRESSURE propane that we stepped down using a 15psi regulator to avoid the issue of oily buildup in the hose that runs from the propane tank over to where we connect our grill). The Sturgis conversion kit lets you modify the Weber Q so that you can remove its onboard regulator and connect the grill to LOW PRESSURE propane using a factory-installed quick connect.