Gas Grilling on Camping Holidays: What Options Are There for Motorhomes and Caravans?

Gas grilling has become a popular method in the camping community, offering numerous advantages. Whether you’re travelling in a motorhome or caravan, a gas grill can enhance your camping holiday. In this article, you’ll discover how to choose the right gas grill and what safety precautions to take. We’ll provide valuable tips for safe operation and show you how to make the most of your gas system. Discover how to enhance your next camping holiday with culinary delights while grilling safely.

One of the biggest advantages of gas grilling is its environmental friendliness. Compared to charcoal grills, a gas grill produces significantly fewer pollutants and particulate matter. This is because LPG burns cleaner, reducing environmental impact. So, if you value sustainable camping, a gas grill is an excellent choice.

Another crucial advantage is the availability of LPG. No matter where your travels take you, gas cylinders are available almost everywhere. And: almost all campers always have gas on board anyway, be it for heating or cooking. So why not use it for grilling as well?

The speed and convenience of a gas grill are also not to be underestimated. Unlike charcoal grills, which often require a long preheating time, a gas grill reaches its operating temperature in a very short time. This means you can grill spontaneously without having to endure long waiting times. This flexibility is particularly valuable when you want to prepare a tasty meal quickly after a long day of activities.

Additionally, a gas grill offers a constant heat supply, which makes grilling easier. You can precisely regulate the temperature, which simplifies the cooking of various foods. Whether it’s meat, fish or vegetables – with a gas grill you have full control over the cooking process.

Last but not least, cleaning a gas grill is much easier compared to charcoal grills. There is less ash and soot, which makes maintenance much easier. This allows you to spend more time enjoying your camping holiday and less time cleaning.

How Do I Choose the Right Gas Grill for a Motorhome and Caravan?

Choosing the right gas grill for your camping holiday depends on various factors, including your personal preferences, the size of your motorhome or caravan, and your camping habits. Basically, there are two types of gas grills that are suitable for camping: grills that are operated with a gas cylinder and those that work with a gas cartridge. Both options have their own advantages and differences that need to be considered.

Operating a Gas Grill with a Gas Cylinder

Gas grills that are operated with a gas cylinder are a popular choice for many campers. These grills require a pressure regulator and a hose to safely connect the gas cylinder to the grill. Here are some of the advantages of this variant:

• Larger Capacity: Gas cylinders usually offer a larger amount of gas, which means you can grill longer without having to change the energy source. This is especially beneficial for longer camping trips or if you grill frequently.
• Cost Efficiency: Gas cylinders are often more cost-effective compared to gas cartridges, especially if you grill a lot.
• Flexibility: Many motorhomes and caravans already have an LPG system on board, so you can theoretically connect the grill to the existing gas supply.

Operating a Gas Grill with a Gas Cartridge

Gas grills that are operated with a gas cartridge are a practical alternative, especially for campers who value mobility and simplicity. Here are the advantages:

• Portability: Gas cartridge grills are usually lighter and more compact, making them ideal for spontaneous trips or short camping trips. They are comfortable to transport and set up.
• Easy Handling: No additional pressure regulator or hose is required, which simplifies setup and use. You just need to insert the cartridge and you can start grilling immediately.
• Space-Saving: Since gas cartridges are smaller than gas cylinders, they require less storage space in your motorhome or caravan. This is particularly advantageous when space is limited.

30 mbar vs. 50 mbar – What to Consider

In addition to the decision between gas cylinder and gas cartridge, the operating pressure of the gas system in your vehicle and the gas grill also plays an important role. Basically, the outlet pressure of the pressure regulator and the operating pressure of the gas grill should be identical. In other words: If 30 mbar is written on the type plate of the regulator, the gas grill must also be designed for this operating pressure.

However, there is no ONE use case when camping. That’s why we have listed a few different possibilities:

The pressure regulator is mounted directly on the gas cylinder in the gas cylinder box.

• 1. The camper leaves the gas cylinder in the box and uses the connected pressure regulator with a longer gas hose that fits the connection of the gas grill. This constellation is possible with 30 and 50 mbar systems.
  2. The camper lifts the gas cylinder out of the gas cylinder box and essentially sets up a new system outside the vehicle. For German campers, this constellation is only possible with 50 mbar systems. Campers in Germany are only allowed to operate 30 mbar gas grills if the appliance is connected to the gas system of the vehicle.

Caution: Under certain circumstances, you may not be allowed to use the pressure regulator from the vehicle outside of it and may need a different one.

The pressure regulator is mounted on the wall. A high-pressure hose line provides the connection between the gas cylinder and the pressure regulator.

1. 1. With the Variant supply valve from GOK, the external gas grill can be connected quickly and easily to the gas line of the camping vehicle. In addition to the Variant supply valve, only a suitable gas hose is required. This allows campers to operate 30 and 50 mbar gas grills.
   2. More cumbersome, but still practical: You can lift the gas cylinder out of the gas cylinder box, screw on the pressure regulator including the matching gas hose and then connect it to the gas grill. Again, the info: This constellation is only possible for German campers with 50 mbar systems (see point 2 in the paragraph above).
   3. If the LPG system of the vehicle has an operating pressure of 30 mbar, a gas grill with an operating pressure of 50 mbar cannot be operated via this system – at least not sensibly. This blog post reveals why not: https://www.gok-blog.de/2016/12/19/kann-ich-einen-50-mbar-gasgrill-ueber-die-30-mbar-fluessiggasanlage-des-caravan-wohnmobil-betreiben/.

Pressure regulator is mounted directly on the gas cylinder in the gas cylinder box or on the wall.

The LPG system in the vehicle has an operating pressure of 50 mbar. You want to operate a gas grill with an operating pressure of 30 mbar via this system using a Variant supply valve.

This is also possible with a so-called pre-pressure regulator from GOK. It is installed in the piping system of the motorhome or caravan and then reduces the pressure from 50 to 30 mbar.

Anyone who has this use case but does not have a Variant supply valve can help themselves as follows: Take the gas cylinder out of the gas cylinder box, connect the pressure regulator with 30 mbar outlet pressure including the matching hose and connect it to the gas grill. But once again, as a reminder: In Germany, the standard operating pressure outside of recreational vehicles is 50 mbar. The operation of a 30 mbar gas grill is not permitted.

How Do I Connect My Gas Grill to the Gas Supply in the Motorhome?

Connection Variant 1

The gas cylinder remains in the gas cylinder box and the pressure regulator used is the same as for operating the gas appliances installed in the vehicle. The camper only connects a longer gas hose with the appropriate connection for the gas grill.

Note: If the gas hose is longer than 1.5 metres, a hose rupture safety device is required.

PRO: Little effort to connect the gas grill.

CON: Additional hose required. Long hose lines can increase the pressure loss.

Connection Variant 2

The camper takes the gas cylinder out of the gas cylinder box. He may now need a different pressure regulator including a suitable gas hose for the connection to the gas grill. Outlet pressure of pressure reducer and operating pressure of the gas grill must match each other.

PRO: Flexible and mobile solution.

CONTRA: Relatively complex to connect. Under certain circumstances, several additional components are required, such as pressure regulator and hose.

Connection Variant 3

The camper has a Variant supply valve installed on the motorhome, caravan or campervan. He connects the LPG system of the camping vehicle to the gas grill using a hose.

PRO: Simplest and fastest connection solution. Very safe application.

CONTRA: Installation effort for supply valve Variant.

Important Safety Tips for Grilling with Gas on Camping Holidays

The use and handling of LPG systems is very safe and harmless if campers comply with certain safety rules. We have put together a few tips here:

1. Check the gas system regularly for leaks and function

Check your gas system regularly to ensure it is leak-proof and functioning properly. Inspect all connections and fittings for potential leaks by applying a soap solution or leak detection spray and looking for bubbles. A leaky gas system can not only be inefficient, but also poses a significant safety risk. Perform this check especially before longer journeys or after prolonged periods of disuse.

2. Check components such as pressure regulators and hoses regularly and observe the replacement periods

Check pressure regulators and hoses regularly for visible damage such as cracks, wear or discolouration. These components are subject to wear and tear and must therefore be replaced at the intervals specified by the manufacturer, authorities or technical regulations. A defective pressure regulator or hose can lead to dangerous gas leaks. Adhere to the replacement periods and document the maintenance work to keep track of everything. It is advisable to carry spare parts with you so that you can react quickly in an emergency.

3. Store and position gas cylinders or gas cartridges correctly

Make sure that you store or operate gas cylinders or gas cartridges upright and in a well-ventilated place, away from heat sources. This is usually the gas cylinder box. As described in the previous use cases, it may be necessary to take the gas cylinder out of the box to operate the gas grill or another gas appliance. Then, of course, the same applies: upright and in a well-ventilated place!

Make sure that the cylinders and cartridges are always easily accessible so that you can react quickly in case of emergency.

4. Expand your knowledge of how to handle the LPG system

Learn as much as you can about how to handle your LPG system to ensure your safety. Read and understand the operating instructions for your gas system or the components used and the gas grill. Think in advance about how you can switch off the system in an emergency and what safety precautions need to be taken. If necessary, attend training courses or workshops offered by camping clubs or specialist dealers. The better informed you are, the safer you can use your gas system and recognise and avoid potential hazards.

5. Do not use the gas grill in enclosed spaces and ensure good ventilation

Only operate the gas grill outdoors and in a well-ventilated place to avoid the formation of toxic carbon monoxide. Even if many grills are now very compact, please never get the idea of using them in the motorhome or caravan if it is raining or stormy outside! Make sure that no obstacles obstruct the air circulation.

You should also not operate the grill in closed awnings or only with extreme caution. The operation of gas appliances in the awning is still a grey area and has not been conclusively clarified in the technical regulations. More on this in this article: https://www.gok-blog.de/2017/01/09/darf-ich-gasheizgeraete-im-vorzelt-vom-caravan-oder-wohnmobil-verwenden/. Either way: Always ensure an adequate supply of fresh air and avoid operating the grill near windows or doors through which gas could enter interior spaces.