Traveling in an RV or trailer is about freedom and experiencing the open road, but let’s be honest, it often means relying on convenience food or cramped cooking spaces inside. I remember starting out, thinking I’d just make do with the small stovetop. But quickly, I realized the joy of camping includes outdoor cooking. Without a proper setup, you miss out on grilling outdoors, which is a huge part of the RV lifestyle for many, including myself. The complications of not having a dedicated outdoor cooking solution mean more heat inside the rig, less variety in meals, and frankly, less fun around the campsite. Finding something that would integrate easily with the RV was the key problem I needed to solve.
When you’re living life on the road in a recreational vehicle, having an outdoor cooking solution can vastly improve your experience. An RV grill solves the problem of limited indoor kitchen space and keeps cooking smells and heat outside, making your living area more comfortable, especially in warm weather. The ideal customer for an RV-compatible grill is someone who enjoys camping, tailgating, or just spending time outdoors and wants the convenience of grilling without needing to carry a separate, bulky full-size grill and propane tank. It’s perfect for couples or small families who cook modest amounts of food at a time.
However, if you plan on hosting large gatherings requiring significant grilling surface area, or if you primarily camp at full-hookup sites where you have access to larger, more stable setups, a smaller RV-specific grill might not be the best fit. You might be better off with a standard portable grill or even charcoal if allowed. Before purchasing an RV grill, you need to consider several factors: how much cooking surface area you typically need, whether you want the convenience of connecting to your RV’s existing low-pressure propane quick-connect, if you need it to be mountable on the side of your rig or function as a standalone unit, the overall size and weight for storage, and the quality of construction given the vibrations and movement of travel.
- 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 cookout wherever you are
- COMPLETE GRILLING STATION: This incredibly convenient motorhome-compatible gas grill w/ 12,000 BTU includes an adjustable flame controller, upper grill deck, and 221 square inches of grilling surface...
- MOUNTABLE/FREE STANDING: The hanging rack can also be used as legs to make the grill free-standing, making this versatile grilling station perfect for tailgating and camping
An Overview of the Flame King YSNHT500 Grill
Let me introduce you to the Flame King – YSNHT500 RV Or Trailer Mounted BBQ. This product is essentially a dedicated gas grill designed with the RVer in mind. It promises a convenient and versatile outdoor grilling experience by offering compatibility with your RV’s low-pressure propane system and the option to mount it directly onto the side of your rig. When you purchase the YSNHT500, you get the grill unit itself, a bracket for RV mounting, and a rack that doubles as both the mounting mechanism and freestanding legs.
Compared to a standard portable grill, its key differentiator is the direct RV propane hookup and the integrated mounting system, eliminating the need for separate propane cylinders if your RV has the quick connect. While there might be higher-end, often more expensive stainless steel options on the market from other brands, the Flame King YSNHT500 aims to provide a functional and affordable solution. This specific model appears to be an updated version of a long-standing, widely used RV grill design, adding features like a piezo igniter and a slightly refreshed look. It’s definitely geared towards the RVer who wants a hassle-free setup and doesn’t need a massive grilling area. It’s probably not for the gourmet grill master needing precise temperature control and heavy-duty construction, but for the everyday RVer looking to grill burgers, dogs, chicken, or steaks, it fits the bill.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Designed specifically for RV/trailer low-pressure propane hookup.
* Can be mounted on the RV side or used as a standalone grill.
* Includes adjustable flame control.
* Comes with a storage bag.
* Affordable price point.
Cons:
* Construction can feel a bit lightweight/flimsy.
* Piezo igniter wire routing could be improved.
* Internal pan coating may peel over time.
* Upper warming rack space is limited by the lid.
* Handle assembly involves multiple small parts.
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition system, quick start up with the push &turn of...
- 【Powerful & Even Heat Distribution】This propane gas grill features 3 stainless steel burners plus 1 side burner, delivering a total of 21,200 BTU—perfect for fast, even heat during your backyard...
- POWERFUL BURNERS: Four 11,000 BTU burners deliver a total of 44,000 BTUs of heat for precise, even cooking.
Detailed Look at Capabilities and Advantages
Having used the Flame King YSNHT500 RV Grill for quite some time now, I can speak to its practical functionality on the road. The heart of this unit is its 12,000 BTU burner providing 214 square inches of cooking surface (listed as 221 in one spot, but practically, it’s enough for several burgers or steaks at once). While 12,000 BTUs might not sound like a massive amount compared to large home grills, for a compact unit like this, it heats up surprisingly quickly and provides adequate heat for most grilling tasks. The adjustable flame controller is crucial, allowing you to go from high heat searing down to a lower setting for more delicate items or slower cooking, which is a real benefit compared to simpler burners that are just ‘on’ or ‘off’. This control helps prevent burning and ensures more evenly cooked food.
The most significant feature, and the primary reason people buy this motorhome gas grill, is its RV/Trailer compatibility. It comes with a bracket designed to mount directly onto the side rail of most RVs and trailers equipped with the standard low-pressure quick-connect port. This is a game-changer for RVers. No need to haul bulky, heavy propane tanks separately, manage different regulators, or worry about running out of a small canister mid-meal. You just hook up a compatible low-pressure hose (Flame King offers model #100395-72 for this purpose, connecting directly to your RV system), and you’re ready to grill using the propane supply already onboard your rig. This connection method is incredibly convenient and saves valuable storage space in your RV.
Beyond the mounting capability, the design is quite versatile. The same rack that allows you to hang the Flame King YSNHT500 on the side of your RV also functions as legs. Simply flip it down, and the grill becomes a freestanding unit that you can place on a picnic table, tailgate, or any stable surface. This adds flexibility; you’re not tied to cooking right next to your rig. If your campsite has a nice picnic area away from the vehicle, you can easily set up there. You might need a longer low-pressure hose (Flame King model #LPRH8 is mentioned for connecting to a standard propane cylinder, but you’d need the correct low-pressure hose for a distance connection to the RV port if you want to use its supply away from the side).
Security features like locking retainer pins secure the grill to the mounted bracket, giving you peace of mind that it won’t accidentally detach while in use. The dual locking lid adds security during travel, ensuring everything stays contained when the grill is stowed. Storage is also made easier with the included black zippered bag, which helps keep the grill clean and makes it more manageable to pack away in a storage bay.
While the cooking surface area is listed at 214 square inches, it’s a practical size for typical camping meals. You can easily fit several burgers, sausages, or a couple of decent-sized steaks. The upper grill deck (or warming rack) adds a bit more surface for keeping food warm or gently heating items like burger buns, although as some users note, the relatively flat lid can limit the height of items you can place on the upper rack.
Putting it together wasn’t overly complex, mainly involving attaching the handles, which does require juggling a few small pieces. The initial setup to test the connection and burner is straightforward. One notable upgrade in this model compared to older versions is the integrated piezo igniter. This means you often don’t need a separate lighter to get the burner going; a simple push of the button (after turning on the gas) should ignite the flame. This is a definite convenience enhancement.
However, it’s not without its quirks. As mentioned in some user experiences, the construction can feel a bit lighter weight compared to more expensive grills. While this makes it easier to handle and mount, it might raise concerns about long-term durability under heavy use. One specific design flaw noted by users is the routing of the piezo igniter wire, which can be susceptible to pinching or damage, especially when the grill is stored or handled roughly. It might require some user modification, like rerouting or adding protection, to prevent wear and tear on the wire. Another potential issue reported is the peeling of the black coating on the internal pan area over time and use. While this might be cosmetic initially, it could potentially lead to rust if not maintained.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the core function of the Flame King RV grill remains solid. It performs its primary job well: providing a convenient, low-pressure propane grilling solution for your RV adventures. The adjustable flame control allows for good temperature management for typical grilling items, minimizing flare-ups with fatty foods like chicken, as some users have observed. The ability to connect directly to the RV’s system, switch between mounted and freestanding configurations, and its relatively compact size make it a very practical tool for life on the road.
Insights from Other Users
After spending time with this RV BBQ myself, I also checked out what other folks who’ve used it for a while had to say online. The general sentiment is quite positive, highlighting its suitability for the RV lifestyle. Many users appreciate the simplicity and the direct low-pressure hookup, noting that it works seamlessly with their trailer or motorhome’s existing propane port. They find the convenience of not needing extra tanks or adapters to be a major benefit. The versatility of being able to mount it on the side or use it with a stand is also frequently praised, especially for those with limited outdoor table space at their campsite. While some acknowledge that the build quality might not be top-tier, they feel it’s more than adequate for the price and intended use. Specific comments often mention successful cooking of various meats and the utility of the adjustable heat. A couple of users did point out minor issues, such as the inner pan coating peeling after repeated use or a concern about the routing of the igniter wire which could potentially get damaged, confirming some of the disadvantages I’ve observed or considered. Overall, users seem to find the Flame King YSNHT500 to be a valuable and functional addition to their RV setup, especially given its affordability.
Wrapping Up: Is This Grill Right for You?
Living on the road means maximizing your space and making the most of the outdoors. Not having a simple, integrated way to grill outside limits your cooking options and brings unnecessary heat inside your living space, which is a complication best avoided. The Flame King – YSNHT500 RV Or Trailer Mounted BBQ offers a straightforward solution to this problem. It’s a great fit because it connects directly to your RV’s low-pressure propane, can be mounted conveniently out of the way on the side of your rig, and also works as a standalone grill. While it might not be the most heavy-duty grill on the market, its convenience, versatility, and affordable price make it an excellent option for most RVers looking to enjoy grilling wherever their travels take them.
If you’re ready to enhance your outdoor cooking setup and make the most of your RV adventures without the hassle of extra propane tanks, Click here to check out the Flame King YSNHT500 RV Grill.
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API