Last Updated on May 23, 2023 by Victor A
If you’re a grilling enthusiast, you might be wondering whether you can transport your grill in your SUV. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or heading to a tailgate party, asking Will a grill fit in my SUV is a common question.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors you need to consider when transporting your grill in your SUV and provide some tips to help make your journey a success.
Size Matters – How big is your grill?
One of the most important factors to consider when fitting your grill in an SUV is the size of your grill.
Grills come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small portable models to larger ones, usually, the small-sized grills will have 25” of depth, 48” of width, and 48” of height.
Medium-sized grills will have 26” in depth, 64.25” in width, and 50.25” in height; while large grills will measure 25.25” in depth, 94.25” in width, and 51” in height.
Here’s a table comparing the sizes of propane gas grills:
| Grill Type | Depth | Width | Height |
| Small | 25” (64 cm) | 48” (122 cm) | 48” (122 cm) |
| Medium | 26” (66 cm) | 64.25” (168 cm) | 50.25” (127 cm ) |
| Large | 25.25” (64 cm) | 94.25” (239 cm) | 51” (130 cm) |
In the case you have a charcoal grill, the sizes are more compact, this is a great option for those who usually transport the grill to different places.
Since the standard measures are 22.5” in depth, 25” in width, and 39.5” in height.
Here’s another table showing you the measures of a standard charcoal grill:
| Grill Type | Depth | Width | Height |
| Charcoal | 22.5” (57 cm) | 25” (63.5 cm) | 39.5” (100 cm) |
Before you try to load your grill into your SUV, make sure you need to measure it to determine whether it will fit. Measure the length, width, and height of the grill to ensure it will fit perfectly.
Your SUV cargo area is also important
Here’s something that you should be aware of when it comes to propane gas grills, they are quite big, and they can only fit in large mid-size SUVs and full-size SUVs.
You won’t manage to fit a propane gas grill into a crossover SUV, however, charcoal grills will fit in any type of SUV thanks to their compact size.
Note that to fit the grills you will need to turn the grill so its width matches the depth of the car, and then overturn it so the height of the grill matches the width of the SUV cargo area.
A small-size grill will fit in many midsize SUVs and most full-size SUVs:
| Length to seat 1 | Length to seat 2 | Cargo width | Head Room | |
| Nissan Armada | 86.2” (2189 mm) | 49.1” (1247 mm) | 48.8” (1240 mm) | 36.7” (932 mm) |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | 90.4” (2296 mm) | 57.2” (1453 mm) | 49.4” (1255 mm) | 38.2” (970 mm) |
A medium size grill will not have a problem fitting in large midsize, and full-size SUVs, for example:
| Length to seat 1 | Length to seat 2 | Cargo width | Head Room | |
| Ford Explorer | 93.5” (2375 mm) | 55.5” (1410 mm) | 54.6” (1387 mm) | 38.9” (988 mm) |
| Mercedes GLS | 79.7” (2024 mm) | 54.2” (1377 mm) | 50.3” (1278 mm) | 34.7” (881 mm) |
Large grills are more tricky, they not only require an SUV with an important cargo width, but the length of the first seat should also be quite considerable. Some extended versions of full-size SUVs could achieve this, like the Ford Expedition Max:
| Length to seat 1 | Length to seat 2 | Cargo width | Head Room | |
| Ford Expedition Max | 103.1” (2619 mm) | 64.9” (1649 mm) | 51.3” (1303 mm) | 36.1” (917 mm) |
Make sure you measure the interior dimensions of your SUV’s cargo area. You’ll need to compare these measurements to determine whether your grill will fit.
Weight Concerns
In addition to the size of your grill, you’ll also need to consider its weight, since it can be quite heavy, especially if they’re made from cast iron or other heavy materials.
When transporting a heavy grill in your SUV, you’ll need to make sure that it won’t exceed your SUV’s weight limit.
The weight limit is called the payload capacity, and it changes depending on the SUV, however, most SUVs have around a 1,000 lbs (454 kg) limit.
Just remember that the weight of the passengers also counts, if you carry two passengers that weigh over 200 lbs each you may find yourself reaching the limit when transporting a large grill.
To determine your SUV’s weight limit, check your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer. Then, weigh your grill to determine whether it falls within the weight limit.
Securing Your Grill
Once you’ve determined that your grill will fit in your SUV and won’t exceed its weight limit, you’ll need to think about how to secure it.
When transporting a grill, you’ll want to make sure that it’s secure so that it doesn’t move around or tip over while you’re driving.
One of the best ways to secure a grill in an SUV is to use tie-down straps. These straps can be attached to the grill and then anchored to the floor or walls of the SUV’s cargo area.
If you’re transporting a gas grill, you’ll also need to make sure that the propane tank is secured properly.
You’ll want to make sure that the tank is turned off and disconnected from the grill before transporting it. Then, you can secure the tank in a stable position in the SUV’s cargo area.
Preparing Your SUV
Before you load your grill into your SUV, you’ll need to prepare the cargo area. This may involve removing any seats or other obstacles that could prevent your grill from fitting properly.
You’ll also want to make sure that the cargo area is clean and free from any debris that could damage your grill.
If you’re transporting a charcoal grill, you’ll also need to consider the risk of charcoal dust getting into your SUV’s interior.
To prevent this, you may want to place a tarp or other protective covering over the cargo area.
Tips for Transporting Your Grill in Your SUV
To help make your journey a success, here are some additional tips to keep in mind when transporting your grill in your SUV:
- Use a grill cover to protect your grill from scratches and other damage during transportation.
- Avoid sharp turns and sudden stops while driving to prevent your grill from shifting or tipping over.
- Be sure to use caution when lifting and loading your grill into your SUV to avoid injuring yourself or damaging your grill.
- Consider using a ramp or other lifting aid if your grill is particularly heavy or difficult to lift.
- If you’re transporting a gas grill, make sure that the propane tank is turned off and disconnected from the grill before loading it into your SUV.
- When anchoring your grill in your SUV, make sure that the tie-down straps are tight and secure.
Always follow local and state regulations when transporting a grill in your SUV, including any laws related to the use of tie-down straps or the transportation of propane tanks.
Conclusion – Yes, a grill will fit in my SUV
The great thing about SUVs is that they offer enough cargo area to fit large objects like couches, dishwashers, even mattresses!
Transporting a grill in your SUV can be a convenient and practical way to take your love of grilling on the go. However, before you load your grill into your SUV, you’ll need to consider its size, weight, and how to secure it properly.
By taking these factors into account and following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can transport your grill safely and efficiently, allowing you to enjoy your favorite grilled dishes no matter where you go.
If your grill is too large to fit in your SUV, you may need to consider other transportation options. For example, you might rent a truck or trailer to transport your grill, or you might consider purchasing a smaller grill that will fit in your SUV.
