One of the best parts about taking a camping trip in your new RV is cooking in the great outdoors.
The month of May is the beginning of BBQ season, and there’s no better time to fire up the grill for the first time than when you’re surrounded by the beauty of southern B.C.
Whether you’re a first time griller or a spatula-wielding genius, there’s always more to learn when it comes to cooking on an open flame. To make things easy, we’ve put together a list of what foods to pack, as well as some tips on how to make things taste good when half of your utensils and flavours are back home in the kitchen.
Get to Know Your RVQ Before You BBQ
The RVQ, as many RV owners affectionately call their home-away-from-home grill, is a staple for every weekend getaway. Many new luxury RVs, like the Cottage by Cedar Creek, have updated appliances like a three-piece cooker top, but not all RV models have these amenities, especially if you own a used RV or an older model.
There are several options when it comes to grilling on the road, but they all come down to the type of grill you purchase. South Thompson RV has plenty of RV accessories to choose from, and those include some of the season’s hottest RVQ’s!
Charcoal grilling is an increasingly popular choice, especially if you’re roasting or slow-cooking meats. The burning coals lend a smoky flavour to your finished product, and you don’t need to worry about lugging around a tank of propane. On the other hand, propane grills are also an option, and the most common type of portable grill for the RV market. You can hook most propane grills right up to your RV’s gas line and they’re very easy to clean. Lastly, electric grills are also an option. It’s a very economical choice, but if you make the mistake of booking a campsite that has no electricity hook-up--no cheeseburgers for you!
Don’t Take the Kitchen With You
Many of us want the comforts of home out on the road, but too often we take this a bit too literally. When you’re exploring the great outdoors in your RV, you’ll be moving around a lot, so those fancy long-stem wine glasses won’t cut it. It’s important to think about what you pack, as well as the environmental impact you leave on the environment when you camp in Mother Nature’s space. Here are a few golden rules:
Plastic Utensils: Bring plastic cups to avoid breaking your good set, but skip out on plastic forks, knives, spoons, and cheap styrofoam. You’ll only use them once and they tend to pile up at campsites. Many small animals can choke on plastic garbage, so keep it to a bare minimum.
Buy Shelf-Stable Products: Depending on how long you’ll be away for, and whether or not your RV has a fridge, you’ll need healthy food that doesn’t go bad. Foods that are high in protein, yet also prone to longevity are the best idea. Dried fruits and nuts, canned beans and soups, and even pastas, for example, work much better than a container of yogurt. Keep in mind that even if you have a fridge in your RV, you have to time how long it takes you to get to your final destination, so abandon that tub of ice cream, and buy it once you get there.
Shop Locally Instead: Rather than rush out to the grocery store on a Friday after work, why not pick up a few items on the drive up? Many farmer’s markets start popping up all throughout the province, and if you’re on your way up to the RV park, it’s easy enough to stop and pick something up. You’ll likely spend less money, get an organic product, and support local farmers while you’re at it.
Are you ready to fire up the grill for the Long Weekend? Before you go, check out South Thompson RV’s Parts and Accessories catalogue to make sure your RVQ is ready to cook those burgers! Once your grill is in order, you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time. Call us today at 1-(888) 871-4058 or contact us online for more tips, comments, or questions about grilling safety.