Choosing the right portable grill for your RV adventures can be overwhelming. With so many options claiming high performance and quality, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But after years on the road and grilling in all kinds of conditions, I keep coming back to one trusted companion—the Blackstone Tailgater Combo.
While Blackstone has made some small updates to the Tailgater Combo over the years, the core functionality remains rock solid. It’s still one of the most versatile and RV-friendly grill setups I’ve found.
- Why the Blackstone Tailgater Combo Stands Out
- Blackstone Tailgater Combo vs On The Go Tailgater Grill Griddle Combo
- Which One Should You Choose?
- Built for RV Life
- Cooking Versatility
- Trade-Offs: What to Consider
- Storage & Accessories
- Usage – Real-World Cooking on the Road
- Final Thoughts – Which Blackstone Tailgater is Right for You?
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Why the Blackstone Tailgater Combo Stands Out
Outdoor cooking is part of what makes RVing so rewarding. Whether you’re camped by a mountain stream, tucked into the desert, or tailgating with friends, having a reliable, multi-function grill elevates your meals and your entire travel experience.
The Blackstone Tailgater Combo combines a propane grill, griddle, and camp stove all in one unit—giving you serious flexibility wherever you roam.
👉 Check out the current model on Amazon
Blackstone Tailgater Combo vs On The Go Tailgater Grill Griddle Combo
| Feature | Blackstone Tailgater Combo | Blackstone On The Go Tailgater Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Propane | Propane |
| Burner Count | 2 (1 Stainless Steel “H”, 1 Cast Iron Round) | 2 Burners |
| Total BTUs / Heating Power | 35,000 BTUs (15k + 20k) | ~30,500 BTUs (approx. 8916.5 watts) |
| Cooking Surface Area | 477 sq. in. | 289 sq. in. |
| Configuration | Grill + Griddle + Open Burner Access | Side-by-side Grill & Griddle |
| Ignition | Push-button Electric Ignition (1 AA battery) | Push-button Ignition |
| Legs | Independently adjustable telescoping legs | Folding legs |
| Grease Management | Dual grease trays | Single grease tray |
| Portability | Breaks down into 3 parts, telescoping legs | Compact folding design |
| Weight | ~85 lbs | ~88 lbs |
| Dimensions (Assembled) | 37″ L x 20″ H x 18″ W | 20.5″ D x 22.1″ W x 38.1″ H |
| Special Features | Direct burner access for Dutch ovens and pots | Side-by-side dual cooking zones |
| Accessories Available | Storage bags, tool kits, griddle accessories | Custom-fit cover and accessories available |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the Original Tailgater Combo if you value versatility (like direct burner access), customizable setups, and larger cooking space.
- Choose the On The Go Tailgater if you want a more compact, ready-to-roll grill with side-by-side simplicity and a slightly smaller footprint.
Both are fantastic choices for RVers, tailgaters, and outdoor cooks. Personally, I still love the original Tailgater for its modular design and flexibility, but the On The Go version is a strong contender for those who want something easier to pack and deploy.
Built for RV Life
Blackstone really had folks like us in mind when designing this unit. It’s not just portable—it’s smartly built. The telescopic, independently adjustable legs are a game-changer for unlevel campsite surfaces. And when you’re done cooking, the entire setup folds down compactly for storage.
We made one small upgrade: we swapped out the propane hose so we can hook directly to our motorhome’s onboard propane system. No more lugging around a separate tank.
Cooking Versatility
One of the best parts? You can cook two completely different meals at the same time. We often use the griddle for things like bacon, eggs, and hash browns, while the grill side handles steaks, burgers, or sausages. I’ve even used it to sauté mushrooms and caramelize onions while grilling ribeyes.
When needed, the grill and griddle can be removed to expose the burners directly—perfect for a Dutch oven chili, boiling pasta, or even roasting marshmallows.
Trade-Offs: What to Consider
No grill is perfect, and both versions of the Blackstone Tailgater have a few quirks worth mentioning:
- Wind Performance:
The original Tailgater Combo struggles in windy conditions. We’ve had issues getting and keeping it hot enough when there’s a steady breeze. To compensate, we added custom aluminum wind guards to the base, which helped quite a bit.
On the other hand, the newer On The Go Tailgater Combo seems to perform better in the wind right out of the box, likely due to its more enclosed design and tighter tolerances around the burners. - Weight:
Both models are on the heavier side—around 85–88 pounds. That said, they break down nicely for storage and travel. If weight is a major factor for you, this is something to keep in mind. - Grease Management:
The grease system on the original Tailgater is a little clunky, and I wish Blackstone would update it to the rear-drain style they use on some of their other griddles. The On The Go version has a single grease tray but still not quite as refined as it could be.
Storage & Accessories
We highly recommend grabbing the Tailgater Combo Storage Bag Set. It keeps everything neat and organized in our motorhome’s basement. One bag fits the base, the other holds the grill box and griddle.
Blackstone also offers a ton of other accessories—spatulas, scrapers, basting covers—that make life easier if you’re serious about outdoor cooking.
Usage – Real-World Cooking on the Road
Over the past few years, we’ve cooked just about everything on our original Blackstone Tailgater Combo—from sizzling ribeyes to full-blown breakfast spreads. The ability to use the grill and griddle at the same time, each with its own burner and heat control, gives you serious flexibility.
Original Tailgater Combo Experience
This model has been our go-to for years. Here’s what we love:
- Dual-surface cooking: I can grill steaks on one side while sautéing mushrooms and onions on the griddle.
- Full breakfast spreads: Bacon, hash browns, and eggs all in one go.
- Dutch oven meals: Removing the grill and griddle exposes the burners, letting us cook chili or boil pasta directly over the flame.
- Hooked to RV propane: We swapped the hose to connect directly to our motorhome’s onboard propane system—one less tank to carry!
However, it’s not all sunshine and sizzling:
- Wind can be a challenge. On breezy days, it’s tough to keep enough heat under the grill. We added aluminum wind guards to help, but it still struggles in gusty conditions.
Final Thoughts – Which Blackstone Tailgater is Right for You?
After years on the road and hundreds of meals cooked, I can confidently say the Blackstone Tailgater Combo remains one of the best all-in-one grill setups for RVers. Its ability to grill, griddle, and even support Dutch oven cooking makes it a true workhorse at the campsite.
That said, the newer Blackstone On The Go Tailgater Combo brings a few improvements—most notably better wind resistance and faster setup. If you do a lot of cooking in open or breezy locations (like the desert Southwest or coastal areas), this newer model might be a better fit for your style.
Here’s My Take:
- Go with the original Tailgater Combo if you want maximum cooking versatility and don’t mind the extra setup steps or shielding it from wind.
- Choose the On The Go Tailgater if you prefer a simpler, more compact design that performs better in variable weather and don’t need open burner access.
Either way, you’re getting a high-quality, durable, and RV-friendly cooking station that beats cheap tabletop grills any day of the week.
🔥 Which Blackstone Tailgater Combo is Right for You?
Still deciding between the original and the On The Go model? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the best portable RV grill for your camping lifestyle:
- Original Blackstone Tailgater Combo: Larger cooking surface, direct burner access for Dutch oven cooking, ideal for RVers who want maximum versatility.
- On The Go Tailgater Combo: More compact, better wind performance, faster setup. Great for RVers who want simple, reliable cooking on the road.
Either way, you’re getting a rock-solid grill built for RV adventures!
Have you used this product or found something even better?
We’re always testing new gear to make RV life easier, safer, and more fun.
Thanks for reading our review!
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