We’ve been living the full-time RV life for a few years now, and when it comes to outdoor cooking on the road, having the right gear matters. Whether we’re boondocking in the desert, tailgating at a game, or set up at a quiet campsite, we want a portable pellet grill that delivers real wood-fired flavor every time.
We started off with a combo grill that didn’t hold up well in the wind. That’s when we discovered the Traeger Ranger—a compact, rugged, and reliable pellet grill and smoker that’s perfect for RVers, campers, and tailgaters alike. If you’re looking for the best RV grill for wood-fired cooking on the go, this one’s worth a serious look.
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That’s when we started looking for something more wind-resistant and versatile, and landed on the Traeger Ranger. It’s a compact pellet grill and smoker combo that changed the game for us.
Why We Chose the Traeger Ranger
We needed a grill that was:
- Portable and easy to store in the motorhome’s basement
- Reliable in windy conditions
- Able to both grill and smoke
The Ranger checked every box and then some.
Setup and First Impressions
- Dimensions: 13″H x 21″W x 20″D
- Weight: 60 lbs
- Cooking area: 184 sq. in. (enough for 6 burgers, 10 hot dogs, or a rack of ribs)
- Pellet hopper: Holds up to 8 lbs of pellets
The setup was straightforward. Just attach the handle and feet using the included hardware, install the grease drip tray and bucket, then drop in the grate.
For the first use, we primed the auger with Traeger Signature Wood Pellets, then seasoned the grill by running it at 450°F for 30 minutes. After that, it was ready to cook.
Our First Cook: Smoked Tri-Tip
We went with a tri-tip steak, seasoned simply with paprika, fresh ground pepper, and sea salt. We inserted the built-in meat probe, set the grill to 225°F, and cooked it for about 90 minutes until it reached 130°F internal temp.
Then we turned up the heat to 450°F and gave it a reverse sear for about 5 minutes per side, pulling it off at 145°F. After a 10-minute rest, it was tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor.
Ready to Grill Like a Pro?
Get the Traeger Ranger – the ultimate portable wood pellet grill for RVers, campers, and tailgaters.
Shop the Traeger Ranger on AmazonKey Features We Love
- Digital Arc Controller for 5-degree temperature precision
- Meat Probe included to monitor temps without lifting the lid
- Keep Warm Mode keeps food ready to eat without overcooking
- Cast Iron Griddle included for steaks, eggs, and pancakes
- Solid Build Quality—built like a mini tank
Best Wood Pellets for Flavor
We stick with the Signature Blend, which works great for everything. But Traeger offers several options depending on what you’re cooking:
Traeger Rubs and Sauces We Recommend
Flavor is where Traeger shines, and their spices and sauces take meals to the next level. Some favorites include:
- Beef Rub: Molasses, paprika, and chili powder
- Coffee Rub: Adds bold flavor to brisket and steaks
- Sweet & Heat BBQ Sauce: Perfect sweet-meets-spicy blend
- Traeger Texas Spicy: Classic BBQ profile
- Fin & Feather Rub: Great for turkey and trout
You can find a complete lineup of Traeger spices, sauces, and kits here.
Must-Have Accessories
To make the most of your Ranger, here are some accessories we highly recommend:
- Ranger Grill Cover: Weather-resistant, perfect fit
- Drip Tray Liners: Makes cleanup way easier
- Mini Grease Bucket Liners: Keep your bucket clean
- StayDry Pellet Bin: Airtight storage for your pellets
- XXL Spatula: Great for big cuts
- BBQ Tongs: For heavy handling
- Traeger Grill Cleaner: Natural, safe cleaner made for your grill
RV Life Approved?
No doubt about it. At 60 lbs, the Traeger Ranger isn’t featherweight—but it’s compact, rugged, and performs like a champ. It fits nicely in our RV basement and has become one of our favorite cooking tools on the road.
Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or boondocking, this grill gets the job done.
Final Thoughts
The Traeger Ranger is one of the best portable pellet grills for RVers and outdoor cooking enthusiasts. It’s easy to use, offers precise control, and delivers delicious results every time. If you want wood-fired flavor on the go, this grill is worth the investment.
Check the current price on Amazon
What Do You Think?
What’s your go-to meal on the grill or smoker? We’d love to hear what you’re cooking out there on the road. Drop a comment below and let’s talk food.
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!
If you have questions, experiences, or thoughts to share, drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.
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