I've had mine for a little over a year and use it A LOT. I have never had this problem.
When it was new (3rd or 4th use) we turned up the flame to burn off the mess. The aluminum grate melted. We bought cast iron grates to replace them.
This is not just a problem with the Coleman grills. Any propane appliance that is stored outdoors is a candidate for spider intrusion. I had the same problem with my grill at home a few years ago. since then, I have tried to seal up the obvious openings into the cabinet under my grills and I keep a small baby bottle brush to clean the venturi tubes as part of my cleaning regiment.
If you look in the Cleaning and Maintenance section of the documentation that came with your grill, this is a standard warning in most of the manufacturer's literature.
As rrbowman said, Spiders love propane.
Thanks for the reminder and safety tip.
Sean, Maureen, 4 Kids and a Shih-Tzu
2003 Rockwood Roo 21
2004 GMC Envoy XL (4.2 L V6)
Our first roadtrip grill did the same thing. I did not have a spider problem. However, I was able to send it back to Coleman who sent me a free replacement.
To this day I really don't know what happened.
2004 KZ-Sportsmen Ultralite 2303P
The Wife, The Husky, The Lab And College Baseball
The problem is that the web and spiders are not in the flame, but in the venturi tube. This is the tube that delivers the propane from the tank/rgulator to the burner, and the problem is that the nest restricts the flow of propane, and in worst cases, redirects the flow, causing propane build up which eventually leads to flaring and ignition of the built up propane away from the burners.
Sorry folks, but my RT grill is the worst product I ever had from the Coleman name. My 20 dollar WalMart special is smaller, works just as well and is easier to clean and store.
RetiredbutWorking wrote: Sorry folks, but my RT grill is the worst product I ever had from the Coleman name. My 20 dollar WalMart special is smaller, works just as well and is easier to clean and store.
I don't know as I would go QUITE that far, but the Road Trip Grill went in the rummage sale (a nice lady was just THRILLED to find it), and I now have one of the cheap $20 gas grills previously mentioned. Just my opinion, of course, but it cooks better than the road trip. It also doesn't have that disgusting water pan. Where are you supposed to empty that thing, anyway? Yes, I tried lining it with foil, and it was better, not as messy, but it still didn't cook all that well.
CM1, USN (RET)
'94 Dodge 3500 4X2 CTD, Std. cab, LB, 5 speed, 4.10 LS diff., Jacobs Rambrake, 273,000 Miles
'99 Monaco McKenzie 32' triple slide
'95 Tioga 29H Ford-based Class C
Daily driver: '06 Jeep Liberty CRD
Towed: '06 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited
> Mr. Jensen:
>
> Thank you for the inquiry concerning Coleman Road Trip Grills. To prevent
> damage to your Road Trip Grill follow these pointers.
>
> You do not preheat any of the Road Trip Grills, nor do you cook with the
> lids closed. You do not put foil and/or any type of pan, skillet, or pot
> on the grill grate or griddle plate. If you want to use a skillet, pot, or
> pan on any of the Road Trip Grills you need to purchase a stove grate.
>
> Please note: any of these improper uses will cut off the airflow needed to
> properly ventilate the grill. This blockage can cause permanent damage to
> the grill and void your warranty. These tips are covered in your users
> manual that came with the grill, and stickers about closing the lid were
> being put the rear of the unit where the regulator attaches.
>
> The stove grates can be obtained from our web site www.coleman.com, or for
> other needs contact our live service line, 1-800-835-3278, push option #5,
> and reference the model you have, and our service people can assist you.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Shelly Thurman
> Coleman Consumer Service
>
Every meal is a feast, everyday is a parade and every paycheck is a fortune!
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