Can You Lay a Grill Down to Transport It? Safety Tips

Do you ever find yourself needing to transport a grill but have no clue how? Moving to a different home or taking your grill to a pal’s place for a BBQ requires you to know how to safely and effectively transport the grill to prevent any damage to the equipment or injuries to yourself.

This article will answer one of the most common questions: can you lay a grill down to transport it? Furthermore, it will offer you handy tips and advice to make the transport experience stress-free.

Clean, disassemble, and choose the right transport method. Make sure that you secure the grill for the journey. We’ve got all the information you need, so keep reading!

Can You Lay a Grill Down to Transport It?

If you’re wondering whether you can transport a grill by laying it down, the answer is, it depends on the type of grill you have, its condition, and the manufacturer’s guidelines. Generally, gas and pellet grills are safe to transport horizontally, while charcoal grills are not.

Type of Grill

Gas grills and pellet grills are typically designed with their burners located at the bottom, making them safe to transport lying down. However, removing the propane tank and transporting it separately is crucial to avoid any potential risks.

On the other hand, charcoal grills are not intended to be transported horizontally, as ash and debris may clog the air vents and damage the grill’s interior. If you need to move a charcoal grill, removing the charcoal and ash before transporting it upright is best.

Grill’s Condition

Furthermore, laying down a grill with parts in poor condition is not recommended, such as rusted legs or loose components. Transporting a damaged grill horizontally can cause further damage and make it unsafe to use.

Before transporting the grill, it’s essential to inspect it thoroughly for loose parts, cracks, and other damage that could be worsened by laying it down. If the grill is in poor condition, it’s best to repair or replace it before transporting it for a safe and successful grilling experience in the future.

Manufacturer’s Guidelines

Transporting a grill should always be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines. For example, the “Guide on Replacing Traeger Flat Top Grill Legs” warns that laying a grill on its back may damage the power panel.

So, it’s important to be mindful of the grill’s specific design and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe transportation. This will help ensure that no harm or damage is caused during the journey.

How to Transport a Grill

When transporting a grill, several steps must be taken to ensure it is done safely and securely. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Choosing a Transport Method

When deciding how to transport your grill, consider its size, weight, and how far you’re traveling.

For a safe and secure journey, using a truck or SUV with a properly attached trailer hitch is the best choice. That way, you can be sure your grill won’t be damaged or cause any harm to your vehicle.

If your grill is on the bigger side, a pickup truck is a way to go. But whatever you do, don’t forget to take the propane tank separately and keep it upright to avoid any gas leakage.

Smaller grills can fit into the trunk or cargo area of an SUV. But if it’s too big, don’t even think about putting it on top of your car. It could be dangerous, causing damage not only to the grill but also to other vehicles on the road or other drivers.

Plus, the weight of the grill may cause dents or scratches to your car’s roof.

To ensure your grill fits, measure its dimensions and compare them to your vehicle’s. Also, consider the grill’s weight – it might be too heavy for your car or SUV.

If you don’t have access to a truck or SUV and you’re traveling a long way, consider renting one or hiring a professional transportation service. They have the right tools and know-how to make sure your grill arrives safely.

2. Preparing The Grill for Transport

Preparing a grill for transport is an essential step to ensure the safety of both the grill and the people transporting it. Before you start, have a clean, flat surface to work on the grill, such as a driveway or a garage.

Cleaning the grill is the first step to prepare it for transport.

For charcoal grills, you should empty the ash catcher, dispose of the ashes properly, and give it a good cleaning. Scrub the grates with a wire brush to remove any residue and grease, then clean the inside of the grill with a damp cloth.

For gas grills, turn off the burners and disconnect the propane tank. It would be best if you emptied the propane tank. Then remove the grates, drip pans, and other detachable parts for cleaning. Use a grill brush or scraper to remove any debris on the burners and heat shields.

For pellet grills, you should empty the hopper of all pellets before transport. Pellets can shift during transport, and the auger can jam, causing potential damage to the grill. After emptying the hopper, clean the grates and other detachable parts, using a grill brush or scraper to remove any debris.

3. Packing Accessories and Small Parts

Once you’ve prepped the grill for its journey, it’s time to pack up any accessories and small parts that belong to it.

If your grill has detachable pieces such as grates, drip pans, or side tables, it’s best to take them off before transport. Not only will this protect them from damage while on the move, but it’ll make the grill lighter and easier to move as well.

Ensure these parts are separately and securely wrapped in newspaper, towels, or bubble wrap to prevent any scratches or harm.

Pack these items up tightly to ensure they don’t move around and cause any damage to the grill or your vehicle while in transit.

To make it easier to set up the grill once you reach the destination, it’s a good idea to label the boxes or bags with the accessories and small parts. This will help you identify everything quickly and get grilling right away.

4. Transporting the Grill

Transporting a grill can be daunting, but with the right precautions, it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips for ensuring your grill stays in place during transit:

Secure the grill’s lid and body with bungee cords or a tie-down strap to prevent them from opening up and rolling.

If the grill has rolling wheels, ensure they are locked upright to avoid any shifting during transit. When tying down your grill, use appropriate straps or cords and attach them to secure points on the grill, such as the legs or frame.

Don’t rely solely on bungee cords, as they can stretch and loosen during transportation. Once everything is in place, double-check that your grill won’t move or tip over before you hit the road.

Moving a Heavy Grill Upstairs

Moving a hefty grill up the stairs can seem overwhelming, but it can be done securely and expediently with the right equipment and know-how.

1. Use a Dolly

A dolly is a wheeled cart that can help you transport heavy objects. Before getting started, tilt the grill onto its side and slide the dolly underneath its bottom part.

Securely strap it to the dolly to prevent shifting while in transit. After that, gently lift the dolly and grill onto the first step of the stairs. Then, you can pull the dolly up the stairs one step at a time until you reach the top.

2. Using a Two-Person Shoulder Dolly

Moving a heavy grill upstairs can be a breeze using a two-person shoulder dolly. This handy tool is essentially two straps that let two people lift and carry the load together. To get started, secure the harness around each lifter’s shoulders. Then, put the lifting strap beneath the grill and fasten it to the harnesses.

When ready, squat down and place your hands flat against the grill. Then, stand up and straighten your arms to lift it in one unified motion. This method distributes the grill’s weight evenly between the two lifters, making it easier to carry it up the stairs. Remember to take your time and move slowly to avoid any accidents.

3. Use a Ramp

Using a ramp is a good option for dealing with a long staircase or a bulky grill.

To start, tilt the grill onto its side and wedge the ramp at the bottom of the stairs. Make sure the ramp is securely placed before wheeling the grill onto it.

Then, with an extra pair of hands to help you, carefully guide the grill up the ramp and onto each step of the stairs. It’s important to take it slow and steady for the best results.

4. Disassemble the Grill         

You may have to take the grill apart if none of the solutions are suitable. Unscrew the grates, burners, and other detachable components to make it lighter and easier to move.

Then, slowly bring each part up the stairs one at a time, and reassemble the grill once you reach the top. This method lets you easily transport the grill without it being too cumbersome.

Additional Tips

When taking a grill up the stairs, do it slowly and methodically.

Ensure the path is free of obstacles and there are no tripping hazards.

Having someone with you to help lift and guide the grill is also a good idea to prevent accidents.

Wear appropriate, closed-toe shoes, and lift with your legs, not your back. If you feel any strain or discomfort, take a break and ask for help.

Conclusion

Moving a grill can be challenging, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily. When selecting a transport method, consider the grill’s size and the distance you’ll cover.

Before transporting a grill, make sure to clean it, as well as take off any detachable pieces. When transporting the grill, ensure it’s appropriately secured, including locking the wheels and tying them down. For those needing to move a heavy grill up the stairs, try a 2-person shoulder dolly—it’ll simplify life.

By following these tips, you can have a successful and safe grill transport.