Coleman RoadTrip 285
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The Coleman RoadTrip 285 has been the default car-camping grill for over a decade. Stand-up cooking height, three interchangeable cooking surfaces, and collapsible legs that fold into a wheeled suitcase — it's designed specifically for campsite life.
What We Love
- +Folds to a wheeled suitcase for easy transport
- +Stand-up cooking height — no hunching over a picnic table
- +Three interchangeable grill surfaces (grill, griddle, stove)
- +20,000 BTUs from 2 burners
- +285 sq in cooking surface
- +InstaStart push-button ignition
Watch Out For
- −Heavy at 44 lbs — not for backpacking
- −Uses small propane canisters (expensive per cook)
- −Legs can feel unstable on uneven ground
- −Grease management is messy
- −Wind affects performance significantly
Specifications
Cooking Area
285 sq in
BTUs
20,000
Burners
2
Fuel
16 oz propane cylinders
Weight
44 lbs
Dimensions (folded)
32" x 18" x 17"
Warranty
3 years
The Full Review
The RoadTrip 285 was designed by someone who actually camps. The stand-up cooking height means you're not hunched over a picnic table or squatting on the ground. The wheeled suitcase design means one person can drag it from the car to the campsite.
The two burners produce 20,000 BTUs across 285 sq in — enough for 12 burgers simultaneously. Heat distribution is decent but not perfect; the edges run cooler, which is actually useful for keeping buns warm while searing burgers in the center.
The swappable cooking surfaces are the signature feature. The standard grill grate handles burgers, steaks, and dogs. Swap to the griddle top for pancakes and eggs at breakfast. The stove grate holds pots and pans for campsite cooking. All three surfaces are included.
The main downside is the 16 oz propane canisters. They're convenient but expensive — about $5 each and each one lasts 60-90 minutes of cooking. For extended camping trips, buy an adapter hose ($15) to connect a standard 20 lb propane tank.
I've used this grill on over 30 camping trips across Minnesota and Wisconsin. It fires up instantly, cooks reliably, and packs up in under a minute. At 44 lbs it's too heavy for anything but car camping, but for that purpose, nothing beats it.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest portable gas grill rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 (this) | 4.4 | $249 | The car-camping king. |
| Weber Q 2200 | 4.5 | $269 | The Aussie icon. |
| Char-Griller Akorn Kamado | 4.3 | $299 | A steel kamado at a fraction of the ceramic price. |
Who Is It For?
Car campers and RV travelers who want a full-featured portable grill. Families who camp frequently and want breakfast-and-dinner cooking capability. Tailgaters who want stand-up height cooking.
Final Verdict
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 at $249 is the best car-camping grill available. The fold-up design, interchangeable surfaces, and stand-up height solve every campsite cooking problem. If you car camp more than twice a year, this grill pays for itself in convenience.
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