Pros & cons
Pros
- ✓ Sets up and folds down quickly for tailgating and camping
- ✓ Sturdy cart design with large wheels rolls easily over grass and gravel
- ✓ Even heat distribution across three burners
- ✓ Cast-iron grates retain heat well and produce good sear marks
- ✓ Compact folded footprint fits in most trunks and SUVs
- ✓ Reliable push-button ignition works consistently outdoors
Cons
- ✕ Heavier than typical portable grills, making solo lifting awkward
- ✕ Propane tank connection can be finicky to attach at first
- ✕ Grease tray needs frequent emptying during long cook sessions
- ✕ Side shelves are somewhat small for prep space
- ✕ Regulator hose can develop weak flame in cold weather
Specifications
| Cooking Surface | 285 sq in |
|---|---|
| Burners | 3 stainless steel burners |
| BTU Output | 20,000 BTU total |
| Grate Material | Cast iron, removable |
| Folded Dimensions | 18 in x 32 in x 33 in |
Our full review
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Gas Grill is built for anyone who refuses to compromise on real grilling flavor just because they're away from home. Unlike small tabletop propane grills, this model rolls on its own wheeled cart frame, complete with foldable legs, making it easy to set up in a campsite, tailgate lot, backyard patio, or park pavilion in a matter of minutes. At the heart of the grill are two independently controlled burners delivering up to 20,000 BTUs of cooking power, spread across a 285 square inch porcelain-coated cooking surface that offers enough room to handle burgers, steaks, chicken, and vegetables all at once without constant shuffling. What truly sets the RoadTrip 285 apart is its swappable cooktop system. The grill comes with Coleman's signature cast iron grill grate, but it can also accommodate an optional griddle or stove top accessory, instantly transforming the unit from a classic char-grilling machine into a breakfast griddle station for pancakes and bacon, or a surface for pots and pans when you want to simmer sauces or boil sides. This flexibility means one grill can cover an entire day of outdoor cooking, from morning coffee and eggs to evening steaks, without needing to pack multiple appliances. The porcelain-coated grates and removable grease tray also make cleanup straightforward, so more time is spent enjoying the meal and less time scrubbing cast iron after the fact. Practicality for life on the road is baked into every design choice. The RoadTrip 285 folds down compactly, with its legs tucking under the body and the wheeled cart allowing it to be pulled along like luggage, making storage in a truck bed, trunk, or garage corner simple. It runs on standard 16.4 oz propane cylinders, with an option to connect to a larger tank via an adapter hose for extended cooking sessions, giving users the freedom to choose based on trip length. Whether it's a weekend camping trip, a Saturday tailgate before kickoff, or a backyard cookout where extra grill space is needed, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 stands out as a rugged, portable, and versatile centerpiece for grilling enthusiasts who want restaurant-quality results wherever they set up camp.
This grill has been to every tailgate this season. Easy to roll, easy to light, and the heat control is great across all three burners.
Cooking performance is excellent and cleanup is simple, but lifting it into the truck bed by myself is a workout.
We used to bring a tiny tabletop grill camping. This RoadTrip 285 is a massive upgrade with real cooking space and steady heat.
Love the cooking results, but connecting the propane tank properly took a few tries the first time. Once set up, it works great.
Rolls smoothly, folds down compactly, and the InstaStart ignition has never failed me. Highly recommend for backyard and travel use.
