Planning your big lap setup and wondering if a BBQ arm is worth the investment? A good BBQ arm can transform your outdoor cooking experience, giving you a stable, wind-protected cooking platform that swings out from your caravan when needed and tucks away neatly when travelling.
The BBQ Arm has become the go-to choice for many caravanners, offering a no-drill mounting system that works with most caravan configurations. But at around $400 for the complete kit, you’ll want to know if it’s the right solution for your setup.
What to Look For in a BBQ Arm
Not all BBQ arms are created equal. The right choice depends on your caravan type, cooking habits, and budget. Here’s what matters most when evaluating your options.
- Mounting Method: No-drill clamp systems are more versatile but may not suit all caravan designs. Permanent mounting offers maximum strength.
- Weight Capacity: Standard Weber Q BBQs weigh around 14kg. Factor in food, accessories, and cooking loads for a 20-25kg minimum capacity.
- Swing Range: Look for at least 180-degree rotation to position the BBQ away from your caravan’s side and any wind.
- Storage Position: The arm should fold flat against your caravan for travel without fouling drawbars, stabiliser legs, or annexe walls.
- Build Quality: Marine-grade stainless steel or powder-coated aluminium. Avoid galvanised steel which will rust in coastal conditions.
- BBQ Compatibility: Check mounting plate compatibility with your specific BBQ model. Universal plates work with most portable BBQs.
Do You Really Need a BBQ Arm?
Before diving into specific products, consider whether a BBQ arm solves real problems in your setup. The decision isn’t just about convenience.
The Case For a BBQ Arm
Wind Protection: Cooking on the sheltered side of your caravan makes a huge difference in windy conditions. You can rotate the arm to find the calmest spot regardless of how you’re parked.
Safety: A properly mounted BBQ arm keeps your cooking platform stable and secure. No more wobbly camp tables or concerns about knocking over a hot BBQ.
Space Efficiency: The arm swings out when needed and folds away completely when travelling. You’re not sacrificing storage space for a permanent outdoor kitchen setup.
Convenience: Having a dedicated cooking station means faster setup and pack-up. Your BBQ is always in the same position relative to your caravan layout.
The Case Against a BBQ Arm
Cost: A quality BBQ arm system costs $300-500. That’s serious money for what’s essentially a mounting bracket.
Limited Flexibility: You’re locked into cooking on one side of your caravan. Free-standing setups let you move your cooking area to suit the site conditions.
Installation Complexity: Even no-drill systems require careful fitting and may not suit all caravan configurations. Permanent mounts need professional installation.
Weight and Clearance: The arm adds weight to your caravan and may affect clearances when reversing or navigating tight spaces.
If you’re unsure, try mounting your BBQ on a sturdy camp table for a few trips. This gives you a feel for whether a permanent arm would add real value to your setup.
BBQ Arm Options Reviewed
✔ Pros
- No drilling required for most installations
- Fits wide range of caravan chassis types
- High weight capacity handles large BBQs plus accessories
- 270-degree swing range for maximum positioning flexibility
- Lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects
- Folds completely flat for travel
✗ Cons
- Premium pricing compared to DIY alternatives
- May not fit caravans with unusual chassis configurations
- Clamp system requires regular checking for tightness
- Limited to 25kg capacity (adequate for most but not all setups)
✔ Pros
- Significantly cheaper than commercial options
- Exactly tailored to your caravan and requirements
- Can incorporate specific features not available commercially
- Supports local engineering businesses
- Can be over-engineered for heavy-duty use
✗ Cons
- Requires permanent mounting to caravan chassis
- Quality varies significantly between fabricators
- No warranty or ongoing support
- May affect caravan resale value
- Need to source BBQ mounting plate separately
- Potential issues with caravan insurance/compliance
✔ Pros
- Most affordable commercial option
- Available through most caravan accessory dealers
- Adequate for light to medium BBQs
- Simple, proven design
✗ Cons
- Limited weight capacity
- Basic materials may not suit coastal conditions
- Usually requires drilling for permanent installation
- Limited swing range compared to premium options
- Minimal warranty coverage
- May not fold completely flat for travel
Quick Comparison
| Option | Price | Installation | Weight Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBQ Arm Bundle Best Pick | $399 | No-drill clamp | 25kg | Most caravanners |
| Custom Fabricated | $150-250 | Permanent mount | Variable | Specific requirements |
| Generic Swing Arm | $199 | Bolt-on | 15-20kg | Budget-conscious |
Installation Considerations
The installation method significantly impacts both the upfront cost and long-term usability of your BBQ arm system.
No-Drill Clamp Systems
The BBQ Arm’s multi-fit clamp system represents the current state-of-the-art for non-permanent installation. The clamps attach to your caravan’s chassis rails or A-frame without drilling, using high-strength stainless steel fixtures.
Advantages: No permanent modification to your caravan, easier insurance approval, maintains resale value, can be transferred between caravans.
Limitations: Not suitable for all chassis configurations, requires regular checking for tightness, may have lower weight capacity than welded installations.
Permanent Mounting
Traditional BBQ arms mount permanently to your caravan chassis, either by welding or bolting through pre-drilled holes.
Advantages: Maximum strength and stability, can support heavier loads, no ongoing maintenance of clamps.
Limitations: Requires professional installation, may affect caravan compliance, difficult to remove, potential insurance implications.
Check with your caravan manufacturer and insurance provider before any permanent modifications. Some manufacturers void warranties for chassis modifications, while insurers may require engineering certification.
- The BBQ Arm Bundle offers the best combination of functionality, build quality, and ease of installation for most caravanners
- No-drill clamp systems are preferable unless you have specific requirements that demand permanent mounting
- Consider your cooking frequency, BBQ size, and budget before investing in any BBQ arm system
- Custom fabrication can provide excellent value if you have unusual requirements or work with a quality fabricator
- Always check insurance and warranty implications before making permanent modifications to your caravan
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