6 Best Pellet Smokers For Limited RV Storage That Nomads Swear By

You pull into the perfect boondocking spot, the sun is setting, and all you can think about is a slow-smoked brisket. The problem? Your RV’s storage bay is already a masterclass in Tetris, and a full-size smoker is a non-starter. This is a classic full-timer’s dilemma: how to pursue a space-intensive hobby in a home that’s measured in square feet, not acres. The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for freedom; you just need the right tool for the job.

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What to Look for in a Compact Pellet Smoker

Choosing a smoker for an RV isn’t like buying one for a backyard. Your primary constraints are space, weight, and power. Forget about the massive rigs you see at competitions; you need to think in terms of "liftable," "storable," and "boondock-friendly." Every pound of weight and every cubic inch of space is precious cargo.

First, consider the physical footprint and weight. Can you lift it by yourself into a high storage bay or the bed of your truck? A 60-pound smoker feels a lot heavier after a long travel day. Look at the folded dimensions. Measure your passthrough storage and be honest about where it will live. A smoker that has to be disassembled every time you move is a smoker you’ll stop using.

Next, look at power consumption. If you’re always plugged into shore power, this is less of a concern. But for off-grid nomads, it’s critical. Pellet smokers need electricity to run the auger, fan, and digital controller. Check the wattage, especially the startup draw from the igniter rod, which is the biggest power hog. The best portable units offer 12V DC adapters, allowing you to run them directly from your RV’s battery bank or a portable power station without the inefficiency of an inverter.

Finally, evaluate hopper capacity versus your cooking style. A tiny hopper is great for portability but means you’ll be refilling it during a long, overnight smoke. An 8-pound hopper might get you through a whole pork butt, while a 5-pounder will have you setting a midnight alarm. It’s a direct tradeoff between convenience and size, and only you know which matters more for the kind of cooking you do.

Green Mountain Grills Trek: Ultimate Portability

The GMG Trek (formerly the Davy Crockett) has been a legend in the RV community for years, and for good reason. It was designed from the ground up for life on the go. Its most defining feature is the set of foldable legs that convert into carrying handles, making it relatively easy to haul from your storage bay to the campsite picnic table.

What truly sets the Trek apart for nomads is its power flexibility. It comes with adapters for three power sources: a standard AC wall outlet, a 12V "cigarette lighter" plug, and direct-to-battery clips. This makes it one of the most boondock-ready smokers on the market. You can run it for hours off your house batteries or a small solar generator without breaking a sweat.

The inclusion of Wi-Fi control (Sense-Mate) is more than a gimmick; it’s a lifestyle feature. You can monitor and adjust cook temperatures from your phone while you’re out exploring, fishing, or just relaxing inside your rig on a rainy day. For RVers who value freedom and flexibility, not being tethered to your grill is a massive advantage. It packs a ton of full-size features into a rig that understands the mobile life.

Traeger Ranger: Big Flavor in a Small Package

When you see the Traeger name, you expect a certain level of quality and performance, and the Ranger delivers. It’s built like a rugged little briefcase, complete with sturdy clasps that lock the lid down for travel. This is a bigger deal than it sounds—it means no spilled pellets or greasy grates rattling around your storage compartment.

The Ranger’s design prioritizes a dense, compact form factor. It doesn’t have folding legs, but its low-profile, stable stance makes it perfect for setting up on a tailgate or campsite table. It also includes a cast-iron griddle, instantly doubling its utility. You can smoke ribs for dinner and then cook bacon and eggs for breakfast the next morning on the same device. In a small space, multi-functional gear is always a win.

While it lacks the 12V power option of the GMG Trek, its performance is classic Traeger: stable, consistent heat that produces fantastic results. The "Keep Warm Mode" is another thoughtful feature for the unpredictable timing of RV life. If your dinner is ready before the sunset is just right, you can hold it at a perfect temperature without overcooking. It’s a premium, polished option for those who want reliability above all else.

Pit Boss Tabletop: Budget-Friendly Smoking

Not everyone needs Wi-Fi or multiple power adapters. Sometimes you just want a simple, reliable smoker that makes great food without emptying your wallet. That’s exactly where the Pit Boss Tabletop smoker shines. It offers the core pellet smoking experience in a compact, affordable package.

This is a no-frills workhorse. It features a dial-in digital control board, a meat probe, and a surprising amount of cooking space for its size. The 5-pound hopper is on the smaller side, but it’s perfectly adequate for shorter cooks like chicken, burgers, or a rack of ribs. For the price, the build quality is solid, and its light weight makes it one of the easiest models to manage.

The main tradeoff here is the lack of advanced features. You won’t be adjusting temps from a hiking trail, and you’ll need a standard 120V AC outlet to run it. But if you primarily camp at sites with power or have a capable inverter and battery bank, this smoker offers incredible value. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy delicious smoked meals on the road.

Camp Chef Pursuit 20: Versatility on Wheels

The Camp Chef Pursuit 20 blurs the line between a portable and a full-size smoker, making it an ideal choice for full-time RVers who don’t want to compromise. It’s larger and heavier than the other models on this list, but it brings serious capability to match. Its clever design features collapsible legs and wheels, allowing it to be packed down and rolled around like a piece of luggage.

Its standout feature is Camp Chef’s "Slide and Grill" technology. A simple lever allows you to slide a heat diffuser plate out of the way, exposing the food to direct flame from the fire pot. This transforms the Pursuit from a low-and-slow smoker into a high-heat grill capable of searing steaks and burgers. This 2-in-1 functionality can save you from having to carry a separate grill, freeing up valuable storage space.

With a 10-pound hopper and over 500 square inches of cooking space, the Pursuit can handle cooking for a crowd. It’s the rig you want for hosting a campsite potluck. While its size means it’s better suited for larger RVs with generous passthrough bays or a dedicated spot in a truck bed, its versatility and cooking capacity are unmatched in the portable category.

ASMOKE AS350: Compact and Colorful Choice

The ASMOKE AS350 enters the scene as a stylish and capable mid-range option. It’s immediately noticeable for its vibrant color choices and stainless steel construction, offering a durable and corrosion-resistant body that holds up well to the elements—a key consideration for gear that lives outside.

Functionally, it’s a fantastic all-rounder. The AS350 uses a unique vapor system, allowing you to add moisture to the cooking chamber for extra-juicy results. It also boasts a wide temperature range, capable of everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-temp searing. This versatility makes it a strong contender, rivaling the multi-functionality of more expensive models.

Weighing in at under 50 pounds, it hits a sweet spot for portability. It’s light enough for one person to move easily but large enough to cook a whole chicken or a small brisket. It runs on standard AC power, so like the Pit Boss and Traeger, you’ll need access to an outlet or a capable power station. For the RVer looking for a blend of style, performance, and portability, the ASMOKE is a compelling choice.

Country Smokers Traveler: Simple and Sturdy

The Country Smokers Traveler is built with one thing in mind: simplicity for the road. It has a rugged, straightforward design that feels like it was made to be tossed in the back of a truck. The latching hood and collapsible legs make it secure for transport and quick to set up once you’ve reached your destination.

This smoker is another excellent budget-friendly option, focusing on the essentials of pellet grilling. You get a respectable cooking area and a dial-in temperature controller, giving you the set-it-and-forget-it convenience that makes pellet smokers so popular. It’s a direct and effective tool for getting that wood-fired flavor wherever you park.

Think of the Traveler as the practical, no-nonsense choice. It may not have the bells and whistles of a GMG or the brand recognition of a Traeger, but it’s a sturdy, reliable cooker. Its light weight and compact, storable shape make it a fantastic option for weekend warriors, van lifers, or anyone who prioritizes ease of use and durability over complex features.

Comparing Size, Weight, and Hopper Capacity

Seeing the specs side-by-side is the fastest way to figure out which smoker will physically fit into your life. The "best" smoker is the one that you’ll actually take out and use, not the one that’s too heavy or bulky to wrestle out of storage.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key metrics:

• Green Mountain Grills Trek
  • Weight: ~63 lbs
  • Cooking Area: 219 sq. in.
  • Hopper Capacity: 9 lbs
  • Best For: Boondockers who need 12V power and Wi-Fi convenience.
• Traeger Ranger
  • Weight: 60 lbs
  • Cooking Area: 184 sq. in.
  • Hopper Capacity: 8 lbs
  • Best For: Nomads who value build quality, travel-ready design, and grilling versatility.
• Pit Boss Tabletop
  • Weight: ~42 lbs
  • Cooking Area: 256 sq. in.
  • Hopper Capacity: 5 lbs
  • Best For: Budget-conscious RVers who want simple, reliable performance.
• Camp Chef Pursuit 20
  • Weight: 82 lbs
  • Cooking Area: 501 sq. in.
  • Hopper Capacity: 10 lbs
  • Best For: Full-timers in larger rigs who need maximum cooking space and versatility.
• ASMOKE AS350
  • Weight: 49 lbs
  • Cooking Area: 256 sq. in.
  • Hopper Capacity: 4 lbs
  • Best For: Users wanting a stylish, stainless steel all-rounder with a wide temperature range.
• Country Smokers Traveler
  • Weight: ~52 lbs
  • Cooking Area: 256 sq. in.
  • Hopper Capacity: 5 lbs
  • Best For: RVers seeking a simple, rugged, and affordable smoker for basic needs.

Use this data to make a decision based on your specific constraints. If your top priority is lifting ease, the Pit Boss and ASMOKE are clear winners. If you need to cook for a family and have the muscle (and space) to spare, the Camp Chef Pursuit is your rig. Match the smoker’s strengths to your travel style, and you can’t go wrong.

Ultimately, bringing a pellet smoker on the road is about enhancing your nomadic experience, not complicating it. The right unit fits into your storage, works with your power system, and matches the way you like to cook. Choosing one of these tried-and-true models means you can spend less time worrying about your gear and more time enjoying that perfectly smoked meal under an open sky.