Oklahoma Joe Rambler: Top RV & Tailgate Pick, May(2025)

If you’ve been on the hunt for an in-depth review of the Oklahoma Joe Rambler, you’ve landed in the right spot..

I’ve had my fair share of grills and smokers over the years. However, finding a compact yet versatile grill ideal for tailgating always seemed like a challenge. That was until I discovered the Rambler..

The Rambler is not only compact in size but also boasts a robust build and thoughtful design. In this review, I’ll break down its various components, including:

• Thermometer
• Ash pan
• Stand
• Cover, and more.

Additionally, I’ll delve into its specifications, pros, and cons to give you a comprehensive understanding of this unit. So, let’s dive in and explore the Rambler in detail…

Recommended Reading:
– Oklahoma Joe’s Highland Review
– Diffrent Offset Smokers

 # Oklahoma Joe Rambler- in Short

• It is tough and has good build quality.
• Cooking grates are made of cast iron. Retains more heat and is good for searing.
• Easily adjust the height of the charcoal tray.
• Simple to control heat. 
• Air damper is large. This is good for accurate airflow control. 
• Easy Clean. Easy to remove the ash pan by sliding.
• Cooking chamber lid handle stays cool.
• Perfect for night use. Temperature gauge glows in the dark.
• Strong side handles. Therefore easy to carry and move around. 
• About 2 3 inch gap from the four legs of the Rambler to the bottom of the Rambler. The bottom doesn’t heat much. This means it fits on most of the table. 
• Easy to assemble.
• If you can carry 50 pound easily then rambler  is easy to carry too. 
• Can be used as a smoker. While the quality of smoke depends on your skills.
• No need for modifications required for grilling. However, for smoking, it is better to seal some areas..

Recommended Reading :
– Know more about the best small charcoal grill for camping..

# Oklahoma Joe Rambler – in Depth

# Features and Specs

• Assembly Required : Yes
• Removable ash pan : Yes    
• Cooking System : Charcoal
• Temperature Gauge : Lid
• Number of Main Burners : 0
• Wheels : N/A
• Weight (lbs.) : 48.50
• Assembled Dimensions : 19.5 x 21.8 x 26.8
• Assembled Width : 26.8
• Assembled Height : 21.8
• Assembled Depth : 19.5
• Primary Cooking Area : 218
• Grate Material : Cast Iron
• Cooking Grate Material : Cast Iron
• Material : Painted Steel Body and Exterior Components.

# About the product 

The Bad

• Ash Tray Design: While the ash tray features a locking hinge for stability, it can sometimes be tricky to remove, especially if the hinges get bent.
• Inspection Upon Arrival: It’s crucial to inspect the product upon delivery. If you notice any defective parts, reach out to customer service promptly.
• Charcoal Tray Width: The tray’s design might pose a cleaning challenge, especially if charcoal pieces fall underneath due to its limited width.

The Good

• Compact Powerhouse: The Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler stands out as a compact yet powerful option, ideal for tailgating and RVing adventures.
• Enhanced Portability: The grill has been redesigned with portability in mind, making it a traveler’s delight.
• Sturdy Construction: Despite its compact size, the Rambler doesn’t compromise on build quality. It boasts a heavy-gauge steel construction, ensuring durability.
• Cast Iron Grates: The cooking grates, made of cast iron, are perfect for achieving those sear marks on your steaks. Plus, they retain heat efficiently and are built to last.
• Ventilation System: The grill features two vents – one for smoke exit and another as a damper to regulate airflow. The damper’s design is particularly impressive.
• Easy Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining the Rambler is a breeze.
• Cool Handle Design: The cooking chamber lid handle remains cool to the touch, thanks to its rubberized design and the materials used.
• Camping Companion: With all its features and portability, the Rambler is also a top pick for camping enthusiasts..

# What are the opinions of customers?

Visit Amazon.com to see customer reviews.

# What about the accessories?

Oklahoma joe’s Rambler Stand

If you are expecting a stand to come with this grill then I am sorry.

You may need to buy a separate stand. Or use any table which you think would not easily melt. 

Don’t get me wrong. The grill’s bottom doesn’t heat much but it is always good to prevent easily melting materials nearby.

I just tried putting the rambler on my Blackstone stand which I already had.

It works fine for me…

Oklahoma Joe Rambler Grill Cover

I didn’t get any cover with this grill.

I had to buy one. However there might be an option where you get the grill and the cover together.

The quality of the cover I would say is decent. It is water resistant. This is needed to protect from rain.

I would strongly suggest getting one if you are planning for outdoors and travelling. It is worth it.

Thermometer

The thermometer is around 3 inches at the top and is of good quality. 

Since it glows in the dark it is very handy at night too.

While testing it out and comparing with my other thermometers I found it to have some difference of about 25 degrees.

However this may be due to the placement of the inner probes. It can also vary due to the style of cooking.

Ash Pan

I have heard many people complain about the ash cleaning. But honestly for me, it is never a headache. 

 In fact I find it to be a very cool design. 

The ash tray slides out at the bottom easily. Just take it out and get rid of all the ashes. 

Also since the ash tray is locked  with the help of a hinge.

It is great especially when you are tailgating and you don’t want the ashes dropping out.

Just so perfect for keeping in the car…

Color  

Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler charcoal grill comes in a  black color and a premium look.

Dimensions, Weight etc.

Rambler has a perfect size for a tabletop charcoal grill.

It is a perfect choice for RVs because of its portability. Also not too small for tailgating. 

Can be used at home too.

The Assembled Dimensions  are 19.5 x 21.8 x 26.8 inches. 

The chimney has a 2.5 inches diameter. which is big enough for a tabletop grill.

There are two 8.5 inches x 12 inches grills side by side . And is 12 inches deep. 

It consists of two cooking grates . Each one measures 12.4 inches x 8.5 inches. 

You can literally feel that rambler is a mini version of Oklahoma Joe’s Judge Charcoal Grill.

It weighs about 52.89 (lbs.) pounds. Which means it is easy to carry. It has handles that makes it even easier to carry.

Cooking on Rambler

Rambler has enough cooking space of around 218 square inches. 

To get ready for cooking you should season the entire interior of the grill before its first use.

It stays hot for a long time. 

Perfect grill to serve around 4 people. 

You can smoke full briskets with a water pan if the pan is not too large. 

If you are looking to put turkey in there then It might not fit the whole big turkey but smaller ones would surely fit in. 

Seasoned cast iron is not going to rust too. 

While cooking you have the luxury of two stainless steel handles on each side.

These handles allows to raise the charcoal tray up closer to the grate.

Which means more control over heat. Don’t you think it’s perfect for searing?

I mostly use briquettes and a little hickory chips.

Assembly

It hardly takes an hour to assemble. It is simply easy. Also comes with screws required and you don’t have to worry.

Here is a guide on how to assemble..

# Can you cook on a folding table?

Yes. You can cook on a folding table. The bottom height is around 2 and half inches. 

It does not warm much at the bottom.

# How many burgers can you cook at once? 

I have tried 9-12 large patties. I can say around 6 pork chops fit well. 

Also recently I tried up to 6 lbs of wings on it. Good sized wings I mean..

# Can this be used as a smoker?

Yes. Sure. But you should be careful not to over due charcoal.

# Any modifications required to improve it yet?

If it is for grilling then I would say no modifications are required. 

While if it is for smoking then it is better to save some smoke by putting some modifications with gaskets. Seal it from the bottom. 

That doesn’t mean you cannot do it without modifications. And the cover will surely help to protect it from sun and rain.

Surely you can.

# What I think can be a hassle sometimes?

Since  the ash tray is not wide enough, if a piece of charcoal falls down below.

It can be difficult to slide the ashtray out. Just a thing to be careful about..

# What kinds of food can I prepare on the Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill?

It can do everything a regular grill can.

You can prepare chicken, steak, burger, corn on the cob and anything else.

You can also smoke food here in very less charcoal.

Just keep in mind that the adjustable tray is on the bottom and that all of the vents are open.

Also, make sure the gauge needle stays in the ‘smoke’ area.

# Is Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler a Good Investment?

Considering all of the data, Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler is undeniably worthwhile.

As this Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler review demonstrates, this product has good pricing and results, resulting in positive feedback from customers.

I have explained in detail earlier, if you want to know more about Rambler, then you can skip this part.

Oklahoma Joe designed it with tailgating in mind. Hence hinges have been used to keep the ash tray stable.

However, some people’s reviews have shown that the ashtray is troublesome to remove..

But if you see their positive side then it is very good product in this price.

For example- no modification is required for grilling.

The build quality of Rambler is good.

You will also be easy to transfer as it is about 50 kg.

It has vents to adjust the temperature and includes many features.

I would definitely recommend it because this Oklahoma Joe Rambler is worth it.

# Where to buy Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler?

Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler is available for purchase at the following sites.

# Alternatives

Akorn Jr from Char Griller can be considered an alternative for Rambler.

I do not like it for its design. But you are always free to check it out.

Visit amazon.com to read customer reviews.

# Social Proofs

# Conclusion

If you are looking for it for portability, quality, RV-ing, tailgating, searing then simply go for it.

However If you are thinking of serving more than 4 people at once then please do not consider buying this grill.