Going away for three weeks - what to do with my grill?

[OldMayfield]

We're going out of town for three weeks. Any special instructions for leaving a Pro780 idle that long? (Can't bring it with us unfortunately). In Florida, so expect quite a bit of summertime rain, sun and heat. Presume I should empty the hopper, clear the augur and vacuum out the firebox (pellets stored inside in the pantry). It is under a grill cover. Should I unplug it? Wheel it in to the garage in case of high winds (I have the wheels chocked)? Any other suggestions?

 

[traeger860]

Sounds like you have a good plan. What part of FL are you in?

 

[Murphy's Law]

I'd do just what you said - empty the auger, fire box and hopper, unplug it, and make sure it's covered at a min. It would take a lot of wind to blow the cover off, I think (and we get a lot of wind here in Colorado). Unless you're worried about the neighbors having a cookout while you're gone I don't necessarily think you would need to move it to the garage.

 

[Rex]

As a native, I can say with confidence that Florida can ruin pretty much anything in much less than 3 weeks. Careers, marriages, elections, you name it.

That said, if you love something...anything...do not leave it outside in Florida for 3 weeks. If weather conditions (sun, heat, humidity, a rogue hurricane that was predicted to land anywhere except where you live) don't destroy it, it'll be stolen and traded for lotto tickets and 4 Loko, or demolished in a random 3-jet ski pileup (despite living miles from any body of water.)

That said, if you must leave it out, unplug, clear of all pellets, clean (to avoid attracting critters) and cover.

 

[Dan-H]

What Rex said LOL.

 

[MidwestSmoker]

Well, if there are iguanas on your property ..........

https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/03/us/iguanas-florida-overpopulation-trnd/index.html

 

[Dan-H]

Well, if there are iguanas on your property ..........

https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/03/us/iguanas-florida-overpopulation-trnd/index.html

needs more info:
- how to prep for cooking? Brine or dry rub? Do they need to be aged?
- low and slow or fast cooking?
- mesquite? or competition blend?
- best side dish?

this sounds like a whole new "come visit Florida" commercial in the making?

 

[Timmy]

I’d put it in the garage. In that 3 week span, someone will notice you are gone and you grill may disappear.

 

[Tim K]

We're actually headed down to Florida, and Being the helpful kind of guy I am, I'm willing to stop by and use....errrrrrr......I mean check on your Traeger to make sure it's doing ok, and no random 3 jet ski pileups have destroyed it!!! Ha ha ha
You're plan is good, but for the little extra effort it would take to remove the grill from view, and and the elements, I would definitely put it in the garage.
Good luck, and enjoy your vacation!
Tim

 

[Jim G]

I would put dryer sheets in the cooking chamber and pellet hopper. Keeps the critters away.

 

[miguelb]

I would put dryer sheets in the cooking chamber and pellet hopper. Keeps the critters away.

Good suggestions

 

[OldMayfield]

Sounds like you have a good plan. What part of FL are you in?

Venice. Off Pinebrook, near the Croquet Club.

 

[OldMayfield]

Great advice everyone, thanks.

 

[Bloxsy]

Good suggestions

Wow I bet that would work in Ohio for mice. They like to make their home in our grill in the winter. Although we do grill in the winter

 

[Slimpicker]

Great advice everyone, thanks.

Yo Mayfield, are you gone already??? My guy showed up with the truck, he can't find you... remember, i was gonna watch it for you here at my house!!!