The HitchFire Forge 15 is a specialty gas appliance designed for outdoor cooking, specifically as a hitch-mounted grill for vehicles. It is intended for use with 16oz propane cylinders and offers a convenient and portable grilling solution for outdoor enthusiasts.

Function Description:

The HitchFire Forge 15 serves as a portable gas grill that attaches to a vehicle's hitch receiver. Its primary function is to provide a cooking surface for grilling food in outdoor settings. The grill features a single burner, a cooking grate, and a hood with an integrated temperature gauge. It is designed to be deployed away from the vehicle for safe operation, allowing users to cook while enjoying their outdoor activities. The swing-away arm assembly enables the grill to be moved into a cooking position (90 or 180 degrees from the vehicle) and then stowed securely for travel.

Usage Features:

Hitch-Mounted Design: The core feature of the Forge 15 is its ability to mount directly into a vehicle's hitch receiver. This design makes it highly portable and ideal for tailgating, camping, road trips, and other outdoor adventures where a traditional grill might be cumbersome.
Swing-Away Arm Assembly: The grill is attached to a swing-away arm that allows it to be moved away from the vehicle for cooking. This arm can be locked into a 90-degree or 180-degree position, providing flexibility in setup and ensuring a safe distance from the vehicle during operation. The arm is secured to the hitch with a stabilizer bolt and cotter pin, and the grill head itself can be locked onto the arm with a padlock (not included) for added security when deployed.
Compact Storage: When not in use or during travel, the swing-away arm folds close to the vehicle, and the side tables fold securely under the grill hood, creating a compact and secure package. This design minimizes the space taken up and prevents components from rattling or getting damaged during transit.
Propane Fuel System: The grill operates using 16oz propane cylinders, which are attached to a cylinder hook and connected to the regulator. This ensures a readily available and easy-to-manage fuel source for outdoor cooking. The system emphasizes secure connections and leak checks for safety.
Easy Deployment and Stowing: The deployment process involves pulling out and twisting a hinge spring lock, releasing a slam-latch, and swinging the arm away from the vehicle. The grill head can then be rotated to the desired cooking position and secured with a rotation knob. For stowing, the arm swings back towards the vehicle, engaging the slam-latch, and the hinge spring lock is rotated to secure it. The hood latch also ensures the grill remains closed during travel.
Integrated Temperature Gauge: The grill hood incorporates a temperature gauge, allowing users to monitor the internal temperature of the grill for precise cooking.
Fold-Out Side Tables: The Forge 15 includes fold-out side tables that provide convenient workspace for food preparation, utensils, and condiments. These tables fold away for compact storage.
Ignition System: The grill features an ignition system that allows for easy lighting of the burner. Users push in and turn the burner control knob to the START/HI position and then push it in again to engage the igniter. Manual lighting instructions are also provided as a backup.
Preheating Capability: The grill can be preheated to approximately 300°F in 5-10 minutes, depending on environmental conditions, ensuring it's ready for cooking.
Drip Pan: An integrated drip pan collects excess drippings and grease, making cleanup easier and helping to prevent grease fires.
Temporary License Plate Bracket: If the Forge 15 obstructs the vehicle's license plate, a temporary bracket is provided on the upper swing arm to relocate the license plate, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Maintenance Features:

Leak-Check Procedures: The manual strongly emphasizes performing thorough leak-check procedures prior to each grill operation, especially after assembly or reconnecting gas fittings. This involves using a soap and water solution to check for bubbles at connections, indicating a leak.
Regular Cleaning: Detailed instructions are provided for cleaning various parts of the grill:
- Outside Surfaces: Clean with warm soapy water and rinse.
- Cooking Grate: Clean with a soft brass bristle brush, remove from the grill as needed, and wash with warm soapy water.
- Drip Pan: Wash with warm soapy water and rinse.
- Inside Grill Basin and Lid: Wash with warm soapy water and rinse.
- Fold-Out Side Tables: Wash with a soft cloth and soap and water solution, avoiding acid or mineral spirits.
Burner Tube Inspection and Cleaning: Annual maintenance includes inspecting and cleaning the burner tube to prevent blockages from spiders and other insects. The manual advises lightly tapping the burner tube to remove debris and dirt, and warns against using hard or sharp tools. This is crucial to prevent gas flow issues and potential fires.
Flame Pattern Inspection: Users are instructed to inspect the burner for a correct and uniform flame pattern. If the flame is too yellow, an air mixture adjustment can be made by slightly opening the air mix sleeve until the flame turns blue.
Grease Build-Up Prevention: Users are advised to check the drip pan and the bottom of the grill for grease build-up before each use and to remove excess grease to prevent fires.
Safety Warnings: The manual includes numerous warnings and cautions related to safe operation, assembly, and maintenance, such as not moving the grill when hot, not operating the grill with a damaged propane cylinder, and ensuring proper ventilation.
Cool-Down Requirement: It is explicitly stated that the grill must be allowed to cool down before folding up the side tables or closing the arm assembly, preventing potential burns or damage.

HITCHFIRE FORGE 15 - Table of Contents

Table of Contents