Alright, buckaroos. So, you’ve decided to take your tailgating game up a notch by rolling out with an RV. Welcome to the club where the beer is cold, the burgers are juicy, and the power setups are more complicated than your taxes. Let’s unravel the mysteries of RV tailgating with a focus on power, TV, and—because we’re not savages—some good ol’ fashioned etiquette.
Power Needs: The Lifeblood of Your Tailgate
You might think the key to a successful tailgate is the food or the company. Wrong. It’s power. No juice means no TV, no fridge, and no fun. Most setups draw somewhere in the 2,000–4,000-watt range depending on what you’re running.
Generators: The Old Reliable (But Noisy) Workhorse
Generators are reliable and come in sizes to fit most tailgates—but they make noise and fumes. If you go this route, choose a quiet inverter generator and always plug through an RV surge protector/EMS to protect your rig’s electronics.
Solar Panels: The Hippie Cousin
Silent and fuel-free, solar can keep batteries topped while you mingle. A portable solar suitcase kit is easy to deploy, and pairing it with a compact portable power station smooths out cloudy moments.
TV and Entertainment: Because What’s a Tailgate Without the Game?
Modern rigs turn into mini sports bars with the right setup.
Satellite TV: The Traditionalist’s Choice
Great channel coverage even off the grid. Look for a portable satellite dome/antenna and run it to an outdoor-rated TV/monitor for the big game.
Streaming Services: The New Kid on the Block
Flexible and often cheaper than satellite—if your internet can keep up. A simple streaming stick plus a dependable 5G hotspot/router is the winning combo.
The Great Debate: Generator vs. Solar, Satellite vs. Streaming
Generators deliver guaranteed power; solar buys quiet and low operating cost. Satellite is reliable for live sports; streaming wins on variety—so long as your bandwidth is solid.
Tailgating Etiquette: Don’t Be That Guy
- Noise Levels: Keep generator and speaker volume respectful—let the sizzle and the play-by-play shine.
- Space Boundaries: Stay in your allotted footprint. No gear sprawl into the next crew’s zone.
- Trash & Cleanliness: Pack it in, pack it out. Police your bottle caps and cans.
- Respect Local Rules: Know the venue’s policies on generators, quiet hours, and parking limits before you roll in.
Final Thoughts: Tailgate Like a Pro
Tailgating with an RV is like upgrading from a tricycle to a Harley. Power up wisely, dial in your TV setup, and mind your manners. Your neighbors—and future you—will thank you.
Heads up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. Think of it as tossing a tip in the jar so I can keep creating helpful stuff (and maybe upgrade my lighting setup).
