You bought the brats, snacks, and beverages. Family and friends picked out their lucky tees. You’ve studied the rosters and sized up the other team’s o-line and defense. It’s game day.
Aside from the necessities we’ve already mentioned – I have to wear the same jersey every time my favorite football team plays – there are some other must-haves that make tailgating that much better. Here are 10 of our favorites.
1. Onboard Power
Some people lug a generator with them to power the TV, fridge, and more while tailgating. Wouldn’t it be better to let your truck serve as the generator? For now, there is only one company that lets you do that. Ford’s Pro Power Onboard is available with gas-powered F-150 pickups as well as the hybrid variant and the all-electric Lightning. Even the base version can power a minifridge, blender, TV, portable speakers, and a heater all at the same time. Pro Power Onboard options get much more robust from there, with four different power outputs to choose from.
2. Truck Bed Audio
Tailgate parties are even better with music, and a few pickups are available with audio systems in the truck bed. The Honda Ridgeline has had this option for many years. In addition, Chevy and GMC paired with Kicker for a system that’s integrated into the Silverado/Sierra‘s Multi-Flex/MultiPro tailgate. You can use Bluetooth, aux, or USB connections to play your favorite psych-up songs or Jock Jams.
3. Multifunction Tailgates
Tailgates have come a long way from merely holding cargo in place. The F-150, Sierra, and Silverado have tailgates with a step, and the F-150’s tailgate step also includes a handrail. Some tailgates have cupholders stamped into the flat surface. Many have a power release that lets you open them with the key fob. And if you’re going all-out and towing a smoker or grill, Ford and Ram have split tailgates that let you get to your truck bed while the grill is hooked up.
4. Fridge or Drainable Storage
Admittedly, having an onboard fridge for your game-day drinks is next level compared to dropping the trusty Igloo into the pickup bed. The Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer offer them, while the Lexus GX and Toyota Land Cruiser have cool boxes. Several trucks, including the Ram 1500, Ridgeline, and Hyundai Santa Cruz, have drainable storage in the bed, a great way to load up ice and drinks.
5. Household-Style Plug Outlets
If you’re powering a lot of electronics, you have to be able to plug them in. As far as I’m concerned, the more 3-pronged household plug outlets on the vehicle, the better. Dozens of trucks, minivans, cars, and SUVs have them. These outlets are incredibly handy throughout the year but are essential on game day.
6. Wi-Fi
As the season goes on, you want to keep up on what’s going on in your division or post pics from your tailgate bash. Maybe that one friend who was supposed to bring the chips is lost or running late, and you might not have a great signal where you’re tailgating. Onboard Wi-Fi to the rescue! Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Subaru, Chevrolet, Ford, and more offer this feature.
7. Seat Heaters and Coolers
It would be great if every football game was in 70-degree weather. But those days are rare in some parts of the country. Why not make sure you and your friends can get to the tailgate party in comfort? You might freeze your tail off or roast once you get outside, but you can certainly stay comfy on the way there and back with seat heaters and coolers.
8. Massaging Seats
Speaking of comfort, massaging seats are such a welcome feature to have after a long drive to the game. They are also terrific if your back hurts after too much time standing around at the party or if you feel something torn or strained while tossing the football with your buddies (It happens.). You can relieve those sore muscles on the drive back.
9. Second- and Third-Row Screens
Whether you’re on your way to the party or the weather has gone south, there are fantastic rear-seat entertainment systems that will keep you from missing a play. The Cadillac Escalade has 12.6-inch screens in back; the Honda Pilot has 10.2-inch screens. The Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Carnival all have excellent rear-seat entertainment systems with big screens, too.
10. Split Tailgates
It’s a shame more SUVs don’t have split tailgates. This feature makes it really easy to sit and watch the game – and sitting on a split tailgate is much more comfortable than sitting in a regular SUV’s open cargo area. There are some used models that have split tailgates; new SUVs that have them include the BMW X5, BMW X7, Range Rover, and the 2025 Lincoln Navigator.
