It won’t be all that long before the leaves change color, the weather cools, and tailgate parties will be in full swing. Whether you are a college or a pro team fan, some truck and SUV features can make game day a rousing success. Here are 10 of our favorites.
1. Onboard Power
The ability to use your truck or SUV as a portable generator is a game-changer on game day. Ford offers the Pro Power Onboard system in some F-150 pickups, while Chevrolet has the PowerBase in the Silverado EV. These will give tailgaters the power to run appliances, like that blender, a small fridge, a heater, and more.
2. Truck Bed Audio
Several trucks, such as the GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, Nissan Frontier, and Honda Ridgeline, offer audio systems in the truck bed. The most common option you’ll find is available from Kicker. The system integrates into the Multi-Flex/MultiPro tailgate of the Sierra and Silverado. The real trick would be to pair a system like this with Alexa, allowing you to serve as DJ from within earshot of the truck.
3. Handles, Steps, and Rails
Making sure your friends and family have easy access to the back of the truck can help ensure the day stays fun and safe. Several companies — Ford being one of the first — offer in-bed handrails and steps. This assist can cut down on the number of party fouls and faceplants.
4. 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 a grill, Ford and Ram have split tailgates that let you get to your truck bed while the grill stays hitched.
5. Fridge or Drainable Storage
Whether you go fully posh with the Cadillac Escalade’s center console fridge, opt for a cool box like in the Lexus GX and Toyota Land Cruiser, or fill up the Ram 1500 RamBox or the Honda Ridgeline’s in-bed storage with ice, having easy access to cold drinks is a huge plus for tailgate parties.
6. Load Leveling and Camp Modes
Yes, some vehicles out there will level loads while you tow, but the Rivian R1T and R1S have systems that provide a flat surface when your truck or SUV is parked. If you’re parked on a slight incline and want to do some food prep, things could literally run downhill. This feature will make cooking easier. And if you camp out hours ahead of time — or overnight — Camp Mode turns on a courtesy mode for other tailgaters and turns off interior displays. Cox Automotive, the parent company of Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book, is a minority investor in Rivian.
7. Extra Screens
Sure, you’re all there for the big game. But what if you want to check out what’s going on with your cross-town rival, or see what happened with your fantasy picks? If your ride has multiple screens, partygoers can keep track of everything that’s going on in the sports world. 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.
8. Split Tailgates
If you have an SUV, a split tailgate makes it easy to sit and watch the games. The bottom part of the gate serves as a flat bench. This feature is much more comfortable than sitting where the liftgate latch connects. Vehicles like the Ford Expedition, BMW X5, and the Lincoln Navigator come with this welcome feature.
9. Wi-Fi
As the season goes on, you want to keep up with the goings-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 strong signal where you’re tailgating. Onboard Wi-Fi to the rescue! Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Subaru, Chevrolet, Ford, and more offer this feature.
10. Seat Heaters, Coolers, and Massagers
Tailgate party days can be long, and depending on the time of year, the weather can be super frosty or stiflingly hot. You can prepare with seat heaters and coolers with the right vehicle. And if the seats have massagers or can fully recline, that’s even better for the ride back home after the game.
just tailgated a football game with family and friends, had the best time. 100% analog, none of these ‘must haves” and had a blast. i should know better than to click on these articles