We can picture it now: The ultimate tailgate car or rather RV. It’s a 36-footer painted in our team colors and covered in logos. On the outside, a pull-out awning with a 67-inch flatscreen TV so we can grill in the shade and watch pre-game highlights. Inside, custom team upholstered lounge chairs, a giant kitchen to make any of your favorite tailgate dishes, and not, one but two bathrooms. We’d load up all over friends, grab a DD, and tour around the country supporting our team and meeting new people.
We can dream but we can also make our dreams come true. Until we can build our fantasy tailgating RV, we can transform our vehicles into the perfect tailgating vehicle with some imagination. Here are our tips to super up your ride and transform it into the ultimate tailgate car.
Support Your Team With Spirited Vehicle Decor
The first way to turn your vehicle into a tailgating car is to decorate it with your team colors. An easy way to do this is with vehicle chalk. Vehicle chalk is designed specifically to draw on your vehicle without leaving permanent damage. It comes in a variety of colors to represent your favorite team. Another fun option is to have some custom car magnets made. Car magnets work just like refrigerator magnets. They are simply attached to the side of your vehicle. They can be printed in any design and are surprisingly affordable. The best part about these options is they can turn any vehicle into a tailgating car easily.
Don’t Forget The Interior
Once you’ve finished decorating the outside of your tailgating car, it’s time to decorate the inside. A simple way to transform your vehicle is with these car seat covers from Fanatics. These will not only showcase your team spirit, but they also have the added bonus of protecting your seats from accidental BBQ spills. They’re also so comfortable you’ll want to keep them on even after the game.
Maximize Your Trunk Space
Your trunk can be a really useful space for transforming your car into a tailgate car. One great idea is to turn your trunk into a kitchen prep station. This amazing company Nomad Kitchen Co makes trunk-sized kitchens that slide in and out. They are equipped with everything you need from a sink to a fridge to a tailgating grill. There are several different options depending on your vehicle. There are also Kitch-In Trunks which make models for vans and SUVs. These trunk kitchens typically run around $1000 but if you’re a DIYer, you can probably design and make a similar setup.
Add A Hitch To Your Tailgate Car
Adding a hitch opens up the possibilities for tailgating. There are so many incredible things you can mount to a hitch. A great option is this hitch-mounted grill from HitchFire. Hitch-mounted tailgating grills have a lot of benefits. First, you’ll be able to have and use a much larger grill than normal.
Secondly, you’ll never have to worry about getting grill mess all over your car. If you want to take it to the next level, you can also mount a kitchen on a hitch. The company Camportable makes hitch-mounted kitchens with a sink, stove, and prep station. Hitches can also be used to mount a television if you want to watch the pregame show. We also love adding these hammock chairs to a hitch to relax before the game.
Quick Tips On Installing A Hitch
Adding a hitch to your vehicle can cost anywhere from $100-800 depending on the size and vehicle type. Your mechanic can install them but if you don’t have a mechanic, you can take your car to U-Haul and they will install the right one for your vehicle. Once installed check your vehicle’s towing capacity limits (usually in the vehicle manual). From there, you can then decide how to best use it for all your tailgating needs. Keep in mind, that with the right towing capacity you could also get a tailgating trailer in the future.
Stay Cool In The Shade
One of the best things about a dedicated tailgating RV is that you can get a break from the weather. However, you can still provide some protection with your tailgate car with a car awning. Car awnings come in two models. The first style attaches to the roof and extends outward to provide shade. These are great because they offer shade for a larger area. The second style is a lot like a car tent and attaches to the trunk. These are a little smaller, but they can provide more protection in bad weather like snow or rain. Whichever style you go with, you and your tailgating crew will be able to get out of the tough weather.
Add A Tailgating Table For Extra Space
Another great way to transform your vehicle into a tailgating car is by adding a tailgating table. If you have a truck, SUV, or Jeep, a standard tailgating table is ideal. They attach to your back door and fold down for added space. Another option if you have a hitch is to get a hitch-mounted table.
However, the easiest and most versatile option is a tire tailgating table. These are attached around your wheel and offer tons of counter space. Finally, you could also consider a trunk-mounted, slideout tailgating table like this one from Hammacher Schlemmer. These are all great options for preparing and serving food and drinks. They can also be used as extra dining table space.
We may be a few years off from our dream RV, but that doesn’t mean in the interim we can’t have a killer tailgate car. With just a few accessories and some imagination, you can transform your vehicle.
For more tailgating fun and ideas, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and check out our Amazon Storefront. While you’re there don’t forget to sign up for our email list for exclusive offers, discounts, and access. We’ll see you and your tailgating car at the stadium!
