Power on the Go
Take your tailgates to the next level with portable power
4 MIN READ
Picture your typical tailgate setup. You’ve got your cooler, a couple of folding chairs and your team flag is flying high. But don’t stop there.
Hungry? There’s hot food sizzling on the electric grill, and the minifridge is stocked with everything you need. There might even be a slow cooker working its magic. Thirsty? There’s a fresh batch of something icy cold in the blender. Projector up, TV on, and you’ve got a front row view of all the action. Don’t worry about the weather: you have misters and fans to fend off the heat, and heaters to handle the chills. The speakers are bumping. Your phone is fully charged. Life is good.
And it’s all within reach. Portable power is an absolute game-changer for tailgating. Food, entertainment, comfort—you can take everything to the next level if you have an energy source on hand.
It’s all about finding the right balance between your ideal output, size and noise levels.
Start with output. If you’re just keeping your phones and speakers charged, a smaller power station will do the trick. Running TVs, speakers and other mid-sized appliances? You’ll need a bit more juice. And if you plan on supporting high energy consumers like heaters and
fridges, you’ll want options with serious muscle. The more devices you intend to run at once, the larger your generator should be. If you want to be sure that your setup won’t fizzle out at halftime, choose a solution that can operate comfortably under 80% capacity, even with everything running at once.
Space is another important factor. How will you transport your portable power solution? If it’s going in the trunk, double-check dimensions and choose an option that’ll fit alongside everything else with room to spare. Your setup spot matters too—bigger isn’t necessarily better if you’re hosting your tailgate in a tight space.
Finally, consider noise levels. Portable power stations are completely silent, but portable generators can range from a quiet hum to a steady roar—it all depends on size and build. How much background noise can you handle? If you’re tailgating in a residential area, your neighbors will thank you for choosing a quieter option.
Power comes in all shapes and sizes, but there are two clear standout categories when it comes to tailgating.
Portable power stations: Small, silent, fully electric and emission-free—power stations are the perfect choice for tailgaters with low to medium power needs. Options ranging between 1000w and 2000w can easily power your devices and small appliances, from the phone to the minifridge. No need to pack fuel tanks, either—you can recharge your portable power station with wall outlets, 12V car outlets and even compatible solar panels.
Inverter generators: Quiet and compact, gas-powered inverter generators are versatile options for tailgaters looking for extra power and flexibility. Offerings range from 2200w to 3500w—enough to support multiple devices and larger appliances at the same time.
When it comes to portable power, a little preparation goes a long way. Whatever solution you choose, these tailgating tips will help you make the most of it:
With the right game plan, you can keep the party running smoothly and focus on what really matters: great food, game-day thrills and good company.
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