Having the right tailgating accessories is the key to turning your vehicle into a picnic party scene.
Pandemic protocols vary throughout the country, but ardent sports fans are still gathering in parking lots to watch the big games. As you plan for this season, consider these tailgate items for your ride:
Add Shelter and Tables to Your Tailgate
Having shelter from sun and rain tops our list of the best tailgating accessories. Also, a convenient table or countertop makes food prep and eating so much more comfortable.
Buy It Now on eBay
eBay offers many options, including an all-in-one hitch- or door-based tailgate party table and umbrella.
Hitch-receiver tailgate party table and umbrella
If you don’t have a hitch, consider one of eBay’s tailgate tire tables. They slip easily over the tire. Tire tables work with most RVs, trucks, or cars with tires sized at 14 inches or larger.
Or consider the Versatility teardrop awning (shown at the top of this post). It serves as an entire tailgate shelter solution. The awning works with SUVs, trucks, hatchbacks, and even sedans.
The rip-stop 210T polyester sun shade boasts coverage up to about 75 square feet. That’s wide enough to cover a table, chairs, kids, and pets from sun, rain, and wind.
The contents pack away in a supplied duffel bag. To set up the awning, use the package’s rope to tie it to the vehicle. Then adjust the steel poles to the desired height, anchoring the awning with guy wires.
Tailgate Tunes and Audio
The list of best tailgating accessories would not be complete without tunes and the ability to hear the play-by-play action.
Chevy Sierra truck owners can be the envy of the parking lot with the new OEM tailgate Bluetooth audio system by Kicker. The system is a self-contained weatherproof package that connects to the MultiPro tailgate via hardwiring and secured mounting.
Music and audio are streamed via Bluetooth from compatible connected devices. The two-channel, 100-watt (50 watts RMS per-channel) tailgate sound system includes an illuminated display for easy use.
Otherwise, consider using portable Bluetooth speakers. Many of them can put out a serious wallop of sound.
Lights and Light Bars
Why end the party when the sun sets? There’s a wide world of tailgate light bars or compact rear-facing light units available on eBay. These lights allow you to turn your car or truck into a well-lit and safe gathering space.
Recon’s 26415X amber LED tailgate light bar provides a four-foot strip of amber light. The single weatherproofed strip uses cutting-edge 3-mm LED technology. It has a universal fit for any truck or SUV. The Recon light bar installs using a flat 4-pin trailer light connector, plus hardwiring to your vehicle’s electrical system. When you’re back on the road, the light bar works like a turn signal on steroids.
Lights that add to the liftgate put illumination exactly where you need it for a tailgate party.
More compact light bars from companies like Rigid and KC HiLites add a streak of light or a punch of color. Check out these sleek Rigid spotbeam lights that integrate with the bumper.
The low-tech, affordable solution is a portable camping-style or workshop light.
Ample Storage Finishes List of Best Tailgating Accessories
Truck owners can equip their vehicle with an integrated Decked drawer system. It stores work gear for the week. But when the weekend arrives, those spaces can pack away food, beverages, ice, and party gear.
The Decked system is compatible with various trucks, including Tacomas, RAMs, Silverados, and F-150s.
Decked Truck Bed Storage System
With 2,000 pounds of payload capacity and use of the entire truck bed, Decked systems can haul all your tailgating supplies. The system is weatherproof and reinforced with heavy-duty steel. Each drawer can carry up to 200 pounds.
Installation is a snap. No drilling is required. Decked provides step-by-step instructions.
If you’re tailgating with a space-constrained SUV or car, you can pack more tailgate equipment and grub with a capable cargo rack. Or toss in a heavy-duty, water-resistant storage case from Roam Adventures, which also sells vehicle-mounted awnings and tents.
Get more expert tailgate tips:
