3 Ways to Become the Ultimate RV Tailgating Champ

With Labor Day behind us, the summer camping season may be winding down, but don’t pack away those grill tongs and camp chairs just yet. Football season is finally here, and your RV is the perfect base camp for tailgating. Here are three essential tips to help you become the ultimate RV tailgating champion this year.

1. Plan Your Menu in Advance

When it comes to tailgating, handheld foods are the way to go. They make meals and snacks easy to manage and reduce the need for plates and utensils. While hamburgers and hotdogs are classic game day staples, consider adding some variety with other easy-to-make recipes. Pigs in a blanket, corn dogs, brisket, ribs, and pasta salads are also crowd-pleasers.

On chillier game days, you can opt to prepare a slow cooker filled with soup or your favorite chili that can keep everyone warm and the party atmosphere alive. On warmer days, plan to have chilled treats available to help guests beat the heat.

2. Prep Your Food the Night Before

Tailgating is all about enjoying great food and drinks throughout the day. To ensure your culinary game is top-notch, prepare and marinate your meats the night before. Chop and slice all your vegetables and toppings in advance. For instance, if burgers are on the menu, shape the patties, wash and peel the lettuce, and slice the tomatoes and onions. Store everything in airtight containers or bags, ready to be packed in the cooler the next day.

3. Pack Your Coolers Like a Pro

Packing coolers effectively is both an art and a science. Start by using at least two separate coolers—one for food and one for drinks. Aim for a 2:1 ratio of ice to items. Layer your drinks and food between layers of ice or cooler packs, placing items you’ll need last or toward the end of the day at the bottom. Consider using frozen water bottles or cooler packs along with ice, as larger frozen surfaces melt slower, keeping your items cooler for longer.

4. Set Up an Outdoor Hand Washing Station

Tailgating involves grilling, cooking, eating, and drinking. So things can obviously get messy, and you don’t want people constantly going in and out of your RV. Set up an outdoor hand washing station to keep things clean. A simple and cost-effective solution is to use a 2.5-gallon water jug with a dispenser. Place soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizer nearby on a flat surface for easy access.

What are your go-to tips for a successful RV tailgate party? Share your thoughts in the comments or get in touch with us today!