Football season is here, and ABC Upfitters is providing the ultimate RV Tailgate power guide so that you can keep the party going all day! A great tailgate runs on more than team spirit to run, it runs on power. From the speakers playing your favorite playlist to the slow cooker keeping the chili hot, reliable energy keeps the fun going all day. TVs, lights, and heaters all depend on a steady power supply, and nothing kills the vibe faster than a dead battery or a struggling generator.
With the right setup, you can enjoy every kickoff, touchdown, and post-game celebration without worrying about running out of juice. A well-planned RV power system ensures your tailgate stays fully charged from the pregame to the final whistle.
Your Rolling Home Base for Game Day
There’s nothing quite like bringing your “home base” to the stadium or viewing party. Your RV isn’t just a ride; it’s your kitchen, lounge, and entertainment hub all in one. The last thing you want is to lose your music, your lights, or your warm food halfway through the day. With the right power system, you can forget about dead batteries, generator headaches, or early shutdowns and focus on what really matters: making memories and cheering on your team all day long.
What Power Do You Need for a Successful RV Tailgate?
Before you start your day, it’s smart to know how much power your setup really needs. Tailgating days can pull more energy than you think (especially when everyone’s cooking, charging, and streaming at once).
Here’s a quick checklist of common tailgating power draws:
- Outdoor speakers or sound systems – 100–300 watts
- Electric griddles or slow cookers – 200–700 watts each
- Mini-fridge or cooler – 100–400 watts
- TV + satellite or streaming setup – 100–250 watts
- Charging stations for phones and tablets – 10–60 watts per device
To estimate your total power use (kW), add up the wattage of everything you plan to run at the same time and divide it by 1,000 – then multiply it by the number of hours you plan to tailgate for (see graphic).
Power Sources for Gameday: Pros, Cons, and What Actually Works
When it comes to powering your RV tailgate, not all energy sources are created equal. Each option has its strengths, and its drawbacks, depending on how long you plan to stay and how much power you need. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Generator Power
Generators are great for short bursts of high-power use and are available in many sizes to match your setup.The cons are that they’re loud, produce fumes, and can sometimes be banned in crowded parking lots or stadium areas. Plus, constant fuel refills and noise can take away from the fun atmosphere. - Solar + Battery Bank
A solar-powered setup with a quality battery bank offers clean, quiet, and consistent energy. It’s scalable, low-maintenance, and perfect for all-day tailgating without the noise or smell of fuel. However, It does require some upfront planning and solar panels. With ABC’s help, we can equip your RV with the right solar setup for your power needs. - Alternator Charging While Driving
Your alternator gives your battery a boost while you’re on the road, but it’s not designed to power an entire tailgate setup. Through the utilization of a Mastervolt DC-DC charger, your vehicle’s alternator can be used to charge your house batteries. Think of it as a helpful recharge between events (not your main source of energy once parked).
For most RV tailgaters, a solar and battery system with MasterVolt components offers the best blend of reliability, efficiency, and freedom. You’ll have the power to keep the fun going, silently and sustainably, for every part of the game.
The Secret to All-Day Power
If you’ve ever wondered how some RV tailgaters seem to run their entire setup from morning kickoff to post-game cleanup without missing a beat, here’s the secret: lithium batteries. More and more tailgaters are switching to lithium because they deliver steady, reliable power—without the bulk, noise, or constant monitoring that older systems require.
Why lithium batteries are the new standard:
- Longer run time – Power your setup for days without running out of power
- Light weight – Easier on your RV, leaving more room for gear and food.
- Faster recharge – Spend less time plugged in and more time enjoying the day.
- Solar friendly – Works seamlessly with renewable energy and campground hookups.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Day
A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your gameday power system running smoothly. Follow these simple steps to make sure everything stays charged:
- Pre-charge before leaving. Top off your batteries at home
- Store food warm in insulated containers. This buys you time before plugging in slow cookers or griddles
- Switch to LED lighting. LEDs use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs
- Keep cords short. Long cables can cause voltage drop and shorter cords keep your power flowing efficiently.
- Know the parking lot rules. Some venues limit or ban generator use, so check ahead to avoid surprises.
With a little prep and smart power habits, your RV tailgate will run as effortlessly as your favorite play on the field.
When It’s Time to Power Up Your RV Tailgate Setup
If you love tailgating but find yourself running out of power before kickoff, it might be time for an upgrade. Maybe you’ve added a few new appliances this season, host longer gatherings, or you’re just tired of the loud noises that come with a generator. Whatever your reason, the right power system can make your setup easier to manage.
At ABC Upfitters, we design custom RV power systems built for full-time RVers—people who want to relax, cook, stream, and celebrate without a second thought about power limits. With MasterVolt lithium batteries and smart charging solutions, you’ll enjoy faster charging, longer runtime, and seamless energy management all day long.
Tailgating should feel easy, fun, and worry-free. The right setup means the party lasts as long as you do. Schedule a consultation with ABC Upfitters today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know how much power I’ll need for my tailgate setup?
Start by listing the appliances and gear you plan to run: speakers, slow cooker, TV, fridge, etc. Each has a watt rating that tells you how much power it uses. If that feels overwhelming, we’ll size it for you. At ABC Upfitters, we specialize in building power systems based on how you actually tailgate; not generic “one size fits all” kits.
2. Can solar really keep up during a full-day tailgate?
Yes—if your battery bank is sized correctly and your inverter is matched to your appliances. Solar isn’t the sole power source during the event. It works as a steady refueler throughout the day. Most tailgaters benefit from a lithium battery bank plus roof or portable solar panels. We design solar systems that pair seamlessly with tailgate-friendly entertainment and cooking setups.
3. How hard is it to upgrade my RV’s power system for tailgating?
It’s easier than most people think. At ABC Upfitters, we handle everything from evaluating your current setup to installing lithium batteries, inverters, and solar. You tell us what you want to run and we build the system that keeps it running.
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About ABC Upfitters:ABC Upfitters provides premium, customer-focused, upfitting services to RV clientele who are looking for the ultimate off-grid experience. The close-knit company originated from the rising demand for aftermarket Li-Ion battery upgrades for recreational vehicles. By using Mastervolt components, ABC can meet this need and provide an unmatched level of integration and quality for their customers. Contact one of the ABC team members today to learn about their services!