The Complete Guide to Setting up a TV at a Tailgate

Tailgating has become essential to bringing families and friends together and celebrating their favorite teams before a match or setting the atmosphere before an event. Do you know what doubles the excitement of a pregame tailgate? A TV! You can watch the live events or highlights with other fans to set a vibrant atmosphere for the upcoming match.

Don't know how to set up a TV or what equipment to carry? No worries because I've got you covered. In this article, I will discuss how you can power and set up a TV at a tailgate and a few tailgating essentials to ensure a seamless experience.

Importance of tailgate TV setup

Want to elevate the excitement levels for the upcoming match? Take your TV setup to the party. First, it keeps you connected to the live games ensuring you don't miss out on any action. Be it checking in on other games or watching pregame shows, a TV keeps the excitement going.

Second, It sets the perfect mood with highlight reels, sports analysis, and team coverage, building anticipation before the main event. With that said, a TV provides entertainment for everyone long before the game starts, keeping them engaged.

How to power a TV at a tailgate?

Setting up a TV at a tailgate can be a hassle, and one of the challenging parts is figuring out how to power it. Here are three ways you can supply electricity to your television.

1. Your vehicle's battery and power inverter

Attending a party in your RV? You can use its battery to power the inverter and connect your TV to that inverter. Here's how you can do it:

• Attach the power inverter's positive and negative terminals to the matching ones on your vehicle's battery.
• Then, connect your TV to the inverter and there you have it.

Also, remember to match your TV's voltage settings with those of your inverter.

One of the downsides of using an inverter with your vehicle's battery is that it can drain the battery over time. Also, make sure the inverter isn't attached to the battery terminals if you're not using it. This is because it has a small standby power draw.

2. Gasoline generator

The good thing about gasoline generators is that they're easy to use. You'll simply need to plug an extension cord into the generator's AC outlet and then plug your TV into that extension. However, this convenience comes with a few drawbacks.

Firstly, a gasoline generator is noisy so be sure to consider your generator's noise level before taking it to the event. Another hassle with gasoline generators is that they give off a strong smell and require regular maintenance. So, if you decide to buy one, you may need to get its oil replaced once every few months.

3. Portable power stations

With portable power stations, the convenience of gasoline generators comes without its drawbacks.

To power your TV through a portable power station, simply plug your TV into the appropriate outlet and turn on your portable station. You can also check the manufacturer's manual for specific instructions.

A portable power station provides clean power silently without releasing harmful fuels into the environment. It's also lightweight so you can easily carry it and charge it using solar power hence free fuel.

However, no device is perfect so each has its cons. Portable power stations may need battery replacements, and take several hours to recharge. So, make sure it's fully charged before the event. Also, portable power stations may be cost-effective in the long run but have an expensive purchase price.

What size generator do you need for tailgating?

The size of your generator depends on your power needs. You can calculate the generator size by multiplying your device's total wattage by the hours you are running it.

For instance, if you have a 120-watt TV, the running time will be almost 5 hours for a 600-watt generator. You can also get a generator that's a bit larger than what you need for the safe side. So, if your power need is 1200 watts, getting a 1500-watt generator will make sure you have more than enough power for the event.

I recommend a 1500-watt generator for tailgating, however, it can vary for different appliances depending on their wattage requirements.

How to watch TV at a tailgate?

Here are a few things to ensure you can watch your game free from uncalled-for interruptions.

1. Get a table or TV bracket for stability

To keep your TV from any damage, I recommend fixing it using either a TV bracket or a table. A table will give you a flat surface to place your TV on adding to your convenience. Or, you can attach a TV bracket to something well-built and then mount your TV on it.

2. HDTV antenna for TV signals at a tailgate

There are several ways to get TV signals at a tailgate. To watch over-the-air channels, you can connect your TV to an HDTV antenna. The antenna picks up free broadcast signals, and the coaxial cable links it to your TV.

Positioning the antenna in an open area with a clear line of sight to the sky will help you get better reception. A cheap digital antenna can surely get you Fox and CBS and possibly NBC and ABC.

3. Satellite dish for TV signals at a tailgate

Another way to get the game on your screen is by using a satellite dish. Take your satellite dish and receiver to your tailgate location along with a power source for the receiver and an extension cable. You can get specific instructions to set up your dish at a tailgate from your satellite service provider.

For an uninterrupted experience, find an open area away from barriers like trees and point the dish in the satellite's direction.

4. Hotspot for smart TV

A portable hotspot to create a Wi-Fi network is a hassle-free approach that frees you from any cables or antennas.

You can connect your smart TV to your mobile phone's hotspot. Another option is using public Wi-Fi. Some public venues like stadiums offer free internet, so you may want to look into what your tailgating location offers.

Lastly, car Wi-Fi is also a hassle-free but expensive option. Many cars have built-in Wi-Fi to which you can connect your smart TV for easy access to the internet.

5. Screen mirroring

Screen mirroring allows you to display content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer onto your TV, wirelessly or using a wired connection (HDMI cable). However, before getting started, you may want to consider the following things:

1. If using wireless mirroring like Miracast, Google Cast, or Airplay, ensure your TV and the source device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Check that both your device and TV have compatible HDMI ports (e.g., HDMI, Mini-HDMI, or USB-C to HDMI).
3. Some devices (that don't have a built-in HDMI port), may need an adapter, such as a USB-C to HDMI.

For a seamless screen mirroring experience, you must have a strong Wi-Fi connection, especially with a wireless connection. If using the wired method (HDMI cable), keep the cable as short as possible to prevent signal loss.

Must-haves for a great tailgate

Nobody wants their fun disrupted because they forgot to bring some essentials. To save you from the trouble, I've created a list of must-haves for a great tailgate.

1. Seating and shade

To cheer up your team without getting a stinging sunburn or a bad back, it's important to take comfortable seating and a tent. Chairs with padded seats work great.

2. Food and drinks

Mouth-watering food is a tailgating essential. Be sure to pack your favorite snacks along with a portable grill, since grilling is an essential part of the tailgating tradition. Cooking outdoors with family creates a festive atmosphere and makes tailgating an interactive experience.

Also, you may want to take a cooler to keep the drinks cold.

3. Entertainment extras

Don't forget to take the speakers to set the atmosphere. Also, wearing team colors and taking signs and posters keeps the spirit high, making tailgating even more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Setting up a TV for your tailgating party is a great way to fire up the excitement levels of the game day experience.

There are plenty of options to power your TV and choose how to get TV signals. You can use a gasoline generator, portable power station, or your vehicle's battery to supply electricity to your television. Choosing the right equipment, be it for setting up your devices or powering them, is also a tailgating essential.

Ready to have a seamless game-day experience? Grab your equipment, fire up the grill, and get ready for an epic tailgate!