Generator for Tailgating: What to Look For

What tailgating asks of a generator

A tailgate is a portable event: cooking gear, a screen, speakers, lights and phone chargers all travel to the lot. The generator chosen for it is read from the listing: the title names the type, the fuel and the first wattage figure; the bullet list names the outlets and the features. This article explains those listing words and points to the portable generator guide and the inverter generator guide for the stated details the site compares.

Tailgating asks three things of a generator. It has to move from the vehicle to the spot, its noise has to fit the venue's rules, and its outlets have to match the cords of the cooktop and the screen. Each of those maps to a word the reader can read on the listing.

Portability as a listing term

A title may call a generator a hand-carry unit, a suitcase style, or a wheeled frame. Hand-carry words appear on small units; wheeled frames usually come with a handle and two wheels. The weight and portability article explains the terms, and a listing that names a wheel kit or a cart is describing how the unit moves.

For a tailgate, the practical detail is the frame style, because the generator has to travel in the vehicle and be moved to the spot. A bundle may include a cover or a wheel kit as separate items named in the listing. The wheels and kits article explains the frame words on a listing.

• Frame words on a listing: hand-carry
• suitcase style
• wheeled frame
• wheel kit
• cart

Noise as a shopping question

A listing may state a dB rating for a generator's sound. That figure is one of the stated details a reader can compare between listings; this site does not measure or verify it. The noise levels article explains what a dB rating means on a page, and the dB rating article shows how the term is read.

At a tailgate, the deciding question is the venue's rule. Many lots limit when generators may run, and some campgrounds or stadium lots do not allow them at all. Ask the venue and read its rules before buying; no listing states those rules.

Outlet types for cooking and entertainment

The outlets are named on the listing: household 120V outlets, USB outlets, and, on some units, an RV-ready 30-amp outlet or a 50-amp outlet. Cooking gear like a griddle or an electric grill uses a household plug; a screen and speakers use household plugs or USB. The outlet types guide lists the names, and the RV requirements article explains the 30-amp and 50-amp terms.

For a tailgate, count the outlet names in the bullet list and match them to the cords of the gear. A listing that says 'RV ready' is naming the RV outlet the maker included; the reader who also powers a travel trailer matches that outlet to the trailer's plug. Household outlets and USB are the practical names for cooking and entertainment gear.

• Outlet words on a listing: household 120V
• USB
• RV ready
• 30-amp
• 50-amp

Starting watts and running watts as words

Most generator titles carry one wattage figure first, and that figure is usually the starting figure, the one the maker associates with the brief surge when a motor starts. The second figure, often on the maker's page, is the running figure for steady use. The running vs starting watts article explains both words.

Cooking and entertainment gear is mostly steady load, but some gear has a motor, and motors start. The listing tells the reader both figures when the maker states them. This site does not promise that a generator runs a specific device; sizing the load to the generator is a question for the maker. The 3,000 to 5,000 watt guide shows the stated figures in that bracket.

Fuel words on the listing

The title and the bullet list name the fuel: gasoline, dual fuel, or tri fuel. Gasoline is a petroleum product made from crude oil; the listing simply calls it gasoline or gas. Dual fuel means the maker states the unit runs on gasoline and propane. Tri fuel means the maker adds natural gas. The fuel types article explains the words.

For a tailgate, the fuel question is what the reader can carry and what the venue allows. Gasoline comes from a station, propane is one of the hydrocarbon gas liquids stored in a tank, and natural gas is a utility supply; availability is a question for the reader's supplier. The dual fuel guide shows the stated details of units that name both gasoline and propane.

Carbon monoxide: one pointer

For carbon monoxide, follow the maker's manual and read the carbon monoxide pages from the CPSC, the CDC and the NFPA, which are linked in the sources below.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What does the first wattage figure in a tailgating generator title mean?

On most listings it is the starting figure, the one the maker associates with the brief surge when a motor starts. The maker's page usually states the running figure for steady use. Read both figures on the maker's page; this site does not promise that a generator runs a specific device.

Is noise stated on a generator listing?

A listing may state a dB rating as one of its stated details. Compare it between listings and read the maker's page for the same figure. The venue's rule about generator use matters more at a tailgate than any figure.

What does RV ready mean on a generator for tailgating?

RV ready names the RV outlet the maker included, usually a 30-amp or 50-amp outlet. For a tailgate, match the household and USB outlet names to the cooking and entertainment gear; match the RV outlet to the trailer's plug if a trailer is powered.

Can I run cooking and entertainment gear from the same generator?

The listing shows the outlet names and the two wattage figures; matching the gear's load to the generator is a question for the maker. This site compares stated details and does not size appliances or promise that a generator runs a specific device.

Should I choose gasoline, dual fuel or tri fuel for tailgating?

The fuel word on the listing tells what the unit runs: gasoline, gasoline and propane, or gasoline, propane and natural gas. Choose by what the reader can carry and what the venue allows; availability is a question for the reader's supplier.

Where should I put the generator at a tailgate?

Follow the maker's manual and read the carbon monoxide pages from the CPSC, the CDC and the NFPA, which are linked in the sources below. This article gives no placement advice.