What Should Be in a Car Tailgating Kit?
A useful tailgating kit balances comfort, organization and roadside practicality.
Think in categories: where you will sit, how you will store food, how you will keep the area clean, what you will do if the weather changes and what you need if the car itself has a problem. A little planning makes the event easier and keeps your vehicle from becoming a cluttered storage bin.
| Category | What to Pack | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Folding chairs, blanket or compact stools. | Keeps everyone comfortable without relying on the vehicle. |
| Food & Drinks | Cooler, ice packs, reusable cups, napkins and serving utensils. | Keeps food organized and easier to serve safely. |
| Shade / Weather | Canopy, umbrella, ponchos or extra layers. | Helps with sun, rain, wind and temperature changes. |
| Cleanup | Trash bags, paper towels, wipes and hand sanitizer. | Makes cleanup faster and protects the interior. |
| Power & Lighting | Phone charger, power bank and flashlight. | Keeps devices charged and helps after dark. |
| Roadside Basics | First-aid kit, tire gauge, jumper cables or jump pack. | Helps with minor roadside problems before or after the event. |
Start With Seating, Shade and Weather Protection
Comfort items are often what separate a fun tailgate from a long afternoon standing around a hot parking lot.
Folding Chairs
Choose chairs that pack flat and fit easily in the cargo area.
Canopy or Umbrella
Useful for sun and light rain when permitted at the venue.
Blanket
Helpful for cooler evenings or extra seating.
Extra Layers
Weather can change quickly, especially during fall events.
Ponchos
Compact rain protection takes little cargo space.
Sunscreen
Useful for long afternoon games and open parking lots.
Keep Food Organized and Easy to Serve
A cooler and a few reusable basics make setup and cleanup much easier.
Protect the Vehicle and the People Around It
Parking-lot gatherings combine vehicles, people, heat, food and equipment in a small space, so setup matters.
A Good Tailgating Kit Includes a Cleanup Plan
Cleanup is easier when everything has a dedicated place before the event starts.
Bring More Than One Bag
Keep one bag for general trash and another for recyclables where appropriate.
Use a Cargo Liner or Old Towel
A simple barrier can help protect the cargo area from spills, mud and wet gear.
Plan for Charging Without Killing the Battery
Phones, speakers and lighting can quietly drain the 12-volt system.
Do Not Forget the Drive Home
Your tailgating kit should still leave room for basic vehicle emergency gear.
Load Heavy Items Low and Secure
How you pack the vehicle matters just as much as what you bring.
Keep Them Low and Toward the Center
Coolers and dense gear should be placed low and secured so they cannot shift during braking or turns.
Do Not Block Your Rear View
Avoid stacking cargo so high that it limits visibility through the rear glass.
Give the Car a Quick Game-Day Check
A tailgate is more fun when you are not worrying about getting stranded afterward.
Electrified Vehicles Can Be Great for Game-Day Setup
Many hybrids and EVs offer useful cabin power and storage options, but exact capabilities vary by model.
Watch the 12-Volt Battery Too
Accessory use can still affect the low-voltage system, so avoid assuming the hybrid battery automatically prevents a dead 12-volt battery.
Plan Range and Power Use
Climate control and accessory use can affect available range. If your vehicle offers external power features, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your exact model.
Heading to a Game or Road Trip? Make Sure the Car Is Ready Too
A quick pre-trip check can help catch tire, battery or fluid issues before they become game-day problems.
Game-Day Car Kit Questions
Useful basics include folding chairs, a cooler, reusable serving gear, trash bags, wipes, weather protection, a phone charger, flashlight, first-aid kit and roadside essentials.
You can use vehicle accessories according to the manufacturer instructions, but long periods with the engine off can drain the 12-volt battery. A portable power bank is a useful alternative.
Check tire pressure, fuel or charge level, warning lights, battery condition, wipers and lights, especially if you are driving farther than usual.
Keep heavy items low and secured so they cannot shift during braking or turns, and avoid stacking cargo high enough to block rear visibility.
Yes, but bring warm layers, weather protection, a flashlight and a charged phone, and make sure the vehicle’s battery and tires are ready for colder conditions.
Yes. Just plan range, accessory use and low-voltage battery needs according to the vehicle’s instructions and available features.
Heading Out for Game Day?
Call Nutley Street Service Center if you want to check tires, battery, fluids or other trip-readiness items before you go.
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