When fall rolls around, the RV can easily turn into the hangout for your friends and family on game day.

Whether you are an avid fan of a collegiate or a professional team, or you just want to have a nice place for the kids to hang out at their sports match, you’ll need all the right gear for your RV this season. Here are some of our top picks.

  1. Portable propane grill: The kitchen is the heart of the home because that’s where the food is made and shared! Bring the cooking outdoors with a portable grill. Choose one that is collapsible, rugged, sets up quickly, and has a large cooking surface. Coleman is the king in this camp, but there are lots of options out there. Here are some top choices from Tailgate Party Site.
  2. Outdoor Bluetooth speaker: To get everyone in the tailgating mood, or to have some background music playing prior to the game and during halftime, a small, portable Bluetooth speaker that connects to your phone is something you can’t do without. With all the music streaming apps available, it’s easy to blast your favorite tunes.
  3. Portable ice machine: Tailgating isn’t complete without chilled, refreshing beverages. A countertop portable ice machine is just the thing to help get those sodas cold, and the perfect backup to keeping coolers full and snacks on ice. Pricing for these units vary greatly, so make sure to do your research before buying one.
  4. Fan and/or misting unit: In the early part of the season, the weather is usually still pretty warm. A 12-volt fan or misting unit clipped to the outside of your RV or placed on the ground and run via an extension cord will help keep visitors and family members cool and comfortable.
  5. Externally mounted TV: Your game TV can be mounted on a swing arm on the basement of your RV that can be stored when it’s not in use, or even via a stand on your vehicle’s hitch. You won’t miss any of the pregame or post-game coverage, and you’ll be in the thick of the action. You’ll also need a portable antenna if your RV doesn’t already come equipped with one. A digital HD antenna with a wide range (get an extender if you have to) will give you a quality picture. Keep your TV out of the elements and out of the sun as much as possible.
  6. LED lights for the canopy/awning: Add some flare and fun by stringing lights to your RV’s front awning when you’re tailgating. Really show your team spirit by getting colors that coordinate with your favorite team.
  7. Portable table: A collapsible camping table that easily stores flat and can be set anywhere or a foldout version that uses your trailer hitch as its main support is exactly what you need for serving food or playing games on the big day. (A couple examples are the EZ Hitch Tailgate Table and the Hitchnic Table.)
  8. Pop-up canopy: If your RV’s awning doesn’t provide enough shade, bring along a pop-up canopy to help block more surface area from the rays of the sun. Even better, get one with your team’s mascot printed on it so that nobody can misunderstand who you’re rooting for.
  9. Exhaust system: With so many RVs tailgating in close proximity, there can be an issue of exhaust. If your RV is running so that you can cook, watch the game indoors, or just to warm up from the cold, it’ll be pushing out toxic, smelly fumes. A solution is the Gen-Turi RV Generator Exhaust System. It redirects exhaust from your generator to above the RV with a simple adapter, a couple bolts, a D-clip pin, and eye straps. This also helps to reduce generator noise. All the parts fit in a carry bag. Visit their website for more details.
  10. Folding Briefcase Travel Couch: Add some comfort and luxury to your tailgating experience with a couch that you can set up anywhere. It has a steel frame, easy to clean polyester exterior, and high-density interior foam. Choose from four positions, and there’s even a pocket in the armrest for your smartphone. Put it on the tailgate of the truck, and you’ll have the top perch of the party. Available through Amazon.