Tailgating is always a great time – there are ice cold drinks in every cooler, the aroma of mesquite grilled meats ascending from portable grills, and everybody is mingling over the sounds of corn hole games and a summer playlist from nearby speakers. But the last thing you need is a power problem sucking the fun out of it. With a quality tailgating generator, you’re sure to have power for your TV, blender, pellet grill or whatever you need! Here’s some tips about choosing the right generator for your needs. Below are some great models to choose from.
Honda EU2200i Inverter – 49-State
What you don’t want, is an obnoxiously loud generator drowning out all the fun you’re having at the tailgate party. The EU2200i is powered by Honda’s GXR120 Commercial Series engine, which delivers exceptionally quiet, smooth, fuel-efficient and reliable power that is easy to transport and store. It includes CO-Minder, which continuously monitors carbon monoxide levels and automatically shuts down the generator before detected CO levels near the generator become dangerously high.
Firman W03382 Inverter
The Firman W03382 is a compact inverter generator that provides a running wattage of 3300W and reaches a peak wattage of 3650W. This unit has a good quality build with a durable design. The control panel includes a convenient meter showing voltage and lifetime hours, helpful for monitoring status and activity. Ideal for camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience, the W03382 can operate for up to 10 hours with a full tank, due to its 1.8-gallon fuel capacity.
Sportsman Dual Fuel 4000 Watt
Sportsman Generators are popular and affordable, usually selling for a fraction of the price of more expensive ones. Dual fuel generators, such as the Sportsman GEN4000DF, allow the option between two fuel types: gas and propane. This gives you longer total runtime and results in long-term savings because propane is cheaper and a more environmentally cleaner fuel! The unit operates below the 69 dB noise threshold, so while it is not technically considered loud, there are quieter generators on the market.
Briggs & Stratton P2200 PowerSmart Inverter
This little machine is a work horse with a solid track record, having been known to run 8 hours at 25% load. The P2200 computer-controlled engine continuously adjusts its speed to your power needs for efficient, consistent and quiet power. The PowerSmart Series Inverter Generator is quieter than you’d expect, letting you carry on a normal conversation without being disturbed by its motor. You get a variety of outlets, including two 120V-20A household and one 12V-20A DC outlet, plus a USB adapter to power up your tailgating essentials.
Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter
Generac’s iQ2000 Portable Inverter Generator is a great tailgating companion because it easily fits in a trunk or bed of a truck, and only weighs about 40 lbs. One of its standout features is that its parallel-ready ability allows you to connect two inverters together for twice the power, so you can power heavy appliances like a portable air conditioner. And the run-time display lets you see how much time you have left before you need to fuel up again, which is good to know. The built-in handle makes for an easy carry and the integrated off/run/choke knob simplifies startup procedures so that almost anyone can understand how to use it.