Picture this: You’re getting ready for the big game, your pregame playlist is in full effect…but then the music just stops. It’s a good thing sports fans aren’t superstitious, because this could be seen as a bad omen! Not only that, but if you lost power because you were running sound from your vehicle—draining its battery—your unlucky day is just beginning.

What’s the alternative? Ideally, a small, portable generator would supply more than enough power to your tailgating essentials. But what type of generator is best-suited for tailgating, and why does it matter? In this blog, we’ll be exploring these questions and more, so keep reading for a quick guide to the best generators for tailgating.

Can you bring a generator to a tailgate?

Yes, you can usually bring a generator to a tailgating location. If you’re a tailgating regular, you’d probably be hard-pressed to find a tailgating experience without generators. Of course, you won’t want to be a nuisance, so finding the right generator—and one that’s not too terribly noisy—is important. You wouldn’t want to drown out your tunes, anyway! Cummins Inc.’s advanced portable generators and battery-powered power stations provide efficient, reliable, and quiet power.

That being said, not all generators are identical, so you’ll want to do a little bit of research before purchasing your new generator. For tailgating purposes, you’ll want to consider factors such as:

• Power output: How much power will you need? Take a quick inventory of your tailgating essentials—like your sound systems, device chargers, or electric appliances. 
• Running time: How long do you expect to use the generator? Make sure it offers a running time that’s up to the task.
• Noise: Don’t be the nuisance with a loud, inefficient generator. Opt for a quiet-running portable generator or a smaller, battery-powered power station
• Portability: Lugging around a heavy generator takes some of the fun out of tailgating. Onan portable generators and even smaller power stations are quiet, durable, and portable.
• Price: You shouldn’t have to break the bank for your new generator. Many manufacturers will offer different generators at different price points, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit.

What size generator do I need for tailgating?

There are two different ways to approach this question, as a generator’s “size” can refer to either its physical dimensions or its capacity. Let’s briefly explore each of these considerations.

1. Portability: For tailgating, a generator’s physical size should make it highly portable. Logistically, it should be easy to load in a backseat, trunk, or truck bed—while leaving plenty of space for the rest of your tailgating essentials, from food to games to your fellow tailgaters!
2. Power: The best portable generator should provide enough power for essential items (including accounting for certain devices’ starting watts), but not so much power that it means you’re lugging around an unnecessarily loud, heavy generator. Cummins provides quiet and efficient portable generators to fit any tailgating experience, with options ranging from 2500 to 9500 peak watts. Cummins power stations range from 150 to 1000 peak watts.

How many watts are needed for tailgating?

It really depends on what kind of tailgating you do. For example, if it’s just a few friends killing some time before the game, you may only need enough power to charge relatively small devices, like speakers or mobile phones. Cummins smaller power stations would easily provide power for the smaller wattage items. “If you’re hosting a larger tailgate,” Southern Living notes, “you should look for a generator with at least 1500 wattage…which can handle smaller appliances like slow cookers, coolers, and even TVs.”

What is the best generator for tailgating?

Overall, the best tailgate generator is the one that meets your power requirements, is quiet enough to not wreck the vibe, and comes from a reputable company. While many people will understandably prioritize their power and noise requirements, it’s also worth evaluating the manufacturer’s service policies. Cummins has a robust technical support program for all of their generators, and offers extended warranties for more peace of mind.

As we covered above, finding the best generator for your tailgate means considering your power needs as well as noise thresholds. Consider our popular portable options for tailgating:

• The Onan PS200, with 150 running watts, 300 peak watts, and whisper silent noise level
• The Onan PS300, with 300 running watts, 600 peak watts, and whisper silent noise level
• The Onan PS600, with 600 running watts, 1,200 peak watts, and whisper silent noise level
• The Onan PS1000, with 1,500 running watts, 3,000 peak watts, and whisper silent noise level
• The Onan P2500i, with 2200 running watts, 2500 peak watts, and a 52 dB noise level.
• The Onan P4500i, with 3700 running watts, 4500 peak watts, and a 52 dB noise level.
• The Onan P4500iDF, with 3,700 (gas) or 3,330 (propane) running watts, 4500 (gas) or 4050 (propane) peak watts, and a 52 dB noise level.

Whether you’re looking for a standard generator power station, all Cummins generators are quiet, efficient, and built to last. 

Become a tailgating champion with Cummins portable generators

Browse our full inventory of portable generators for home use, travel, tailgating, and more to learn about their advantages—so you can find the perfect fit for your needs. That way, you won’t have to worry about the party stopping, and can instead focus on enjoyment, relaxation, and, of course, getting ready to cheer your team to victory.