Running out of ideas on how to spend the day with your friends? How about tailgating? Are you searching for the best generator for tailgating? We have done the research and testing for you!
Tailgating is a great way to enjoy the afternoon or night with friends while sharing food and good times. You can have a tailgating party or get-together just about anywhere. But the best place to spend it is outside the bustling and busy crowd.
I love hosting and attending tailgate parties at the beach or out camping. If you feel the same, you need a tailgating generator.
Finding the Best Generator for Tailgating
It’s a great way to cook food, chill the drinks, and entertain your friends. Should you need party lights but have no way to light them, look no further. A generator is all you need.
And don’t forget good music. There’s nothing like good music and good vibes with friends.
I’ve searched for some of the best generators for tailgating and put them on this list. Read on to know more!
Duromax XP4850EH Portable Generator
This one is for those looking for a tailgating generator for a big tailgate party.
It provides 4,850 starting watts and 3,850 running watts of power using gasoline or liquid propane. Between the two, propane is better because it has a greener burn. But if you’re looking into saving money, gas is the best way to go.
Power anywhere you go.
Features of the Duromax XP4850EH Portable Generator
Power
- 4,850 starting watts and 3,850 running watts
- Powers refrigerator, air conditioner, and high-power-consuming tools
Dual Fuel Technology: Runs on gasoline or propane
Engine
- 7HP
- DuroMax 208cc OHV engine
- Provides high-capacity power that can power even the biggest appliance in the house
Tank Capacity:
- 3.96 gallons (Gasoline)
- 20 gallons (Propane)
Run Time:
- 10.42 hours at 50% load (Gasoline)
- 8.92 hours at 50% load (Propane)
Start:
- Electric
- Recoil
Noise Level: 69dB
MX2 Technology
- Choice of 120V or 240V or together
- 120V with full power
- Great for RVs
Low Oil Shut-off : Automatically shuts off on low oil
Multi-Power Outlets
- 2 x 120V household GFCI outlets
- 1 x 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet
- Voltmeter
- 12V DC charging posts to charge external batteries
Emissions Standards Compliance
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
- CARB (California Air Resources Board)
Dimension: 24” L x 17” W x 17” H
Weight: 130 lbs
Rainier R4400 Portable Generator
This is also a strong contender from Rainier at 4400 watts (peak) and 3600 watts (running) for up to 18 hours. Really impressive.
The only con if there is any, is that this generator only runs on gasoline.
Features of the Rainier R4400 Portable Generator
Power:
- 4400 starting watts and 3600 running watts
- 5.9 HP (212 cc)
Engine: OHV 4-stroke engine
Fuel: Gasoline with 4-gallon capacity
Run Time: Up to 18 hours on full tank
Starter: Electric (battery included)
Multi-outlet:
- 1 x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
- 1 x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
- 1 x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
- TT-30R receptacle (RV receptacle)
Protection:
- Circuit breaker
- Overload protection
- Automatic low oil shut-off
Fuel Gauge: Yes
Control Center:
- Voltage
- Frequency
- Lifetime hours
Emission Compliance:
- EPA
- CARB-compliant
Dimension: 23.5” L x 23” W x 21” H
Weight: 111 lbs
WEN DF475T Portable Generator
Supply a big power to your party with this mighty 224cc 4-stroke generator run by gasoline or propane.
It’s easy to switch from one to another: 4750 surge watts and 3800 running watts on gasoline, or 4350 surge watts and 3500 running watts on propane by just simply turning the dial.
Features of the WEN DF475T Portable Generator CARB Compliant
Power:
- 4750 surge watts, 3800 running watts (Gasoline)
- 4350 surge watts, 3500 running watts (Propane)
Voltage: 120V – 240V
Start: Electric
Engine: 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine
Run Time: Up to 11 hours of 50% load run time
Tank Capacity: 4 gallons
Multi-outlet:
- 2 x 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R)
- 1 x 120V/240V NEMA 30A twist lock (L14-30R)
- 1 x 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug
Other Inclusions:
- 1 x bottle of oil
- Wheel and handle kit
- 47-inch LPG connection hose
Easy Storage and Transportation:
- Never-flat tires
- Fold-down handles
Tailgating Generators Buying Guide
Power
Determine how much power you need. To do this, you need to know how many items will be connected to the generator. Add each of their wattages and you’ll be able to know if a generator will be able to handle it or not.
Fuel
You want to look out for the type of fuel you prefer to use. Diesel and gasoline are more economical. Propane is more expensive but has a greener burn.
Running Time
Regular tailgating generators can run from 6 hours to 18 hours.
But since it is for tailgating, these generators should run a long time so the party won’t be put on an abrupt stop. And nobody wants that. So, choose something that doesn’t need frequent fueling.
Size
Tailgating generators are generally smaller than regular generators and are more compact. But remember that since they are smaller, some features might be compromised like the number and/or types of outlets.
There are bigger ones but are still portable though.
Noise
I don’t mind a noisy generator at home. But at parties, it’s a no no. I can’t socialize and shout at the same time.
You wouldn’t want it to compete with your music either. If you’ve chosen a rather noisy one, the best you can do is situate it 10 meters from where people gather the most. This will help decrease the noise.
Conclusion and Bonus Tips
Tailgating generators are comparable to camping generators. If you ask me, you can buy one and use it for camping, or you can buy a camping generator and use it for tailgating parties. By choosing the best generator for tailgating, you are also choosing the best generator for camping and many other outdoor uses.
For someone like me who loves both, I need one or two portable outdoor generators. And I do. I currently have two that I currently enjoy but I would also love to try new ones so I can suggest the best for you.
For me, the most important aspect I look for in a generator is safety, efficiency, and portability because I love going outdoors and the ones listed here tick the boxes.