It’s that time of year again: Football is back! Our office Fantasy Football League and weekly pool are in full swing, but we think the greatest way to celebrate this sport is to take the RV out to the stadium for tailgating! Tailgating comes in all shapes and sizes, but bringing your RV gives you home field advantage no matter where you are. Keep in mind, though, that bringing your home on wheels out to a big sporting event can present some challenges. Use our Top 5 RV Tailgating Tips to help shape a fun and safe outing!

1. Give yourself time! Be sure to head out early to give yourself a few hours to set up your rig and get the BBQ going. The last thing you’ll want to do is sit in traffic on your way into the stadium, which can easily cut your pre-game fun short.

2. Stay Spirited! There are a ton of different ways to show loyalty to your team, but one of the best ways is to incorporate their colors into your cookout. Show your spirit with colored napkins and plates, or even consider replacing your cooler ice with frozen water balloons in your team’s shades!

3. Keep Cool! Don’t forget to give your RV’s refrigerator a few hours to cool down. Putting warm drinks into a fridge that hasn’t been running for long can put a damper on the tailgating excitement, and you don’t want to make your appliances work overtime just for a lukewarm beverage. Keep your food and drinks cool with a little bit of forethought.

4. Don’t forget your manners! Just as when visiting RV Parks and Campgrounds, there are unspoken rules to taking your RV out. The number one rule for RV etiquette is to clean up after your party! Tailgating can be a whirlwind, so make sure you’re prepared with extra trash bags and cleaning supplies in the RV for quick cleanup. If you’re using a charcoal burning BBQ, be sure to store ash and charcoal remains in aluminum containers, as they can stay quite hot long after the party has ended.

5. Prepare for Weather! Fall can be an unpredictable time for outdoor fun, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for everything from high temps and sunshine to wind and rain when heading out for tailgating. It’s always a good idea to have a stash of unexpected weather basics in the RV, from extra jackets to sunscreen, and always a full supply of water to keep hydrated.

Our most important rule? Have Fun!

Have you ever tailgated at a college or professional football game, or other sporting event? We want to hear your stories! Sound off in the comments section below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and more!